When did the split between Sunnis and Shiites begin?
The original split between Sunnis and Shiites occurred soon after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, in the year 632. "There was a dispute in the community of Muslims in present-day Saudi Arabia...
Why is there a divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims?
The divide originated with a dispute over who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Islamic faith he introduced. Today, about 85 percent of the approximately 1.6 billion Muslims around the world are Sunni, while 15 percent are Shia, according to an estimate by the Council on Foreign Relations.
What caused the Shia-Sunni split?
The Origins Of The Shiite-Sunni Split : Parallels The division between Islam's Shiite minority and the Sunni majority is deepening across the Middle East. The split occurred soon after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, nearly 1,400 years ago.
What are the roots of the Sunni-Shia divide?
The roots of the Sunni-Shia divide can be traced all the way back to the seventh century, soon after the death of the prophet Muhammad in A.D. 632.
What are the differences between Sunnis and Shias?
But despite their many differences, Sunnis and Shias agree on the centrality of Muhammad and the Qur’an to their faith. Hence, they hold similar views on most of the basics: 1 Islam’s “five pillars,” or essential practices—the creed, ritual prayers, almsgiving, Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca 2 The prophets and scriptures before Muhammad 3 The nature of the believer’s relationship to God [3] [3] 4 That salvation is earned by good deeds and loyalty to the Muslim community 5 The Last Day’s vital importance
Which sects have more in common with Sunnis than Ismailis?
In fact, the two largest Shia sects (Twelvers and Fivers) arguably have more in common theologically with Sunnis than with Ismailis. ...
What are the two major groups of Muslims?
The world’s Muslims fall into two major camps, Sunni and Shia, sometimes likened to Christianity’s Catholics and Protestants. But the similarity is superficial. In terms of the world’s total Muslim population, Sunnis and Shias disagree over what percentage each group owns, with Sunnis accounting for 80-90% of the total and Shias 10-20%.
What are the five pillars of Islam?
Islam’s “five pillars,” or essential practices—the creed, ritual prayers, almsgiving, Ramadan and pilgrimage to Mecca. The prophets and scriptures before Muhammad. The nature of the believer’s relationship to God [3] [3] That salvation is earned by good deeds and loyalty to the Muslim community.
Where is Husayn's shrine?
Husayn’s shrine at Karbala. How the schism unfolded, including which characters are heroes. Which hadith are accepted. Matters of law, on such things as marriage and divorce. The authority of Muhammad’s rightful successors, whether caliphs (Sunni) or imams (Shia) [2]
Who was the son of Ali?
In 670, Ali’s first son Hassan was murdered. Then in 680, in what both sides agree was an act of treachery, the Sunni caliph’s representative beheaded Ali’s remaining son, Husayn, at Karbala, in modern-day Iraq. He killed most of Husayn’s companions and family with him, his infant son Ali included.
Who was Muhammad's cousin?
Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was chosen by the larger community as his fourth successor. But a minority claimed Muhammad had appointed Ali and his family line to succeed him, and that Ali would have led from the first if powerful families hadn’t sidelined him.
When did the Shiite-Sunni split occur?
The split occurred soon after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, nearly 1,400 years ago.
What did the Sunnis believe?
Sunnis believed that leadership should fall to the person who was deemed by the elite of the community to be best able to lead the community. And it was fundamentally that political division that began the Sunni-Shia split.". The Sunnis prevailed and chose a successor to be the first caliph.
What are the Twelver Shiites?
So in many ways the Shiites, much like Jews or Christians, are looking for the coming of the Messiah.". Those who believe in the Hidden Imam are known as Twelver Shiites. They are the majority of the Shiites in the world today. "Twelver Shiism is itself a kind of messianic faith," Georgetown's Brumberg says.
Why was Hussein decapitated?
Hussein was decapitated and his head carried in tribute to the Sunni caliph in Damascus. His body was left on the battlefield at Karbala. Later it was buried there. It is the symbolism of Hussein's death that holds so much spiritual power for Shiites.
Where is the Chehel Sotun Pavillion?
A fresco painting from the Chehel Sotun Pavillion in Isfahan, Iran, depicts Persian warfare during the Safavid dynasty period. A fresco painting from the Chehel Sotun Pavillion in Isfahan, Iran, depicts Persian warfare during the Safavid dynasty period. Editor's Note: Back in 2007, NPR reported on the Shiite-Sunni split ...
How many Muslims are Shiites?
It's not known precisely how many of the world's 1.6 billion Muslims are Shiites. The Shiites are a minority, making up between 10 percent and 15 percent of the Muslim population — certainly fewer than 250 million, all told. The Shiites are concentrated in Iran, southern Iraq and southern Lebanon.
What percent of the population of the Persian Gulf region are Shiites?
One other factor about the Shiites bears mentioning. "Shiites constitute 80 percent of the native population of the oil-rich Persian Gulf region," notes Yitzhak Nakash, author of The Shi'is of Iraq.
Where did Islam spread?
Over time, Islam continued to expand and develop into evermore complex and overlapping societies that spanned from Europe to sub-Saharan Africa, North Africa to Asia. This development demanded more codified forms of religious and political leadership.
What percentage of the world's population is Sunni?
Today, Sunnis comprise about 80-90 percent of the global Muslim population.
How many times do Shias pray?
Shias and Sunnis differ over prayer as well. All Sunni Muslims believe they are required to pray five times a day, but Shias can condense those into three.
What are those who believe in Abu Bakr called?
Subsequently, those Muslims who put their faith in Abu Bakr came to be called Sunni (“those who follow the Sunna,” the sayings, deeds and traditions of the Prophet Muhammad) and those who trusted in Ali came to be known as Shia (a contraction of “Shiat Ali,” meaning “partisans of Ali”).
What day is Hussein's battle?
For the Shia community, Hussein became a martyr. The day of the battle is commemorated every year on the Day of Ashura. Held on the tenth day of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar, scores of pilgrims visit Hussein’s shrine in Karbala and many Shia communities participate in symbolic acts of flagellation and suffering.
What are the issues that continue to exacerbate the divide?
Other disputes that continue to exacerbate the divide include issues of theology, practice and geopolitics.
Do Shias believe in Imams?
On the other hand, Shias relied on Imams as their spiritual leaders, whom they believed to be divinely appointed leaders from among the prophet’s family. Shia Muslims continue to maintain that the prophet’s family are the sole genuine leaders. In the absence of the leadership of direct descendants, Shias appoint representatives to rule in their place (often called ayatollahs). Shias are a minority of the global Muslim population, although they have strong communities in Iraq, Pakistan, Albania, Yemen, Lebanon and Iran. There are also different sects within Shia Islam.
What was the Shia movement?
In early Islamic history, the Shia were a movement - literally "Shiat Ali" or the "Party of Ali". They claimed that Ali was the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad as leader (imam) of the Muslim community following his death in 632.
What are the three branches of Shia Islam?
There are three main branches of Shia Islam today - the Zaidis, Ismailis and Ithna Asharis (Twelvers or Imamis). The Ithna Asharis are the largest group and believe that Muhammad's religious leadership, spiritual authority and divine guidance were passed on to 12 of his descendants, beginning with Ali, Hassan and Hussein.
Who are the Sunnis?
The great majority of the world's more than 1.5 billion Muslims are Sunnis - estimates suggest the figure is somewhere between 85% and 90%. In the Middle East, Sunnis make up 90% or more of the populations of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
What is the largest and oldest divide in Islam?
The divide between Sunnis and Shia is the largest and oldest in the history of Islam.
What is Tehran's policy of supporting Shia militias and parties beyond its borders?
Tehran's policy of supporting Shia militias and parties beyond its borders was matched by Sunni-ruled Gulf states, which strengthened their links to Sunni governments and movements elsewhere. Today, many conflicts in the region have strong sectarian overtones.
What was the impact of the execution of a Shia cleric in 1979?
image caption. The execution by Saudi Arabia of a prominent Shia cleric triggered a diplomatic crisis with Iran. The Iranian revolution of 1979 launched a radical Shia Islamist agenda that was perceived as a challenge to conservative Sunni regimes, particularly in the Gulf.
How many schools of legal thought are there in the Sunni religion?
Sunni life is guided by four schools of legal thought, each of which strives to develop practical applications of the Sunnah.
What are the differences between Sunni and Shia?
The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance.
What is a Shia?
The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical "Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali.". They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet).
Where are Shia Muslims found?
Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq, and large minority communities in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon. It is important to remember that despite all of these differences in opinion and practice, Shia and Sunni Muslims share the main articles of Islamic belief and are considered by most to be brethren in faith.
Where does the word Sunni come from?
The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet."
Do Shia Muslims venerate the Imams?
Therefore, Shia Muslims often venerate the Imams as saints and perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines in the hopes of divine intercession. Sunni Muslims counter that there is no basis in Islam for a hereditary privileged class of spiritual leaders, and certainly no basis for the veneration or intercession of saints.
Who are the companions of the Prophet?
Many of these companions (Abu Bakr, Umar, Aisha, etc.) have narrated traditions about the Prophet's life and spiritual practice. Shia Muslims reject these traditions (hadith) and do not base any of their religious practices on the testimony of these individuals.
Do Shia Muslims believe in Muhammad?
Shia Muslims also feel animosity towards some of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad , based on their positions and actions during the early years of discord about leadership in the community. Many of these companions (Abu Bakr, Umar, Aisha, etc.) have narrated traditions about the Prophet's life and spiritual practice. Shia Muslims reject these traditions (hadith) and do not base any of their religious practices on the testimony of these individuals. This naturally gives rise to some differences in religious practice between the two groups. These differences touch all detailed aspects of religious life: prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, etc.
What is the conflict between Sunnis and Shiites?
The conflict between Sunnis and Shiites is often portrayed as strictly about religion. It's also an economic battle between Iran and Saudi Arabia over who will control the Strait of Hormuz. 2 That's a passage in the Persian Gulf through which 90% of the region's oil passes.
Who was the founder of the Saudi dynasty?
In the 1700s, the founder of the Saudi dynasty, Muhammad ibn Saud, allied with the religious leader, Abd al-Wahhab, to unify all Arabian tribes. 6 After the Shiites took power in Iran in 1979, the Sauds financed Wahhabi-centered mosques and religious schools throughout the Middle East. Wahabism is an ultra-conservative branch ...
What are the two major powers in the Middle East?
The two major powers in the Middle East are Saudi Arabia, an Arab population ruled by a Sunni majority , and Iran , a Persian population ruled by a Shia majority . 1 These two groups have been at odds for centuries. In modern times, the split has fostered battles for power and resources. The conflict between Sunnis and Shiites is often portrayed as ...
How did droughts affect the Syrian conflict?
Droughts helped cause the Syrian conflict. 33 It devastated cropland for 800,000 people and killed 85% of their livestock. They unsuccessfully looked for work in Hamah, Homs, and Daraa. Armed conflict began when President Bashir al Assad used armed forces against them.
How many Americans were taken hostage by the Shah?
Ninety people were taken hostage, including 62 Americans. After a failed military rescue, the United States agreed to release the Shah's assets to free the hostages. The United States severed diplomatic relations with Iran on April 7, 1980. Iran-Iraq War - Iran fought a war with Iraq from 1980 to 1988.
Why did Iran suspend enrichment?
Resultant economic crisis motivated Iran to suspend enrichment in exchange for relief from the sanctions.
What happened in 1979 in Iran?
1979 Iran Hostage Crisis - Following the revolution, the United States allowed the deposed Shah Muhammad Reza Pahlavi into the country for medical treatment. 25 To protest, the Ayatollah let the U.S. Embassy be overrun. Ninety people were taken hostage, including 62 Americans. After a failed military rescue, the United States agreed to release the Shah's assets to free the hostages. The United States severed diplomatic relations with Iran on April 7, 1980.
When did the Shia split from the Sunni?
The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632. This event raised the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation.
Where Do Sunni and Shia Muslims Live?
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia are predominantly Sunni.
Why do Shia Muslims feel animosity towards Muhammad?
This is based on their positions and actions during the early years of discord about leadership in the community.
Why do Shia Muslims venerate the Imams?
Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature and that his authority is infallible because it comes directly from God. Therefore, Shia Muslims often venerate the Imams as saints. They perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines in the hopes of divine intercession.
What is the Shia party?
The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical Shia't-Ali , or "the Party of Ali.". This group is also known as Shiites or followers of Ahl al-Bayt or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet). Within the Sunni and Shia branches, you can also find a number of sects.
Where are Shia Muslims found?
Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq. Large Shiite minority communities are also in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon. It is in areas of the world where Sunni and Shiite populations are in close proximity that conflict can arise. Coexistence in Iraq and Lebanon, for example, is often difficult.
What does the word "sunn" mean in Arabic?
The word Sunn, in Arabic, comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet.". Sunni Muslims agree with many of the Prophet's companions at the time of his death: that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job.
The Aftermath of Muhammad’s Death
Battle of Karbala and Its Lasting Significance
- In 681, Ali’s son Hussein led a group of 72 followers and family members from Mecca to Karbala (present-day Iraq) to confront the corrupt caliph Yazid of the Ummayad dynasty. A massive Sunni army waited for them, and by the end of a 10-day standoff with various smaller struggles, Hussein was killed and decapitated, and hishead brought to Damascus as a tributeto the Sunni caliph. “It …
The Sunni-Shia Divide Into The 21st Century
- In addition to Karbala, the NPR podcast Throughline identified three key milestones that would sharpen Sunni-Shia divisions by the end of the 20th century. First came the rise of the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century, which transformed Iran (through force) from a Sunni center into the Shia stronghold of the Middle East. In the early 20th century,...