The Importance of Shiism in
Iran
By Luke, Mitch and Drew
The Difference between Shia and Sunni
Shia- The Shia believe that Ali should have been the first caliph
and that the caliphate should be passed down through direct
descendants of Mohammad only.The term Shia is short for
Shiat Ali or partisans of Ali.
Sunni- The Sunni believe that Ali was the fourth and last rightly
guided caliph. The word "Sunni" in Arabic means one who
follows the tradition of the prophet.
Sunni and Shia Cont.
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Population is 98% Muslim (89% of which are Shia, 8% Sunni)
Islamic Republic
Sunni are the majority in every Muslim country except Iraq and Iran
Shia emphasize praising the origins of Islam
Differences in prayer
Shia viewed as more militant, but most al Qaeda are Sunni
Reason for Split: Shia vs. Sunni
• Death of the prophet Muhammad (632 AD) no successor named.
• Sunnis believed members of community should elect leader (caliph)
based on personal attributes and comptence.
• Shias believed the leadership should stay in the prophet's family.
• Shias believed that Muhammed had designated his cousin, son in
law and close friend, Ali.
• The disagreement has become an all out religious and political
schism throught the Muslim world.
• The ethnic split between the Arabs (75%) and Kurds (20%) has
contributed to this lasting split.
Bibliography
Amin, Hussein. "The Origins of the Sunni/Shia Split in Islam." Islam For Today. Web. 08 Dec. 2010.
<http://www.islamfortoday.com/shia.htm>.
Hauss, Charles. "Iran." Comparative Politics: Domestic Responses to Global Challenges. Belmont, CA:
Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. 373-74. Print.
"What Is the Difference Between Sunni and Shiite Muslims--and Why Does It Matter?" History News Network. 9
Sept. 2002. Web. 08 Dec. 2010. <http://hnn.us/articles/934.html>.
"What's the Difference Between Shia and Sunni Muslims?" About.com Islam. Web. 08 Dec. 2010.
<http://islam.about.com/cs/divisions/f/shia_sunni.htm>.