Description
Based on the readings and video for this week, discuss the differences between the Sunni and the Shia. Give specific examples of what created the divide.
Instructions: Your initial post should be at least 750 words
READING:
Mandaville, Peter. Global Political Islam.London, U.S.: Routledge, 2007. (Chapter 2 last paragraph of page 28 and top of page 29 to page 40, The Gunpowder empires and Europe's rise).
Daftary, Farhad. History of Shi'i Islam. A. London, U.S.: I.B.Taurus, 2013. (Chapter 2, page 25 to the end of page 27). http://site.ebrary.com/lib/apus/detail.action?docI...
VIDEO:
Council on Foreign Relations. InfoGuide Presentation. "The Sunni-Shia Divide." (accessed 31 March 2016). 8:47 with text.
AUDIO:
National Public Radio. Morning Edition. "The Origins of the Shiite-Sunni Split." (accessed 31 March 2016). 8:37 with text.
Explanation & Answer
Attached.
Running head: DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHIA AND SUNNI
Differences between Shia and Sunni
Name of Student
Name of Institution
1
DIFFERENCES BETWEEN SHIA AND SUNNI
2
Differences between Shia and Sunni
In the Middle East where Shia and Sunni are present, there has been a significant increase
in violence and tension due to numerous differences among the two. However, Sunni and Shia
also have similarities in terms of practice and beliefs. It is what has made these two communities
co-exist peacefully for decades since they are evenly and fairly balanced. Tension arises when
one group holds power and predominates the other resulting in the stigmatization of the minority
group (Abdo, Amos & Aslan, et al., 2019). Ideological differences and geopolitical conflict are
two factors causing disputes among these two groups. The origin of the disputes also came from
disagreement on who would take over the leadership after Prophet Muhammad’s death. The
followers disagreed over authority and succession issues.
The followers of Sunni believed that before Prophet Muhammad’s death, he had not
appointed his successor. Thereafter, Sunni followers chose as their religious leader Abu Bakr
Siddique who was a close friend and father in law of Prophet Muhammad. Also, Sunni strongly
believes in Iman as their official prayer leader, and their followers apply Quran...