Islam
Explain the differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Where do the Shia geographically reside generally? Cite two examples of differences in theology and religious practices between Sunni and Shiites. Finally, are there differences in theology within Shiite Islam?
Each religion of the world has different interpretations and different religious denominations that have evolved over time. Islam is no different and the Sunni and Shia denominations of Islam represent the majority of its believers. The Sunni denomination is substantially larger in terms of population however the Shias also have widespread following. The roots of these ideologies can be traced back all the way to the death of Muhammad and the opinions that developed after his death about which way the religion should go. This analysis will introduce differences in the two denominations in terms of their population's geography and their theological differences.
Demographics
Sunnism and Shia beliefs are spread throughout the Islamic world with certain areas having higher proportions of each. For example, Iran has a majority of the population that claims the Shia denomination while Iraq, Turkey, and Afghanistan all have larger percentages of the Sunni denomination. The darker green on the map represents the regions that have a Shia majority...
In the city of Medina, Muhammad united the warring tribes. Following eight years of fighting Mecca tribes the Muslims conquered Mecca. In the year 632, after returning to Medina from a farewell pilgrimage to Mecca, Muhammad became ill and died. At the time of his death, almost all of the Arabian Peninsula had converted to the Islamic faith. He had united the Arabian tribes into a single Muslim religious
From this concept comes an important difference in the religious practice, in that the Shia believe that the religious leader can be venerated as saints, while Sunnis hold that there can be no veneration of saints based on such perceptions. 3. It is probably difficult to live a Muslim life anywhere outside a Muslim state, but the American society is sufficiently inclusive and the American laws sufficiently correct and strong
Islam How did contemporary circumstances contribute to the success of the early Muslims? Medieval in the Close and Middle East is characterized by the collapse of former Hellenistic influence. Islam was the main reason of uniting all Eastern tribes and ethnos in one strong and powerful nation. Muslims spread their influence on many countries of this region and created Islamic world, which was united by new powerful religion which was the main
The Shi'is also believe in martyrdom, Hussayn's intended and benevolent sacrifice being their way to salvation just as Jesus' is for the Christians. The Shi'is believe that God's words were brought to the world only by means of the Prophet and his inheritors, the twelve divinely inspired Imams, starting with Ali. The last one will reveal himself at the end of the world to bring justice in a world
The Sawm is the Fourth Pillar of Islam and it teaches Muslims in regard to fasting (refraining from eating or drinking). The Ramadan is the ninth month in the Islamic lunar year and is believed to be the most important period of the year in Muslim tradition. Muslims are not allowed to eat, drink, or engage in sexual intercourse throughout daylight hours every day during the Ramadan. The person who
Islamic Terrorism: The Radicalization of Religion Abstract This essay�focuses on radical Islamic terrorism, from its roots in the Shia rebellion that led to the Iranian Revolution to the modern day terrorist group Daesh/ISIL/ISIS/IS.� It discusses how 9-11 introduced many Westerners to the idea of radical Islamic terrorism and the self-proclaimed holy warriors who carry out these acts as a form of jihad.� In order to help explain modern terrorism, the paper discusses
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