Sunni vs. ShiaSunni vs. Shia

Deconstructing Islam for the Classroom

Deconstructing Islam for the Classroom

What Do We Know about Sunni and Shia Islam?

What Do We Know about Sunni and Shia Islam?

Images of Sunni and Shia ViolenceImages of Sunni and Shia Violence

Islam-The Big PictureIslam-The Big Picture

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)receives the revelation of the Qu’ran in 610

612 Prophet Muhammad (phuh)begins preaching

The Qu’ran holds 114 chapters or “surahs”. It took 21 years for the Qu’ran to be fully revealed. The Qu’ran’s surahs are not ordered chronologically but according to length- longest to shortest.

The Prophet Muhammad (pbuh)receives the revelation of the Qu’ran in 610

612 Prophet Muhammad (phuh)begins preaching

The Qu’ran holds 114 chapters or “surahs”. It took 21 years for the Qu’ran to be fully revealed. The Qu’ran’s surahs are not ordered chronologically but according to length- longest to shortest.

Five Pillars of IslamFive Pillars of Islam

Shahada- the Declaration of Faith. One becomes a Muslim by saying the following with conviction and belief: “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah.” “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.”

Salat- Prayer. Muslims are to pray five times a day in the direction of the Kaabah in Mecca. Prayers are performed at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night.

Shahada- the Declaration of Faith. One becomes a Muslim by saying the following with conviction and belief: “La ilaha illa Allah, Muhammadur rasoolu Allah.” “There is no god but Allah and Muhammad is his messenger.”

Salat- Prayer. Muslims are to pray five times a day in the direction of the Kaabah in Mecca. Prayers are performed at dawn, noon, mid-afternoon, sunset, and night.

Five Pillars of Islam Five Pillars of Islam Zakat- Alms-giving to benefit the poor and

needy, required every year (normally at the end of Ramadam). 2.5% of wealth, volunteer time can count towards this.

Sawm- Fasting. For the entire month of Ramadan (on the lunar calendar) believers abstain from food, drink and impure thought and deeds during the daylight hours. The month commemorates the first revelation of the Qu’ran and is seen as spiritually purifying. The end of Ramadan is a holiday, Eid al-Fitr Feast of Breaking the Fast.

Zakat- Alms-giving to benefit the poor and needy, required every year (normally at the end of Ramadam). 2.5% of wealth, volunteer time can count towards this.

Sawm- Fasting. For the entire month of Ramadan (on the lunar calendar) believers abstain from food, drink and impure thought and deeds during the daylight hours. The month commemorates the first revelation of the Qu’ran and is seen as spiritually purifying. The end of Ramadan is a holiday, Eid al-Fitr Feast of Breaking the Fast.

Five Pillars of IslamFive Pillars of Islam

Hajj- The Pilgramage to Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. If able every Muslim is expected to make the Hajj at least once in their lifetime, if unable many sponsor someone to go in their place. It is common for a village to pull together their money to pay the way for one individual to go on behalf of all. The end of Dhu al-Hijjah is another holiday, Eid al-Aida, Feast of the Sacrifice.

Hajj- The Pilgramage to Mecca during the month of Dhu al-Hijjah. If able every Muslim is expected to make the Hajj at least once in their lifetime, if unable many sponsor someone to go in their place. It is common for a village to pull together their money to pay the way for one individual to go on behalf of all. The end of Dhu al-Hijjah is another holiday, Eid al-Aida, Feast of the Sacrifice.

Additional ComponentAdditional Component

Jihad- Important concept in both Sunni and Shia Islam, signifies a struggle. Two types, the struggle within (which the Qu’ran deals mainly with), and the struggle (wars of religion) without. Shia consider the inner Jihad an essential element of the faith.

Jihad is often misused in terminology and in its purpose. Terrorist group Al-Qaida is a Sunni organization.

Jihad- Important concept in both Sunni and Shia Islam, signifies a struggle. Two types, the struggle within (which the Qu’ran deals mainly with), and the struggle (wars of religion) without. Shia consider the inner Jihad an essential element of the faith.

Jihad is often misused in terminology and in its purpose. Terrorist group Al-Qaida is a Sunni organization.

DefinitionsDefinitions PBUH- Stands for

“Peace Be Upon Him” and is commonly said or written after using the Prophet Muhammad’s name by Muslims.

Qu’ran- the Holy book of the Islamic faith, the word means “recitation”. Many believers, as well as Muhammad himself, were illiterate and learned all teachings orally.

PBUH- Stands for “Peace Be Upon Him” and is commonly said or written after using the Prophet Muhammad’s name by Muslims.

Qu’ran- the Holy book of the Islamic faith, the word means “recitation”. Many believers, as well as Muhammad himself, were illiterate and learned all teachings orally.

Surah- a chapter within the Qu’ran

Islam- means “surrender”

Muslim- means “one who surrenders”

Ummah- the religious community

Ahl al-Kitab- “People of the Book”, refers to Jews and Christians or ‘people of an earlier revelation’

Surah- a chapter within the Qu’ran

Islam- means “surrender”

Muslim- means “one who surrenders”

Ummah- the religious community

Ahl al-Kitab- “People of the Book”, refers to Jews and Christians or ‘people of an earlier revelation’

The Sunni-Shia Split-It’s All About Family-

The Sunni-Shia Split-It’s All About Family-

KhadijaFirst Wife

Prophet Muhammad

Fatima

Muhammad and Khadija are credited with having several daughters, although the parentage of them is questioned by scholars; they may have been adopted by Muhammadrather than sired by him. Uthman (the 3rd Caliph) was married to one of these daughters, Umm Kulthum bint Muhammad. However, historically these daughters havebeen marginalized, most likely because they did not bear any surviving children or survivetheir father. For the purposes of this presentation, all family relations have been simplified, thus we can state that Fatima was the only surviving daughter of Muhammad.

The Sunni-Shia Split-It’s All About Family-

The Sunni-Shia Split-It’s All About Family-Abu Talib

Muhammad’s Uncle

Khadija (First Wife)

Prophet Muhammad

Abu BakrFriend and Early Convert

Aisha

FatimaAliMuhammad’s Cousin

The Sunni-Shia Split-It’s All About Family-

The Sunni-Shia Split-It’s All About Family-

FatimaAli

1st Imam

Hassan2nd Imam

Hussein3rd Imam

Zaynab Umm Al-Kaltum

Ali Zain Al-Abideen4th Imam

All Other ImamsDescend from this

Line.

Muhammad’s SuccessionMuhammad’s Succession

632- Muhammad dies, leaving no confirmed successor*

Disagreement among clans on who will lead the faith- bloodline (Ali) or the one most capable

The Ummah (the Islamic community) elects Muhammad’s father-in-law (through his wife Aisha) Abu Bakr to lead the faith. He becomes the first Caliph - the leader of the Ummah.

632- Muhammad dies, leaving no confirmed successor*

Disagreement among clans on who will lead the faith- bloodline (Ali) or the one most capable

The Ummah (the Islamic community) elects Muhammad’s father-in-law (through his wife Aisha) Abu Bakr to lead the faith. He becomes the first Caliph - the leader of the Ummah.

The Rashidun (632-661)The Rule of the Four Righted Guided CaliphsThe Rashidun (632-661)The Rule of the Four Righted Guided Caliphs

Name Ruled Died Known For

Abu Bakr1st Caliph

632-634elected

Natural causes, appointed his

successor

Quelled rebellion and united

Arabia

Umar ibn al-Khattab

2nd Caliph

634-644appointed

Stabbed in a Medina mosque by a POW with a personal grudge.

Wars of expansion (power not religion

but religion followed) to the

greater Middle East

Uthman ibn Affan

3rd Caliph

644-656elected

Assassinated by those from the elite of

Medina over the rise of status and power of the Umayyad clan.

Expanded the empire to North Africa and

Central Asia- but with much political cost. Standardized the

Qu’ran.

Ali ibn Abu Talib4th Caliph/1st

Imam

656-661elected

Assassinated by Kharajiites, a group

of dissenters to Ali’s rule

Ruled during the first Fitnah (civil war). His

place in history is denoted more for who

he was rather than what he did.

First FitnahA 5 Year Civil War that lasted through Ali’s Reign

First FitnahA 5 Year Civil War that lasted through Ali’s Reign

Angered over Ali’s reluctance to seek revenge in the death of Uthman, Aisha and her kinsman lead a revolt against Ali in the Battle of the Camel, which was lost by the rebels.

Ali’s rule was not supported in Syria (where Uthman had appointed members of the Umayyad clan in power). Mu’awiya, governor of Syria, also wanted revenge for Uthman’s death. The Battle of Siffin (657) ended in arbitration between the two sides, which seriously hurt Ali politically.

Angered over Ali’s reluctance to seek revenge in the death of Uthman, Aisha and her kinsman lead a revolt against Ali in the Battle of the Camel, which was lost by the rebels.

Ali’s rule was not supported in Syria (where Uthman had appointed members of the Umayyad clan in power). Mu’awiya, governor of Syria, also wanted revenge for Uthman’s death. The Battle of Siffin (657) ended in arbitration between the two sides, which seriously hurt Ali politically.

A Community DividedA Community Divided The Shia (followers of Ali) had been supporting Ali as the rightful

head of the Islamic faith since the death of Muhammad. Now as Ali was being persecuted politically, the idea of being unfairly treated was being ingrained in the Shia psyche.

As Ali was not actively seeking retribution for Uthman’s death, the Ummah was growing more and more discontent with the Caliph, garnering more support for challengers to the Caliphate like Mu’awiya.

The Ummah was also horrified by the infighting between those that had once been a part of Muhammad’s inner circle, the community wanted a strong leader, not only for their protection but for the preservation of the faith.

The true split in Islam came with the death of Ali. The Shia, who supported Ali went one way, and the Sunni, who followed Mu’awiya I (who declared himself Caliph and began the Umayyad dynasty) went the other.

The Shia (followers of Ali) had been supporting Ali as the rightful head of the Islamic faith since the death of Muhammad. Now as Ali was being persecuted politically, the idea of being unfairly treated was being ingrained in the Shia psyche.

As Ali was not actively seeking retribution for Uthman’s death, the Ummah was growing more and more discontent with the Caliph, garnering more support for challengers to the Caliphate like Mu’awiya.

The Ummah was also horrified by the infighting between those that had once been a part of Muhammad’s inner circle, the community wanted a strong leader, not only for their protection but for the preservation of the faith.

The true split in Islam came with the death of Ali. The Shia, who supported Ali went one way, and the Sunni, who followed Mu’awiya I (who declared himself Caliph and began the Umayyad dynasty) went the other.

Second FitnahSecond Fitnah Mu’awiya I had managed to reconsolidate the

Ummah, although in order to keep the community intact long-term, a new style of government closer to a monarchy than of an Arab Chieftain was needed. Mu’awiya arranged for his son Yezid to succeed him.

Outraged at the choice of succession, Hussein (the son of Ali) and his followers demanded their rights to the Caliphate, which culminates in the Battle of Karbala in 680.

Mu’awiya I had managed to reconsolidate the Ummah, although in order to keep the community intact long-term, a new style of government closer to a monarchy than of an Arab Chieftain was needed. Mu’awiya arranged for his son Yezid to succeed him.

Outraged at the choice of succession, Hussein (the son of Ali) and his followers demanded their rights to the Caliphate, which culminates in the Battle of Karbala in 680.

The Battle of Karbala and its outcomes

The Battle of Karbala and its outcomes

Supporters of Hussein ibn Ali against Yazid I, the Umayyad caliph.

Horribly outnumbered: under 100 vs. 4000+

Results- all men were massacred, women and childern in capitivity and made to march to Damascus, including Hussein’s sister Zaynab

The Martyrdom of Hussein is celebrated by Shia, this day is called Ashura.

Supporters of Hussein ibn Ali against Yazid I, the Umayyad caliph.

Horribly outnumbered: under 100 vs. 4000+

Results- all men were massacred, women and childern in capitivity and made to march to Damascus, including Hussein’s sister Zaynab

The Martyrdom of Hussein is celebrated by Shia, this day is called Ashura.

Sunni and Shia TodaySunni and Shia Today

Population statistics (Sunni 90%, Shia 10%)

Cult of Martyrdom- the 12 ImamsConcept of the MahdiAreas of the World where conflict

between the two exist. Iraq and Bahrain

Population statistics (Sunni 90%, Shia 10%)

Cult of Martyrdom- the 12 ImamsConcept of the MahdiAreas of the World where conflict

between the two exist. Iraq and Bahrain

Sunni and Shia TodaySunni and Shia Today

Concealing Faith for Self ProtectionTemporary MarriagesFrequency of Prayer

Concealing Faith for Self ProtectionTemporary MarriagesFrequency of Prayer

HolidaysHolidays

Sunni: Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr Shia: Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Ashura Ashura- a day of mourning. Men would

beat their chests, and cut their bodies with knives. As most religious elite ban the cutting practice it still happens, they encourage the Shia to donate blood instead to commemorate the blood spilled at the battle of Karbala.

Sunni: Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr Shia: Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Ashura Ashura- a day of mourning. Men would

beat their chests, and cut their bodies with knives. As most religious elite ban the cutting practice it still happens, they encourage the Shia to donate blood instead to commemorate the blood spilled at the battle of Karbala.

Holy PlacesHoly Places

Sunni: Mecca, Medina, JerusalemShia: Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem,

Najaf (Site of Ali’s Tomb), Karbala

Sunni: Mecca, Medina, JerusalemShia: Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem,

Najaf (Site of Ali’s Tomb), Karbala

Recap SunniRecap Sunni

The Sunni branch believes that the first four caliphs--Mohammed's successors--rightfully took his place as the leaders of Muslims. They recognize the heirs of the four caliphs as legitimate religious leaders. These heirs ruled continuously in the Arab world until the break-up of the Ottoman Empire following the end of the First World War.

The Sunni branch believes that the first four caliphs--Mohammed's successors--rightfully took his place as the leaders of Muslims. They recognize the heirs of the four caliphs as legitimate religious leaders. These heirs ruled continuously in the Arab world until the break-up of the Ottoman Empire following the end of the First World War.

Recap ShiaRecap Shia

Shiites, in contrast, believe that only the heirs of the fourth caliph, Ali, are the legitimate successors of Mohammed. In 931 the Twelfth Imam disappeared. This was a seminal event in the history of Shiite Muslims.

Shiites, in contrast, believe that only the heirs of the fourth caliph, Ali, are the legitimate successors of Mohammed. In 931 the Twelfth Imam disappeared. This was a seminal event in the history of Shiite Muslims.

Recap ShiaRecap Shia

According to R. Scott Appleby, a professor of history at the University of Notre Dame,"Shiite Muslims, who are concentrated in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, [believe they] had suffered the loss of divinely guided political leadership" at the time of the Imam's disappearance.

According to R. Scott Appleby, a professor of history at the University of Notre Dame,"Shiite Muslims, who are concentrated in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, [believe they] had suffered the loss of divinely guided political leadership" at the time of the Imam's disappearance.

Recap Shia Recap Shia

Not until the ascendancy of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1978" did they believe that they had once again begun to live under the authority of a legitimate religious figure.

Not until the ascendancy of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1978" did they believe that they had once again begun to live under the authority of a legitimate religious figure.

Loss of a LeaderLoss of a Leader

for Sunni Muslims, approximately 90 percent of the Muslim world, the loss of the caliphate after World War I was devastating in light of the hitherto continuous historic presence of the caliph, the guardian of Islamic law and the Islamic state.

for Sunni Muslims, approximately 90 percent of the Muslim world, the loss of the caliphate after World War I was devastating in light of the hitherto continuous historic presence of the caliph, the guardian of Islamic law and the Islamic state.

Osama Bin LadenOsama Bin Laden

Osama bin Laden is a Sunni Muslim. To him the end of the reign of the caliphs in the 1920s was catastrophic, as he made clear in a videotape made after 9-11. On the tape, broadcast by Al-Jazeera on October 7, 2001, he proclaimed

Osama bin Laden is a Sunni Muslim. To him the end of the reign of the caliphs in the 1920s was catastrophic, as he made clear in a videotape made after 9-11. On the tape, broadcast by Al-Jazeera on October 7, 2001, he proclaimed

TalibanTaliban

Radical Muslim group Based in Afghanistan

Radical Muslim group Based in Afghanistan

Osama Bin Laden QuoteOsama Bin Laden Quote

:"What America is tasting now is only a copy of what we have tasted. ... Our Islamic nation has been tasting the same for more [than] eighty years, of humiliation and disgrace, its sons killed and their blood spilled, its sanctities desecrated."

:"What America is tasting now is only a copy of what we have tasted. ... Our Islamic nation has been tasting the same for more [than] eighty years, of humiliation and disgrace, its sons killed and their blood spilled, its sanctities desecrated."

9/119/11

The Taliban came into conflict with the United States. Investigation on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. Led to terrorist leaser Osama Bin Laden.

The Taliban came into conflict with the United States. Investigation on the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York City and Washington D.C. Led to terrorist leaser Osama Bin Laden.

9/11 9/11

Osama bin Laden led a terrorist network called Al Qaeda network which was based in Afghanistan.

U.S and British forces attacked Taliban and Al Qaeda targets and toppled Afghanistan’s Taliban government.

Osama bin Laden led a terrorist network called Al Qaeda network which was based in Afghanistan.

U.S and British forces attacked Taliban and Al Qaeda targets and toppled Afghanistan’s Taliban government.

Pakistan Pakistan

Believed to work with terrorist groups and to have been hiding bin Laden.

Bin Laden was recently found and killed by a U.S. special operations group.

Believed to work with terrorist groups and to have been hiding bin Laden.

Bin Laden was recently found and killed by a U.S. special operations group.

Thank you for Coming!Thank you for Coming!

All of the Powerpoint presentation and handouts for this presentation can be found on our website:

www.mec.utah.edu/outreach

All of the Powerpoint presentation and handouts for this presentation can be found on our website:

www.mec.utah.edu/outreach