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Shia – Sunni Divide in Islam

d. Explain the origin of the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims

• After Muhammad died there was a disagreement about who should lead the Muslim community.

• At first it was decided to place power in the hands of men who had been friends of Muhammad’s.

• They ruled one after the other and were known as the “Four Rightly Guided Caliphs”.

• When the last one died, the argument started again.

• Two separate ideas were brought forward.

ISLAM

d. Explain the origin of the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims

• One group (Sunni) thought leadership should go to whoever was most able to keep the community together.

• The other group (Shia) thought leadership should go to a direct descendant of Muhammad.

• They wanted to choose one of Muhammad’s grandsons, the children of his son-in-law, Ali.

• They became known as the Shia-Ali (supporters of Ali) shortened to Shia.

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d. Explain the origin of the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims

• A battle for control soon followed resulting in the death of one of Muhammad’s grandsons.

• Power transferred to the Sunni supporters.

• Division remains today, but little difference in the basic religious beliefs.

• Sunnis are the majority (about 85% of all Muslims)

• Shia are an overall minority but make up a large portion of the populations of countries such as Iran (over 90%), Iraq, and Lebanon.

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d. Explain the origin of the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims

• What issue led to the split between the Sunni and Shia in Islam?

a.The Shia believed only Arabs could be Muslims.

b.Arguments began over what should be included in the Five Pillars.

c. The Shia wanted to change the direction of prayer to Jerusalem rather than Mecca.

d.They disagreed over who should lead the Muslim community after Muhammad’s death.

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d. Explain the origin of the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims

• Why were the first four leaders of the Muslims after Muhammad’s death called the “Four Rightly Guided Caliphs”?

a. They had been friends of Muhammad.

b. They had studied leadership for many years and were well prepared to rule.

c. They had arranged for a split in the community between Sunni and Shia Muslims.

d. These men all ruled together so there could be no questions about their decisions.

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d. Explain the origin of the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims

• Approximately what percentage of the population of Iran is Sunni Muslim?

a.9%

b.33%

c. 64%

d.90%

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d. Explain the origin of the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims

• Which question could be

answered by using the

information from the graph?

a.Which country has the most Shia Muslims?

b.What part of the population of Iran is Hindu?

c. What part of the population of Iraq is Christian?

d.Which country has the highest proportion of its population as Shia Muslim?

ISLAM