The Death of Muhammad Abu Bakr: “O people, if anyone worships Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. If anyone worships God, God is alive, immortal!”

Sharia After the death of Muhammad, the sharia, Islamic holy law, emerged to give detailed guidance on proper behavior in almost every aspect of daily life Drew its inspiration from the Quran and historical accounts of Muhammad’s life and teachings Through the sharia, Islam became more than a religious doctrine It developed into a way of life complete with social and ethical values derived from Islamic religious doctrine.

Society Family Application of Shari’a Individual

Sources of Shari’a 1. Qur’an 2. Hadiths (the Example of the Prophet)

Historical Example Theocracy Every aspect of life regulated Moral police inspecting homes Unsupportive books banned No freedom of religion; heretics and false believers burned.

Laws and Processes in Muslim Lands Goal: to be guided by God Practice: Qur’an, Hadiths, Islamic Traditions, local customs, geo-political realities, etc… Shari’a is NOT just Taliban and Wahhabi Islam (Saudi Arabia)

Two challenging aspects of Shari’a 1. No division traditionally between “religious” and “secular” matters. 2. The Scope of Shari’a-based laws and processes

Expansion of Islam Muhammad made no provisions for a successor after his death Serious divisions arose Within a short time however, the Islamic community launched a series of military campaigns that extended its influence far beyond the boundaries of Arabia

Caliphs Since Muhammad was “the seal of the prophets,” no one could succeed him as another prophet Abu Bakr, one of Muhammad’s closest friend’s and disciples followed him as caliph (“deputy”) Caliphs would lead the umma as lieutenants or substitutes for Muhammad, rather than as prophets

Who should lead the Muslims? The Two Candidates Muhammad Fatima Ali Cousin Daughter Aisha Daughter Abu Bakr Wife

Shia Shia (“party”) are the most important alternative to the majority Muslim group, the Sunni (“traditionalists”) Shiites favored Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son in law, as caliph instead of Abu Bakr Ali did become the fourth caliph ( ) but was assassinated and his killers imposed their own caliph Shiites vigorously resisted and struggled to return the caliphate to the line of Ali

Shia Shiites strengthened their identity by adopting doctrines and rituals distinct from the Sunnis Observed holy days in honor of their leaders and martyrs Taught that the descendants of Ali were infallible, sinless, and divinely appointed to rule

Differences Between Shia and Sunni Shiites About 15% of all Muslims Islam’s leader should be a descendant of Mohammad Qualified religious leaders have the authority to interpret the sharia (Islamic law) Sunnis About 85% of all Muslims Leaders should be chosen through ijma, or consensus The sharia was codified and closed by the 10th century

Schism over Leadership Sunni Most Qualified Individual Caliph Abu Bakr ~85% today Shi’a Ali Blood Relation Imam Ali ~15% today

The Shi’a Line Muhammad Fatima Ali Cousin Daughter Wife Husayn

Shi’a v. Sunni World

Sufism: Islamic Mysticism An intimate, deep encounter with God: God is “closer to you than your jugular vein.” (Sūra 50:16) Sufism: the Path of Love: “He loves them and they love him.” Sūra 5:59

Sufi Statement of Faith “There is no deity but Love; and Muhammad is his messenger.”

Sufi Sufi is a third Muslim group Encourages a personal, emotional, devotional approach to Islam; has a very mystical and spiritual component Do not insist on fine points of doctrine or formal religious teachings; instead work to deepen spiritual awareness Most lead pious and ascetic lives Very effective as missionaries, brought Islam to India Representation of Sufi theologian al-Ghazali ( )