Sunni-Shia Division
Reason for the Division Between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims
GPS and E.Q. GPS: SS7G8d. Explain the reason for the division between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims. E.Q.: How are Sunni and Shi’a Muslims different?
Why Islam has 2 Major Sects The principal issue centers on the question of leadership after Muhammad ascended into heaven.
Sunni Islam – Elected Leader The Prophet Muhammad died without choosing a successor to lead the Muslim community. The “Four Rightly Guided Caliphs” led Islam, one after the other. They were friends with Muhammad. The first caliph to be elected was Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s close friend, advisor, and father-in-law. When he died, a 2nd caliph was elected; when he died, a 3rd caliph was elected. Sunnis elect a qualified person to be their caliph (leader).
Shi’a Islam The 4th caliph to be elected was Muhammad’s cousin (blood relative), Ali ibn Abi Talib,. Shi'a believe Ali was the first true caliph after Muhammad, because he was related to him. The Shi’a believe that Imams (leaders) should come from Muhammad’s family.
5 Pillars of Islam Sunnis *85-90% of Muslims are Sunni. Shi’ites *Rulers must be Muhammad’s descendants. *10-15% of Muslims are Shi’ites. *There are different Shi’a sects. *They believe the soul can migrate from 1 body to another. *The number 7 is sacred. *Some Shi’ites recognize 12 imams (successors); some recognize 7. *Some believe in a hidden imam. Some believe in a hidden imam related to Muhammad who didn’t die and will reappear. Sunnis *85-90% of Muslims are Sunni. *They believe the community can elect the next leader. *The leader can be any devout Muslim with proper qualifications. *They say there is not a current successor. *They accept the first 3 caliphs as Muhammad’s true Successors. 5 Pillars of Islam
Middle of Previous Venn Diagram All Muslims should believe in the following things: 1. Allah is the creator of all things. Allah is all-powerful and knowledgeable 2. His angels record the good and bad deeds of every Muslim. 3. The prophet Mohammed is the messenger of God. 4. The Qur'an (the holy word of God revealed through Mohammed) and the Old and New Testaments. 5. The Day of Judgment. This is when it is decided if you will go to Heaven or Hell. 6. Predestination (the fate and future of each person that is decided by the Will of Allah) All Muslims should practice the five Pillars of Islam. (religious duties) Witness - stating your belief in God. Worship/Prayer - Praying to God five times a day facing Mecca. Charity - giving 2.5% of your wealth to the poor each year. Fasting - not eating, drinking, or smoking from dawn until dusk for the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. (Ramadan) Pilgrimage - Every person should visit the temple in Mecca (Saudi Arabia) at least once in their lifetime.