REASONS WE ARE ‘UNPOPULAR’ 14 INFALLIBLES ‘PILLARS’ REASONS WE ARE ‘UNPOPULAR’ SHIA ISLAM MYTHS GUIDANCE TODAY PILGRIMAGE MOURNING OF IMAM HUSSAIN RETURN OF THE IMAM + JESUS

10 Acts 5 Beliefs Tawhid (divine unity) Prophethood Divine Justice 12 Imams Day of Judgement Prayer Fasting Hajj Zakaat (charity) Khums (tax) Jihad (struggle) Enjoining the good Forbidding the evil Association with good Disassociation with evil

Sunni Muslims Shia Muslims Hold ALL the companions in HIGH esteem – they are all promised Paradise and examples to follow. In particular, there is the utmost respect for the 3 Caliphs (Muslim leaders) that came to power after the Prophet’s death. They are the 3 greatest companions. Hold ALL the wives of the Prophet in HIGH esteem, especially Aisha (who was also the daughter of the first Caliph). Shia Muslims Only companions to be respected are those who remained loyal to Ali. All the companions are not promised Paradise – they did many wrong things. Ali should have been leader. Therefore, the 3 Caliphs wrongfully took leadership. Wives of the Prophet are only respected if deserved (like Khadija). Aisha as she went to war with Ali, therefore is not someone viewed in a positive light.

The 14 Infallibles aka Ahlulbayt (People of the House) Prophet Muhammad The 14 Infallibles aka Ahlulbayt (People of the House) Lady Fatima Imam Ali Imam Hassan Imam Hussain They are chosen by GOD. They have authority over ALL creation. They are infallible – they do not sin nor do they commit errors. They are the ‘perfect’ human beings. Their knowledge is bestowed upon them by God. They are able to perform miracles. They were all killed, apart from the final Imam, who is still alive. Imam Zainul Abideen Imam Baqir Imam Sadiq Imam Kazim Imam Reza Imam Taqi Imam Naqi Imam Askari Imam Mahdi

As well as Hajj, Shias have a huge emphasis on visiting the graves of their holy personalities. Some periods are busier than others, where over 20 million pilgrims attend.

At the start of the Islamic New Year, Shias begin a period of mourning At the start of the Islamic New Year, Shias begin a period of mourning. They commemorate the death of the 3rd Imam – Imam Hussain. He and his family were massacred by the tyrant ruler after Hussain refused to pledge allegiance to him. This is arguably the most important time of the year for Shias. The differing cultures mourn in their own particular way all over the world.

Shias believe that the 12th Imam will return with Jesus Christ Shias believe that the 12th Imam will return with Jesus Christ. Their aim will be to remove all suffering and injustice from the world

During the absence of the 12th Imam, the Shia refer to clerics for religious guidance. The highest ranking clerics are known as ‘Grand Ayatollahs’ – they have studied for decades in order to become experts in religion and there are not many of them in the world. Every Shia is required to follow an Ayatollah, who has rulings on issues such as prayer, fasting etc. Although all Shias, they sometimes differ on minor issues.

Shias believe the Quran is incomplete and have a different Quran. Names given to Shias Raafidah (The Rejectors) The Crying Nation Shias believe Ali should have been Prophet and Gabriel made a mistake. Shias beat and cut themselves because they feel guilty for betraying Hussain. Shias have tails. Lying is a fundamental part of Shia faith. Therefore, you can never trust what they say. Shias allow prostitution. Shias worship the Imams and their graves instead of God.