1. Southwest Asia (Middle East)
Lesson 5:
Division among the Sunni and Shias
Literacy Rate/Standard of Living

2. STANDARD
SS7G8: The student will describe the diverse cultures of the people who live in Southwest Asia (Middle East).
D. Explain the reason for the division between the Sunni and Shia Muslims
E. Evaluate how the literacy rate affects the standard of living

3. Essential Question
What is the reason for the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

4. Sunnis and Shias- Both Muslims
As there are divisions in many religions, so it is within the Islamic Faith
Two major groups are the Sunnis and Shias
About 90% of Muslims are Sunnis

5. So What’s The Difference?
Sunnis follow the Sunnah, or custom of Muhammad
Shias are Muslims who follow Ali, Muhammad’s closest relative

6. How They Disagree
Ali was Muhammad’s cousin and was married to his daughter. After Muhammad died, Muslims split over who would succeed Muhammad as leader of Islam
The Sunnis wanted the community to choose the best leader to succeed Muhammad
The Shia favored Ali, feeling that leadership should stay within the prophets family

7. SUNNI VS SHIA
Blue: Shia
Green: Sunni

8. ON THE BACK OF YOUR NOTES Compare these two groups by
making a T-CHART.
Sunni Shia