History+of+Religion

Sunni and Shi'a

-“Ali is the central figure at the origin of the Shia / Sunni split which occurred in the decades immediately following the death of the Prophet [Muhammad] in 632.” (B)

-After the death of Muhammad in 632, the Islamic community debated who should become the next Caliph. They could not decide whether to keep the leadership of the religion in the immediate family, or appoint some Muslim who’s credentials are worthy of the role.

-the majority of Muslims agreed to appoint Abu Bakr as the proceeding Caliph to Muhammad instead of his cousin and son-in-law Ali, they are known as the Sunnis.

-In 2007, Sunnis made up 90% of the Muslim population (c)

- The Shias make up the remanding 10% (c) Differences Between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims
 * Sunnis ||  Shias  ||
 * The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet." || "Shi'a" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical "Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali." ||
 * Sunni Muslims agree…that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. || -[Shi'a Muslims] belie[ve] that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself. ||
 * -Sunnis regard Ali as the fourth and last of the "rightly guided caliphs" || Shi'a Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams (imam is a worship leader of a mosque) which they believe have been appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God Himself. ||

Relating to The Kite Runner:
 * The Pashtuns were Sunni Muslims (p.9)
 * The Hazaras were Shi'a Muslims (p.9)
 * I was sunni and he was shi'a (p.25)
 * he said the word Shi'a, like it was some kind of disease.(p.10)

Discussion Questions:
 * 1) Why is it that people can't place their religious or tribal differences aside and focus on their similarites,in order to co-operate and figure out a way to work together?
 * 2) In the novel the Kite Runner, when Amir witnessed the tragedy in the alley, he just stood there and walked away. why didn't he do something about it?

Amin, H. (2007, August 16). //The origins of the sunni/shia split in islam//. Retrieved from []

Khan, S. (n.d.). //Sunni-shi'a differences//. Retrieved from [] //Council on foreign relations//. (03 N). Retrieved from []

Peters, R. (2007, February 18). //Fox news//. Retrieved from [] //Religionfacts//. (2007, January 24). Retrieved from [] //Sunni and shi'a//. (2009, August 19). Retrieved from []