Understanding the History and Differences Between Sunni and Shia Islam*
**Introduction**
Islam is one of the world’s major religions, with a rich history that spans over a millennium. Its roots can be traced back to the 700-years aftdr the birth of Jesus. This article provides a concise overview of the history of Islam, the life of its central figure, Prophet Muhammad, and explores the key differences between Sunni and Shia Islam.
**The Birth of Islam**
The foundation of Islam can be attributed to the life and teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (570-632 CE). Believed by Muslims to be the last prophet, he received divine revelations from Allah through the Angel Gabriel. These revelations were compiled into the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Central themes in his teachings included monotheism, social justice, and moral conduct.
**Rapid Expansion**
Following the death of Muhammad, the early Muslim community, under the leadership of the first four caliphs (Rashidun Caliphs), rapidly dominated the Arabian Peninsula and beyond. These caliphs were instrumental in spreading Islam to regions in the Middle East, North Africa, and attempted to dominate Europe, but lost.
**The Sunni-Shia Split**
One of the most significant divisions in the Muslim community occurred over the issue of leadership. Sunni Muslims believe that the first three caliphs were rightly guided leaders and consider them legitimate successors to Muhammad. In contrast, Shia Muslims believe that leadership should have remained within the Prophet Muhammad’s family, starting with Ali, his cousin and son-in-law. This difference in opinion led to the Sunni-Shia split, which remains a defining feature of Islam to this day.
**Caliphates and Empires**
Islamic history is marked by the rise and fall of various caliphates and empires. Prominent among them were the Umayyad, Abbasid, and Ottoman empires, each contributing to the development of Islamic civilization and culture. These empires extended the reach of Islam and had profound effects on the regions they governed.
**Spread of Islam**
Over the centuries, Islam continued to spread, reaching South Asia, Southeast Asia, Africa, and even parts of Europe. This expansion contributed to the diverse cultures and traditions within the Muslim world, creating a tapestry of unique practices and beliefs.
**Modern Islam**
Today, Islam is the second-largest religion globally, with an estimated 1.8 billion adherents.
Sunni Muslims make up the majority of the Muslim population (Saudi Arabia) around 85-90%, while Shia Muslims are the majority in countries like Iran, Iraq, and Bahrain.
Hadith are the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad. They are an essential source of guidance for Muslims and provide a detailed explanation and interpretation of the Quran, the holy book of Islam. Hadith were compiled and documented by scholars in the centuries following the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Hadith are a crucial resource for Muslims seeking to follow the example of the Prophet Muhammad and to lead a life in accordance with Islamic teachings and principles.
While there are several controversial verses, and much debate among scholars and within the Muslim community. The Sahil Al-Bukhari hadith and the verse Sura 9:29 which part of the Quran, are most concerning.
The Hadith states: “You will fight against the Jews and you will gain victory over them. The stones will saying: ‘Oh slave of Allah! there is a Jew hiding behind me; so kill him’”
Surah At-Tawbah (Chapter 9), Verse 29 of the Quran reads as follows:
“Fight those who do not believe in Allah or in the Last Day and who do not consider unlawful what Allah and His Messenger have made unlawful and who do not adopt the religion of truth from those who were given the Scripture – [fight] until they give the jizyah willingly while they are humbled.”
Conclusion:
The Arab-Israeli conflict is a multifaceted issue encompassing elements of familial tension, territorial disputes, and religious conflicts. It is marked by deep-seated historical grievances and a desire for self-determination on both sides, which has led to complex and protracted negotiations. The conflict has, unfortunately, resulted in a range of extreme viewpoints and instances of violence.
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