Conflict Analysis: Sunni and Shiite
Conflict Analysis: Sunni and Shiite
The conflict between the Sunni and the Shiites dates all the way back to the seventh century. These two groups are both Islamic but were split in two after the prophet Muhammad died. He passed leadership onto his close companion, Abu Bakr. However, many opposed this rule of Bakr. Numerous people believed that Ali ibn Abu Talib should be next in line; he was Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law. Followers of Abu became the Sunnis, and followers of Ali became the Shiites.
The Shiites were very strict about who their leaders were. Only male children who are descendants of Ali can be a ruler. Whereas the Sunnis allowed any practicing Muslim to come into power, the only requirement being the authorities’ approval. Both of these groups believed in the sacred scripture of the Quran. The Shiites believe that their ruler has divine power. However, the Sunnis believe that the divine power of rulers ended with Muhammad. In both groups, men could marry up to four women. In addition, both groups celebrated their holy day on Friday. These small differences have very little to do with the fact of why they are actually fighting.
Both of the branches of Islam had famous rulers. When Muhammad died, Abu Bakr was elected caliph. The three successors to Abu were elected in a similar fashion. The second caliph, Umar I, founded the early doctrines of political administration in the conquered populations. They did not force the Islamic religion upon their conquered peoples, so the hierarchy of the conqueror and the conquered stayed distinct. This incompetence of power led to a long series of civil wars in the Middle East. The next caliph elected was Ali, even though there was much opposition. The Shiites supported this election while the Sunnis did not. After Ali was assassinated, the Sunni leader, Mu’awiya declared himself caliph. Although there were many powerful caliphs, these would probably be the most well-known.
All of this constant
The conflict between the Sunni and the Shiites dates all the way back to the seventh century. These two groups are both Islamic but were split in two after the prophet Muhammad died. He passed leadership onto his close companion, Abu Bakr. However, many opposed this rule of Bakr. Numerous people believed that Ali ibn Abu Talib should be next in line; he was Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law. Followers of Abu became the Sunnis, and followers of Ali became the Shiites.
The Shiites were very strict about who their leaders were. Only male children who are descendants of Ali can be a ruler. Whereas the Sunnis allowed any practicing Muslim to come into power, the only requirement being the authorities’ approval. Both of these groups believed in the sacred scripture of the Quran. The Shiites believe that their ruler has divine power. However, the Sunnis believe that the divine power of rulers ended with Muhammad. In both groups, men could marry up to four women. In addition, both groups celebrated their holy day on Friday. These small differences have very little to do with the fact of why they are actually fighting.
Both of the branches of Islam had famous rulers. When Muhammad died, Abu Bakr was elected caliph. The three successors to Abu were elected in a similar fashion. The second caliph, Umar I, founded the early doctrines of political administration in the conquered populations. They did not force the Islamic religion upon their conquered peoples, so the hierarchy of the conqueror and the conquered stayed distinct. This incompetence of power led to a long series of civil wars in the Middle East. The next caliph elected was Ali, even though there was much opposition. The Shiites supported this election while the Sunnis did not. After Ali was assassinated, the Sunni leader, Mu’awiya declared himself caliph. Although there were many powerful caliphs, these would probably be the most well-known.
All of this constant