en Shias and The division between Shias and Sunnis dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who was to take over the leadership. During his life, Muhammed created a theocracy in the city of Medina (theocracy: a government tuled by religious leaders). Asa result, when he died, the Arabian peninsula was left without a political or religious leader. Sunni Muslims believe that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph (successor) of the Islamic nation. The Caliph acted as the political leader as well as the religious leader for the peoples living in the Arabian Peninsula, The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes froma word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet." On the other hand, Shia Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself. Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali, Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams that they believe have been appointed by God Himself, The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. Although the initial split between Sunnis and Shias began over political leadership, over time, some aspects of spiritual life have been affected and now differ between the two groups of Muslims, Discussion Questions with your group: 1) Whatis the reason for the initial split between the Sunnis and Shiites? 2) How were religion and politics connected during the time of the Prophet Muhammed? Can you think of other periods in history when the religious leader and political leader were the same or connected?Religious Beliefs Shia Muslims believe that the Imam (religious clergyman) is sinless by nature, and that his authority is infallible as it comes directly from God. Therefore, Shia Muslims often venerate the Imams as saints and perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines. Shia Muslims believe that Imams should be treated this way because God chose them, ‘Sunni Muslims believe that leadership of the community is nota birthright, but a trust thatis earned and which may be given or taken away by the people themselves. They believe Imams are chosen on the basis of their knowledge of the Qur'an, good character, and wisdom. Discussion Questions with your group: 1) Look at the attached list. These are the names of the 12 Imams that Shiites believe were the true leaders after the death of the Prophet Muhammed. Looking at how they died, why do you think there is animosity (hostility) between Sunnis and Shiites? 2) What might be the advantages to believing that imams are sinless and infallible, like the Shiites believe? What might be some disadvantages? The 12" imam After the death of Muhammed, Shia Muslims believe that there were 12 Imams that were direct descendants of Muhammed, According to Shiites, after the death of the 11% Imam, the 12 Imam, Muhammed Al-Mahdi, went into hiding. Shia Muslims believe that he will one day return as a Messiah to reestablish peace and justice in the world. Sunni Muslims do not believe in the 12 Imam, nor do they accept the authority of the previous 11. However, they do accept the Shia’s 1* Imam, Ali, as the 4% Caliph. after the death of Muhammed, Discussion Questions: 1) Whatis the 12 Imam?Number ‘Name of Imam Death Assassinated by a poisoned sword 1 Ali ibn Abu Talib 2 Hasan ibn Ali Poisoned by his wife - : 3 Husayn ibn Ali Mattyred and then beheaded. _ 4 { All ion al-Hussein Poisoned by the Caliph. 5 Muhammad ibn Ali Poisoned by the Caliph - 6 Poisoned by the Caliph. oT Musa ibn Jafar Imprisoned and polsoned by the Caliph 8 slip Musa Poisoned by the Caliph. - ~ Muhammad ibn Ail Poisoned by the Caliph, 40 Allibn Muhammad Poisoned by the Caliph, an Hassan ion Al Poisoned by the Caliph. 12 According to Shiites, in hiding and waiting to | Muhammad aHMahdi —retum as a Messiah to bring justice and peace,Shia Muslims commemorate the death of their 3 Imam, Hussein ibn Ali, In 680 CE, Hussein was martyred and beheaded in the city of Karbala, which is located in modern-day Iraq. Every year, Shia Muslims commemorate the death of Hussein with a holiday known as Ashura. It serves as a day of remembrance for Hussein's suffering, and Shia Muslims may refrain from playing music, read poetry and listen to sermons about the event. In addition, the city itselFis considered to be a holy site for Shia Muslims. Many Shias will make a pilgrimage to the city for Ashura during their lifetime, in addition to the pilgrimage to Mecca. Sunni Muslims do not celebrate either Ashura or consider Karbala to be a holy site, although some may fast on that day, because It was believed that the Prophet Muhammed fasted on that day as well. Discussion Questions: 1) What is Ashura, and why do only Shiites celebrate the holiday? 2) Are there certain holidays within Judaism and Christianity that are only celebrated by certain sects (groups) within the faith? Ex: Catholics celebrate Lent, but other Christians do not.MODERN Day Shia vs Sunni Demographics Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the world. Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon, In the past ten years, there has been growing violence between Sunnis and Shiites, In January 2012, Shiites claimed that there had been targeted attacks on them during Ashura, In the country Bahrain, the majority of the population is Shiite, but the government is Sunni, causing the government to be very unpopular with the people. Discussion Questions: 1) Consider the location of majority Shiite populations. Why might those areas be violently contested between Sunnis and Shiites? Why is that land desirable? 2) Why do you think the divide is confusing for non-Muslims to understand?