Sunni-Shi'a Split
Many humans contend that if Muslims cannot agree, using the Sunni-Shi'a Split as an example, then how do they expect the rest of the world to agree with Islam? What is your point of view on the matter?
For greater understanding of this split visit:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Historic_back...I-Shi%27a_split
I have read over the link now and am more confused than ever.
Basically what I got from the whole bit was that after Muhammad died and everything became as it was there began fighting within differences of opinions of who to worship as prophet? Which lines to follow? Can anyone help explain without overly using names from the Quran what it is exactly that I just finished reading?
QUOTE (bwren @ 10-Apr 06, 6:45 PM) |
I got from the whole bit was that after Muhammad died and everything became as it was there began fighting within differences of opinions of who to worship as prophet? |
There are many angles to sunni shiite split however leadership seems to be the most prominent difference.
The Shiite have certain criteria for leadership eg infallibility, superiority, divine appointment. This manifests itself in a certain "Imam" or divinely appointed leader. They believe this has been the case throughout history with the appointment of prophets eg Noah, Moses and Jesus and carried on after the Final Prophet Mohammad through his cousin and son in law Ali ibn Abi Talib. The Sunnis deny the existence of such an "Imam" and believe in the right of the people to choose their own leader through a process called "shura" or consultation.
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From what I've studied the Quaran doesn't specify the leader |
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4:59 O ye who believe! Obey Allah , and obey the messenger and those of you who are in authority ; and if ye have a dispute concerning any matter , refer it to Allah and the messenger if ye are ( in truth ) believers in Allah and the Last Day . That is better and more seemly in the end |
Message Edited... Persephone: Please learn how to use the Quote Tags. See our Constructive Posting Policy. |
Shi'a of the era thought that leadership must be such only because the father, brother, uncle, etc was a leader therefoer it should pass to the son or family member.
Sunni said no! The leader is one who has the vision of the people, or who the people ask for, should be leader.
yeniseri you are partially right. Divine leadership according to Shiites is confined to "AhlulBayt" or members of the Prophet Mohammads Family. This was due to the covenant God gave to Abraham to make Imams out of his progeny. However the Divine leadership bestowed on them was due to conditions of sinlessness, purity and not just because of blood.
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2:124 And when his Lord tried Ibrahim with certain words, he fulfilled them. He said: Surely I will make you an Imam of men. Ibrahim said: And of my offspring? My covenant does not include the unjust, said He. |
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Many humans contend that if Muslims cannot agree, using the Sunni-Shi'a Split as an example, then how do they expect the rest of the world to agree with Islam? What is your point of view on the matter? |
Rather off topic, but... I have been critical of portions of Islam in the Past. Still I have always admired aspects of the religion including their respect for the Name of God and the Admiration of Prophets. I do not make Criticisms of Islam because I hate the religion. I only want mutual respect between religions. Such discussions as these go along way in creating an understanding. When it comes to discussions such as these clarity is more important then agreement. |