What are main beliefs of the sunni verses the shiites?
During the war of 1980, what were the Sunnis and Shiites relationship?
Has is changed since the war?
What is their affects on the war currently occuring in Iraq?
Check these sites:
http://hnn.us/articles/934.html
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Iran-Iraq_War
http://glimpseofiraq.blogspot.com/2005/02/sunni-shiite-iraq.html
Thnak you very much. I got what I needed. I didn't get those sources when I looked. Thank you again.
To understand the main beliefs of Sunni and Shia Muslims, let's start with a brief introduction to their historical division. The division between Sunni and Shia Islam originated after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE and the subsequent disagreement regarding his successor. This division led to different theological and political beliefs, resulting in distinct practices and traditions for Sunni and Shia Muslims.
1. Main beliefs of the Sunnis: Sunni Muslims make up the majority (around 85-90%) of the Muslim population worldwide. They believe in following the traditions and practices (Sunnah) of the Prophet Muhammad. Key beliefs of Sunni Islam include the following:
- Following the consensus (ijma) of the Muslim community.
- Recognizing the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali) as Muhammad's rightful successors.
- Emphasizing the Quran as the primary source of religious authority.
2. Main beliefs of the Shiites: Shia Muslims are the minority branch of Islam, comprising roughly 10-15% of the Muslim population. Shia (Shiite) Muslims believe that Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad as the leader of the Muslim community. Key beliefs of Shia Islam include the following:
- Recognizing Ali, along with eleven true successors (Imams), as the legitimate leaders of the Muslim community.
- Considering the Imams as divinely appointed and infallible.
- Placing a strong emphasis on the mourning rituals for the martyred Imam Hussein, the third Imam, during the month of Muharram.
Now, moving on to your question about the Sunnis and Shiites during the Iran-Iraq war (1980-1988). It is important to note that the war was primarily between the countries of Iran and Iraq, and sectarian differences played a secondary role. However, it is known that Iraq, under Saddam Hussein's leadership, had a Sunni-majority population while Iran had a Shia-majority population. The war did not significantly alter the religious beliefs of the different communities; rather, it heightened tensions between the two predominantly Muslim countries.
Since the war, the relationship between Sunnis and Shiites has remained complicated, but it is important to remember that the division is not solely defined by tensions or conflicts. Sunni and Shia communities coexist in many countries around the world and often peacefully engage in religious and social interactions.
Regarding the current war in Iraq, it is essential to note that while sectarian tensions exist, the conflict is multifaceted and involves various political, ethnic, and regional dynamics. The war is influenced by factors beyond the Sunni-Shia divide, including power struggles, geopolitical interests, and regional influences.
In summary, the main beliefs of Sunnis and Shiites differ primarily in matters of leadership and authority. The relationship between the two groups has been influenced by historical events like the Iran-Iraq war, but its impact on the ongoing war in Iraq is complex and extends beyond religious divisions.