Week 4 Discussion: Briefly Outline The Events That Lead To T ✓ Solved

Week 4 Discussionbriefly Outline The Events That Lead To The Two Main

Briefly outline the events that led to the two main Islamic groups: Sunni Muslims and Shi’ite Muslims, and discuss their differences both historically and in contemporary times. Additionally, include and discuss your thoughts on whether the Sunni-Shi’ite conflict is ingrained in political Islam, supporting your view.

Sample Paper For Above instruction

The schism between Sunni and Shi’ite Muslims represents one of the most significant divisions within Islam, rooted in early Islamic history and evolving through centuries into complex socio-political identities. Understanding the origins and progression of this divide is essential to grasping contemporary Islamic political dynamics and religious identities.

The origins of the Sunni-Shi’ite split date back to the immediate aftermath of Prophet Muhammad’s death in 632 CE. The central issue was the question of succession—who was to lead the Muslim community? The Sunnis, comprising the majority of Muslims worldwide, believed that the caliphate should be determined through consensus or election, reflecting a more pragmatic approach to leadership. They supported Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad, as the legitimate successor. Conversely, the Shi’ites—derived from "Shi’at Ali," meaning "Party of Ali"—believed that leadership should have remained within Muhammad’s family, specifically appointing Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, as the rightful successor.

This initial political disagreement evolved into a doctrinal and theological division that persists today. Historically, the Shi'ites emphasize the divine right of Ali and his descendants, known as Imams, whom they regard as spiritually infallible and divinely guided. In contrast, Sunni theology emphasizes the consensus of the community (ummah) and the acceptability of various legal schools within Islam. Over the centuries, these differences have manifested in different religious practices, jurisprudence, and interpretations of Islamic doctrine.

In contemporary contexts, these differences continue to influence political alignment and cultural identity across many Muslim-majority countries. For example, Iran is predominantly Shia and has institutionalized political Islam through theocratic governance, whereas Saudi Arabia is predominantly Sunni and follows a different interpretation of Islam that influences its political structure. Conflicts in countries such as Iraq, Syria, and Lebanon often have sectarian components, further fueled by political power struggles, foreign interventions, and regional rivalries.

The question of whether the Sunni-Shi’ite divide is rooted in political Islam is highly pertinent. Political Islam refers to the use of Islamic faith to shape government policies, laws, and societal norms. It has historically been intertwined with political power and identity, often serving as a unifying or dividing force within societies. In the case of Sunni and Shi’ite divisions, the initial political dispute over succession was immediately political but became intertwined with religious authority and legitimacy, consequently fueling sectarian conflicts.

In modern times, many scholars argue that the sectarian conflict is deeply ingrained in political Islam because political motivations often exploit religious narratives to gain legitimacy, mobilize followers, or undermine opponents. For instance, Iran’s revolutionary ideology aligns explicitly with Shia Islam, which supports the idea that political authority should be rooted in religious authority. Similarly, Sunni-majority states often promote a version of Islam that sustains their political authority while addressing sectarian differences as political issues rather than purely religious conflicts.

Others contend that while political factors play a significant role, these divisions are also rooted in historical grievances, cultural differences, and regional rivalries that predate modern political Islam. Therefore, the religious divide is not solely a product of political Islam but is compounded by social, historical, and geopolitical factors.

In conclusion, the Sunni-Shi’ite split originated in a political dispute over leadership succession shortly after Prophet Muhammad’s death, which over time evolved into a comprehensive religious and doctrinal division. In today’s world, this division continues to influence geopolitical alliances and conflicts, often exacerbated by regional rivalries and foreign interventions. It is reasonable to argue that the conflict is indeed ingrained in political Islam, as religious identities are used to justify political authority and mobilize support, making the sectarian divide both a religious and political phenomenon.

References

- Momen, M. (1985). An Introduction to Shi’i Islam: The History and Doctrines of Twelver Shi’ism. Yale University Press.

- Nasr, V. (2006). The Shia Revival: How Conflicts within Islam Will Shape the Future. W. W. Norton & Company.

- Esposito, J. L. (2016). What Everyone Needs to Know About Islam. Oxford University Press.

- Sardar, Z. (2010). Reading the Shia in Islam. Routledge.

- Khomeini, R. (1981). Islam and Revolution: Writings and Declarations. Mizan Press.

- Philip, S. (2018). Sunni and Shia Islam: A Comparison. Oxford University Press.

- Halm, H. (2014). Shi'ism. Edinburgh University Press.

- Abdullahi, M. (2012). Sectarianism and Political Islam in Iraq. Journal of Middle East Politics & Policy.

- Gleave, R. (2013). The Political Economy of Sectarianism. Routledge.

- Lockman, Z. (2016). Contending Visions of the Middle East: The History and Politics of Islamism. Cambridge University Press.