The Sunni and Shi'a Division

Overview

Recall questions on Shi'a as allegiance and as tradition, countries with Shi'a majorities, the cause of the division and the Sunni view of succession.

What you need to know

Answer each one before you reveal it.

Questions from this subtopic

Each one with the model answer underneath.

1. 1

   What is the difference between Shi'a as an early political allegiance and Shi'a as a distinct religious identity?

   Model answer

   Shi'at Ali began as a political party supporting Ali's claim to leadership after the Prophet's death, and over the following centuries it developed into a distinct religious tradition with its own understanding of the Imamate, its own law and its own hadith collections.

2. 2

   Name three countries with Shi’a majorities.

   Model answer

   Iran, Iraq and Azerbaijan.

3. 3

   What caused the original division between Sunni and Shi’a Muslims?

   Model answer

   Disagreement over who should lead the community after the Prophet’s death.

4. 4

   How do Sunni Muslims understand the succession?

   Model answer

   The community chose the best qualified man, Abu Bakr, by consultation, and authority then passed to the caliphs.

5. 5

   Who are the rightly guided caliphs?

   Model answer

   Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali.

6. 6

   What happened at Karbala, and why does it shape Shi’a identity?

   Model answer

   Husayn and his companions were killed there resisting an unjust ruler, and his martyrdom became the central symbol of suffering for justice.

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