What is Islam | A common Spiritual Heritage | Origins of Islam | Beliefs | Practices | Divisions | Issues | Test Your Knowledge
Divisions within Islam
Sunni & Shi'ite:
Although Islam is widespread throughout the world, found in many cultures, all share the above noted beliefs and practices in common. There are just two major divisions within Islam: Sunni (following the Sunnah or traditions of the Prophet) and Shi'ite (those in the "party" of Ali). This division is primarilly one of politics rather than a difference over theology or practice (although Shi'ites and other Muslims do have additional practices unique to varying cultures, the basics are agreed upon). The division began soon after Muhammad died when a debate waged over who was to be the legitiate successor (Caliph) to the Prophet. The majority of Muslims felt it should be one elected from amongst Muhammad's closest followers. But there was a minority who felt Muhammad had indicated that it should be Ali, his cousin and son-in-law. This "party" (shi'i) of Ali rejected the first three elected Caliphs until Ali was elected as the fourth. Ali became the first recognized Imam (spiritual leader) for the Shi'ite Muslims and, from then on, they continued to recognize a series of twelve such Imams until the last one disappeared in the ninth century. Most Shi'ite Musilms await the return of this "Hidden Imam" (called al-Madhi) and some believe he will be the herald of the return of Jesus. (The Baha'i faith, which grew out of Shi'ite Islam in 19th century Persia, believe the Imam returned in the person of the Bab ["gate"]. They base their religion on the teachings of the new "manifestation" of God - Baha'u'llah ["Glory of God"] heralded by his return.)
The majority of Shi'ite Muslims are found in Iran and surrounding countries and consist of no more than 15% of all Muslims. Around 80% of remaining Muslims are Sunni but vary considerably depending on where they are - in Egypt and Turkey they are more liberal, in Saudi Arabia and Afghanistan they are more conservaive. Yet, the countries with the largest population of Muslims are outside the Middle East: in India and Indonesia!
Sufism:
In addition to these two major groups, there are also the Muslim mystics - the Sufis. This is not a third distinct group. Sufis come from both Shi'ite and Sunni backgrounds but express a deeper meaning and feeling in the basic Muslim practices. There are a number of different Sufi lineages but all trace the transmission of the mystical teachings and practices back to Muhammad through Ali. Sufis are known for their meditative chanting on the 99 names of God found in Qur'an. Some Sufi schools do meditative circle dancing. The most popular Sufi mystic outside of Muslim circles is the twelth century Rumi, who wrote mystical poetry expressive of his deeply passionate mystical connection with God. There are other such Sufi writers as well, both poetic and philosophical. In the twentieth century, one Sufi teacher brought the movement to the Western world and now there is a Sufi Movement of the West that is followed by many NON-Muslims. Mysticism tends to be universal and go beyond labels.
|
|
My academic homepage |
|
return to top | previous page | next page | quit