sunn vs. shiite pp

8/11/2019 Sunn vs. Shiite PP

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TheTheTheTheTheTheTheThe SunniSunniSunniSunniSunniSunniSunniSunni--------

ShiShiShiShiShiShiShiShiiiiiiiii SplitSplitSplitSplitSplitSplitSplitSplit

How It Started andHow It Started andHow It Started andHow It Started andHow It Started andHow It Started andHow It Started andHow It Started and

ContinuedContinuedContinuedContinuedContinuedContinuedContinuedContinuedbyby

Khalid BlankinshipKhalid Blankinship

20102010


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AbuAbu BakrBakrss Succession at the DeathSuccession at the Death

of the Prophet, 632 CEof the Prophet, 632 CE

WhenWhen the charismatic founder of a new religionthe charismatic founder of a new religion

dies, that religion usually suffers a severe crisis ofdies, that religion usually suffers a severe crisis ofauthority, because the founderauthority, because the founders inspiration ors inspiration ordirect tie with God is lost.direct tie with God is lost.

Most small new religions collapse as a result, orMost small new religions collapse as a result, orcontinue in a weakened form, only to vanish later.continue in a weakened form, only to vanish later.

The Muslims overcame this in the short term byThe Muslims overcame this in the short term byelecting the Prophetelecting the Prophets Companion Abus Companion Abu BakrBakr toto

provide political and judicial leadership, evenprovide political and judicial leadership, eventhough he had no direct divine inspiration and wasthough he had no direct divine inspiration and wasnot receiving revelations.not receiving revelations.


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AbuAbu

BakrBakr

ss

Election ContestedElection Contested

But AbuBut Abu BakrBakrss election was sharplyelection was sharply contested.contested.

AbuAbu BakrBakr was one of thewas one of the QurashiQurashi migrantsmigrants fromfrom

Makkah toMakkah to alal--MadinahMadinah, called the, called the MuhajirunMuhajirun, while, whilethe native majoritythe native majority in alin al--Madinah wereMadinah were called thecalled the

AnsarAnsar..

Most of theMost of theAnsarAnsar wanted to elect their ownwanted to elect their owntribesman,tribesman, SaSadd b.b. UbadahUbadah, as ruler (, as ruler (amiramir). But a). But a

split among thesplit among theAnsarAnsar led to the election of Abuled to the election of Abu

BakrBakr as the candidate most likely to maintain theas the candidate most likely to maintain thepeace.peace.

This result did not satisfy some, andThis result did not satisfy some, and SaSadd refusedrefused

to pay allegiance to Abuto pay allegiance to Abu BakrBakr..


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The Origins of the Party ofThe Origins of the Party of AliAli

Meanwhile, the ProphetMeanwhile, the Prophets first cousins first cousin AliAli, the husband of the, the husband of thehis only surviving daughterhis only surviving daughter FatimahFatimah, also refused to pay, also refused to payallegiance.allegiance.

This split arose when AbuThis split arose when Abu BakrBakr preventedprevented FatimahFatimah fromfrominheriting the small oasis ofinheriting the small oasis of FadakFadakfrom her father, consideringfrom her father, consideringall the Prophetall the Prophets estate to be state property.s estate to be state property.

AsAs

AliAli

was also close to thewas also close to the

Ansar,Ansar,

a movement eventuallya movement eventually

gained ground upholdinggained ground upholding AliAliss right to succeed the Prophet asright to succeed the Prophet asleader or imam of theleader or imam of the communitycommunity

This group took a number of years to develop, especially afterThis group took a number of years to develop, especially afterAli was again passed over for the leadership whenAli was again passed over for the leadership when

UthmanUthmanwas elected 3was elected 3rdrd caliph in 644.caliph in 644.

ThisThis group becamegroup became known as theknown as the ShiShiatat AliAli ((AliAliss party), or justparty), or justthethe ShiShiahah for short.for short.


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The Title of ImamThe Title of Imam

The titleThe titleimamimamis used by both Sunnis andis used by both Sunnis and ShiShiisis..

Its original meaning isIts original meaning isexemplar;exemplar;thus, even a bookthus, even a book

can be considered an imam, as in the Qurcan be considered an imam, as in the Quran.an. Likewise, in ordinary terms, the leader of others inLikewise, in ordinary terms, the leader of others in

worship, even if only over one other person, is anworship, even if only over one other person, is animam.imam.

However, the term also came to mean the overallHowever, the term also came to mean the overallleader of the Muslim community for both Sunnis andleader of the Muslim community for both Sunnis andShiShiisis..

Eventually in this sense,Eventually in this sense, it became more associatedit became more associatedwith thewith the ShiShiisis, who used the title to mean a, who used the title to mean acharismatic successor designated by God to lead thecharismatic successor designated by God to lead thecommunity and in some sense divinely guided.community and in some sense divinely guided.


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Who WereWho Were AliAlis Supporters?s Supporters?

AliAliss supporters included a fewsupporters included a few QurashisQurashis, mostly, mostly

his own close relatives, some clients of thehis own close relatives, some clients of the

QurayshQuraysh, and many of the, and many of theAnsarAnsar of alof al--MadinahMadinah.. TheThe ShiShiahah ofof AliAli eventually gained strongeventually gained strong

ideological support from both theideological support from both theYemeni ArabsYemeni Arabs

and the nonand the non--Arabs of the downtrodden new IraqiArabs of the downtrodden new Iraqimetropolis of almetropolis of al--KufahKufah, which had little political, which had little political

influence under theinfluence under the UmayyadsUmayyads..

As nonAs non--Arab Muslims, to beArab Muslims, to be recognized asrecognized asMuslims,Muslims, had to become clients of Arab tribeshad to become clients of Arab tribes

under theunder the UmayyadsUmayyads, a, a proportionproportion of these nonof these non--

Arab Muslims orArab Muslims or mawalimawali becamebecame ShiShiiiss..


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Outbreak of the First Civil WarOutbreak of the First Civil WarUthmanUthmanss favoritism to his relatives and certainfavoritism to his relatives and certain

other uses of his authority as caliph appeared toother uses of his authority as caliph appeared tomany to violate basic Islamic principles of justicemany to violate basic Islamic principles of justice

and fairness as well as Araband fairness as well as Arab custom.custom. The state was very divided by Arab tribal rivalriesThe state was very divided by Arab tribal rivalries

carried over from precarried over from pre--Muslim times.Muslim times.

Also,Also, UthmanUthmans popularity declined because thes popularity declined because the

easier early conquests ended.easier early conquests ended.

These factorsThese factors ledled to the first major civil strifeto the first major civil strife

((fitnahfitnah) or First Civil War in the Muslim) or First Civil War in the Muslimcommunity.community.

The trouble first broke out in alThe trouble first broke out in al--KufahKufah in Iraq inin Iraq in655, but soon spread to al655, but soon spread to al--BasrahBasrah, Egypt, and al, Egypt, and al--MadinahMadinah itself.itself.


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Overthrow ofOverthrow of UthmanUthman inin 656 and First656 and First

FitnahFitnahor Civil War 656or Civil War 656--661661UthmanUthman waswas killedkilled during a revolution byduring a revolution by Iraqi,Iraqi,

Egyptian, and localEgyptian, and local Madinan opponents,Madinan opponents, thethe

latter from thelatter from theAnsar.Ansar. His killing led to a civil war in which four partiesHis killing led to a civil war in which four parties

emerged to vie for power:emerged to vie for power:

TheThe Alids, led from alAlids, led from al--Madinah and then alMadinah and then al--Kufah byKufah byAli ibn Abi TalibAli ibn Abi Talib

The Umayyads, led from Syria byThe Umayyads, led from Syria by UthmanUthmans relatives relative

MuMuawiya ibn Abi Sufyanawiya ibn Abi Sufyan

The Zubayrids, led from alThe Zubayrids, led from al--Basrah by the old QurashiBasrah by the old Qurashicompanions Talhah, alcompanions Talhah, al--Zubayr, andZubayr, and AAishahishah

The Kharijites, who consisted of dissatisfied tribalThe Kharijites, who consisted of dissatisfied tribal

groups from Eastern Arabia and Iraqgroups from Eastern Arabia and Iraq


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Ali Fights Each of the Other FactionsAli Fights Each of the Other Factions Claiming paramount rule as caliph,Claiming paramount rule as caliph, Ali wasAli was

compelled to fight the other three parties.compelled to fight the other three parties.

Ali defeated the Zubayrids at the Battle of theAli defeated the Zubayrids at the Battle of the

Camel near alCamel near al--Basrah in 656, in which theBasrah in 656, in which the

leading Qurashi Companions Talhah and alleading Qurashi Companions Talhah and al--

Zubayr were killed, while Abu BakrZubayr were killed, while Abu Bakrs daughters daughterAAishah, whose camel was the center of theishah, whose camel was the center of thebattle, was captured and sent back to Makkah.battle, was captured and sent back to Makkah.

Ali fought the Umayyads under MuAli fought the Umayyads under Muawiyah ibnawiyah ibn

Abi Sufyan to a draw at Siffin on the EuphratesAbi Sufyan to a draw at Siffin on the Euphratesin 657.in 657.

Ali slew the Kharijites at alAli slew the Kharijites at al--Nahrawan in Iraq inNahrawan in Iraq in

658.658.


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ShiShii Resistance afteri Resistance after AliAliss

Unsuccessful ReignUnsuccessful Reign However, his brief reign of 656However, his brief reign of 656--661 was contested661 was contested

in a civil war which led to the death ofin a civil war which led to the death of Ali and theAli and the

establishment of the Umayyad dynasty.establishment of the Umayyad dynasty.AliAlis son als son al--Hasan resigned the succession in 661,Hasan resigned the succession in 661,

and no subsequent Imams of early Shiand no subsequent Imams of early Shiismism everever

became rulers.became rulers. Nevertheless,Nevertheless, AliAlis faithful supporters continued tos faithful supporters continued to

venerate his memory and despise the Umayyadvenerate his memory and despise the Umayyadrulers as illegitimate.rulers as illegitimate.

The Umayyads helped to keep themselvesThe Umayyads helped to keep themselvesdisfavored by engaging in autocratic politics,disfavored by engaging in autocratic politics,suppressing Shisuppressing Shiis, and cursingis, and cursing Ali on the pulpitAli on the pulpit

every Friday, except underevery Friday, except under Umar II (717Umar II (717--720).720).


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he Second Civil War and thehe Second Civil War and the

Continuation of the Umayyad DynastyContinuation of the Umayyad Dynasty The revolt of Ibn alThe revolt of Ibn al--Zubayr at Makkah startedZubayr at Makkah started

another series of civil wars called the Secondanother series of civil wars called the Second

FitnahFitnah(683(683--692).692). During this time, the same parties who hadDuring this time, the same parties who had

fought in the Firstfought in the First FitnahFitnahfought a rematch:fought a rematch:

The Umayyads led by a new branch of the UmayyadThe Umayyads led by a new branch of the Umayyadfamily, the Marwanidsfamily, the Marwanids

The Zubayrids, led by alThe Zubayrids, led by al--ZubayrZubayrs sons son

TheThe Alids, led by alAlids, led by al--Mukhtar (685Mukhtar (685--687)687)

The Kharijites, who rebelled in Eastern Arabia andThe Kharijites, who rebelled in Eastern Arabia andSouthern IraqSouthern Iraq

The Marwanid Umayyads won and ruledThe Marwanid Umayyads won and ruled

autocratically from Syria from 684 to 750.autocratically from Syria from 684 to 750.


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Beginnings of the Flowering of QuietistBeginnings of the Flowering of Quietist

Muslim GroupsMuslim Groups Some Muslims had stayed away from theSome Muslims had stayed away from the

partisanship and fighting of the Firstpartisanship and fighting of the First FitnahFitnahandandlikewise remained aloof from the Second too.likewise remained aloof from the Second too.

These were joined after the second one by anThese were joined after the second one by anemergent consensus of defeated partisans as well.emergent consensus of defeated partisans as well.

All more or less opposed Umayyad rule but resistedAll more or less opposed Umayyad rule but resistedonly passively, having little political power in theonly passively, having little political power in thenow defeated and isolated backwater of thenow defeated and isolated backwater of theProphetProphets city als city al--Madinah where many of themMadinah where many of them

resided.resided. These people turned instead to the cultivation ofThese people turned instead to the cultivation of

the Muslim religion and tradition, and becamethe Muslim religion and tradition, and becamethereby the progenitors of the class of Sunnithereby the progenitors of the class of Sunnireligious scholars (religious scholars (ulamaulama).).


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Development ofDevelopment of SunnismSunnismBy the tenth century, Sunni Islam hadBy the tenth century, Sunni Islam had

developed a stable legal and theologicaldeveloped a stable legal and theologicalsystem based on the accurate transmissionsystem based on the accurate transmissionof tradition as well as a diffuse,of tradition as well as a diffuse,

decentralized religious authority based ondecentralized religious authority based onscholarship about that tradition.scholarship about that tradition.

Sunnis by that time followed politicalSunnis by that time followed political

quietism, leaving the rulers to rule butquietism, leaving the rulers to rule butgenerally avoiding contactgenerally avoiding contact with themwith them


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GhadirGhadir KhummKhumm ShiShiisis say God in Qursay God in Quran 5:67 directed the Prophet shortlyan 5:67 directed the Prophet shortly

before his death in 632 to designatebefore his death in 632 to designate AliAli as his successor atas his successor ata spot betweena spot between MakkahMakkah and aland al--MadinahMadinah calledcalled GhadirGhadir

KhummKhumm.. TakingTaking AliAli by the hand, he addressed the Muslims saying:by the hand, he addressed the Muslims saying:

O people, hear my words, and let him who is presentO people, hear my words, and let him who is presentinform him who is absent. Anyone of whom I am theinform him who is absent. Anyone of whom I am the

mastermaster ((mawlamawla),), AliAli too is his master. O God, be a friendtoo is his master. O God, be a friendto those who befriend him and an enemy to those whoto those who befriend him and an enemy to those whoshow hostility to him, support those who support him andshow hostility to him, support those who support him andabandon those who desert him.abandon those who desert him.

This event and the tradition regarding it have been theThis event and the tradition regarding it have been thesubject of a vastsubject of a vast ShiShiii literature.literature.

This event is referred to in a reliable hadith in SunniThis event is referred to in a reliable hadith in Sunnicollections, but without the interpretation of itcollections, but without the interpretation of it

necessitating succession and imamship given by the Shinecessitating succession and imamship given by the Shiis.is.


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ShiShiii Doctrine of the ImamateDoctrine of the Imamate

On the basis of this and other traditionsOn the basis of this and other traditions

wherein the Prophet is said to have directlywherein the Prophet is said to have directly

or indirectly designatedor indirectly designated AliAli as his successor,as his successor,ShiShiii traditioniststraditionists and theologiansand theologians

constructed an elaborate legal andconstructed an elaborate legal and

theological system of legitimate authoritytheological system of legitimate authoritybased on the doctrine ofbased on the doctrine of imamahimamah oror

imamate.imamate.

This meant the divine designation of theThis meant the divine designation of the

Imams as a succession of particular menImams as a succession of particular men

fromfrom AliAli and his descendants.and his descendants.


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History of theHistory of the ShiShiii ImamsImams

Among the Imams, onlyAmong the Imams, only AliAli ever served aever served a

widelywidely--acknowledged politicalacknowledged political ruler.ruler.

AfterAfter Ali, different lineages of hisAli, different lineages of hisdescendants and sometimes other relativesdescendants and sometimes other relatives

were considered.were considered.

Eventually, most ShiEventually, most Shiis came to revere ais came to revere a

lineage oflineage of Ali and eleven of hisAli and eleven of his

descendants.descendants.This formed the basis for the Twelver ShiThis formed the basis for the Twelver Shiii

group.group.


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Martyrdom of the ImamsMartyrdom of the Imams

AliAliss assassination by aassassination by a KharijiKhariji in 661 established ain 661 established a

pattern of martyrdom of the Imams.pattern of martyrdom of the Imams.

AliAliss younger son alyounger son al--HusaynHusayn was tragically slainwas tragically slainwith many members of his family atwith many members of his family at KarbalaKarbalainin

Iraq inIraq in 680 by the Umayyads.680 by the Umayyads.

This event is commemorated with fervor andThis event is commemorated with fervor andpathos annually in thepathos annually in the ShiShiii celebration ofcelebration of AshuraAshura..

LikewiseLikewise ZaydZayd, al, al--HusaynHusaynss grandson, was killedgrandson, was killed

leading a revolt in alleading a revolt in al--KufahKufah in 740.in 740.A doctrine that all of the Imams were murdered,A doctrine that all of the Imams were murdered,

often by poison, became standard.often by poison, became standard.


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Ali at alAli at al--NajafNajaf


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alal--Husayn at KarbalaHusayn at Karbala


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Major Sects ofMajor Sects of ShiShiismism

Today, four major sects ofToday, four major sects of ShiShiismism survive.survive.

Two of these share with Sunnis a lawTwo of these share with Sunnis a law--basedbased

emphasis, thus upholding theemphasis, thus upholding the ShariShariahah ororMuslim law:Muslim law: TheThe ZaydisZaydis are concentrated in northernare concentrated in northern

Yemen. They arose from the followers of theYemen. They arose from the followers of theZaydZayd killed in 740.killed in 740.

The main group, theThe main group, the ImamisImamis oror JaJafarisfaris oror

TwelversTwelvers, are a majority in Iran, Azerbaijan,, are a majority in Iran, Azerbaijan,Bahrain, and Iraq, and a plurality in Lebanon,Bahrain, and Iraq, and a plurality in Lebanon,as well as being numerous in eastern Arabiaas well as being numerous in eastern Arabiaand South Asia. They have been theand South Asia. They have been the offiiciallyoffiicially

recognized school in Iran since 1500.recognized school in Iran since 1500.


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NonNon--ShariShariahah SectsSects

Two other sects do not emphasize theTwo other sects do not emphasize the

practice of the law and exalt their Imams topractice of the law and exalt their Imams to

divine status:divine status: TheThe IsmaIsmailisilis are mostly found in South Asia,are mostly found in South Asia,

especially India, and places with an Indianespecially India, and places with an Indian

diasporadiaspora. They developed from. They developed from IsmaIsmailil, whom, whomthey consider the Seventh Imam. They alsothey consider the Seventh Imam. They also

have living Imams to this day.have living Imams to this day.

TheThe AlawisAlawis oror NusayrisNusayris are found in Syria andare found in Syria andTurkey. They deifyTurkey. They deify AliAli..


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Sunnis (Green) vs.Sunnis (Green) vs. ShiShiisis (Blue)(Blue)


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ShiShiii PopulationsPopulations

The main sectarian division in Islam is that ofThe main sectarian division in Islam is that ofthe Sunnis (about 88%) and the Shithe Sunnis (about 88%) and the Shiiis (abouts (about12%).12%).

TodayToday, the, the ShiShiii majority countries are Iranmajority countries are Iran(90%), Azerbaijan (90%), Bahrain (70%), and(90%), Azerbaijan (90%), Bahrain (70%), andIraq (Iraq (60%).60%).

Lebanon has a plurality ofLebanon has a plurality of ShiShiisis (45%), not a(45%), not amajority.majority.

ImportantImportant ShiShiii minorities exist in Turkey, Syria,minorities exist in Turkey, Syria,Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan,Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Afghanistan, Pakistan,

India, andIndia, and Bangladesh.Bangladesh.Yemen has about 40%Yemen has about 40% ZaydiZaydi ShiShiisis, who are, who are

closer to thecloser to the Sunnis.Sunnis.

Other Muslim states are exclusively or almostOther Muslim states are exclusively or almost

exclusivelyexclusively Sunni.Sunni.


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ZaydiZaydi ShiShiismism

ZaydZaydss followers established a legal school bearingfollowers established a legal school bearinghis name and based on his theological and legalhis name and based on his theological and legalideas.ideas.

In contrast to all otherIn contrast to all other ShiShiii schools, theschools, the ZaydisZaydisaccept the legitimacy of the caliphates of Abuaccept the legitimacy of the caliphates of Abu BakrBakrandandUmarUmar, although they too hold that, although they too hold that AliAli waswas

the rightful Imam after Muhammad.the rightful Imam after Muhammad. They further hold that the Imam must be aThey further hold that the Imam must be a

descendant of either aldescendant of either al--HasanHasan or alor al--HusaynHusayn,, AliAliss

two sons fromtwo sons from FatimahFatimah.. He must, however, claim the office and supportHe must, however, claim the office and support

his claim by rising up, with the sword of Islam,his claim by rising up, with the sword of Islam,against injustice and oppression.against injustice and oppression.


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ZaydiZaydi SchoolSchoolTheThe ZaydiZaydi school belongs to the moderateschool belongs to the moderate

wing ofwing of ShiShiismism, and possesses a rich legal, and possesses a rich legaland theological tradition.and theological tradition.

It includes to this day about forty percent ofIt includes to this day about forty percent of

the people in Yemen along with thethe people in Yemen along with the ShafiShafiii

legal school.legal school.

TheThe ZaydisZaydis are now without an Imam, asare now without an Imam, astheir last Imam was overthrown by thetheir last Imam was overthrown by the

Yemeni revolution of 1962 and died in exile.Yemeni revolution of 1962 and died in exile.


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TwelverTwelver ShiShiii SuccessionSuccession

Under theUnder the TwelverTwelver ShiShiii tradition the doctrine oftradition the doctrine of

imamahimamahwas fully elaborated.was fully elaborated.

According to this doctrine, the Prophet, throughAccording to this doctrine, the Prophet, through

divine designation, appointeddivine designation, appointed AliAli as his vicegerentas his vicegerent

or legatee (or legatee (wasiwasi) by a testament () by a testament (wasiyyahwasiyyah).).

AliAli in turn appointed his son alin turn appointed his son al--HasanHasan to succeedto succeed

him as Imam, and alhim as Imam, and al--HasanHasan appointed his brotherappointed his brother

alal--HusaynHusayn..

Thereafter, each Imam designated his successor,Thereafter, each Imam designated his successor,

usually his oldest son, all descendants of alusually his oldest son, all descendants of al--

HusaynHusayn..


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TwelverTwelver Doctrine of the Hidden ImamDoctrine of the Hidden Imam

And so the line of Imams continued to the twelfth Imam,And so the line of Imams continued to the twelfth Imam,who was the ninth descendant of alwho was the ninth descendant of al--HusaynHusayn..

He did not die but went into the lesser occultation at theHe did not die but went into the lesser occultation at the

age of four years in 874, when he was last seen in aage of four years in 874, when he was last seen in adungeon under thedungeon under the AbbasidAbbasid caliphcaliphs palace ats palace at SamarraSamarraininIraq.Iraq.

Until 941 the hidden Imam communicated with hisUntil 941 the hidden Imam communicated with his

followers through four successive deputies orfollowers through four successive deputies or wakilwakilss.. He then entered into his greater occultation which,He then entered into his greater occultation which, ImamisImamis

believe, will last till the end of the world.believe, will last till the end of the world.

In this occultation, he is living but concealed from view.In this occultation, he is living but concealed from view.

Before the Day of Resurrection, he and Jesus will return toBefore the Day of Resurrection, he and Jesus will return toestablish universal justice and true Islam on earth.establish universal justice and true Islam on earth.


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The Succession of the ImamsThe Succession of the Imams NameName DatesDates Burial PlaceBurial Place

1)1) Ali ibn Abi TalibAli ibn Abi Talib c.599c.599--661661 alal--Najaf, IraqNajaf, Iraq

2) al2) al--Hasan ibnHasan ibn AliAli 625625--670670 alal--MadinahMadinah

3) al3) al--Husayn ibnHusayn ibnAliAli 626626--680680 KarbalaKarbala

, Iraq, Iraq

4) Zayn al4) Zayn al--AbidinAbidin 658658--712712 alal--MadinahMadinah

5) Muhammad5) Muhammad alal--BaqirBaqir 676676--735735 alal--MadinahMadinah

6) Ja6) Jafarfar alal--SadiqSadiq 702702--765765 alal--MadinahMadinah

7) Musa7) Musa alal--KazimKazim 744744--799799 alal--Kazimayn, IraqKazimayn, Iraq 8)8) AliAli alal--RidaRida 765765--818818 Mashhad, IranMashhad, Iran

9) Muhammad9) Muhammad alal--TaqiTaqi 810810--835835 alal--Kazimayn, IraqKazimayn, Iraq

10)10) AliAli alal--Hadi alHadi al--NaqiNaqi 827827--868868 SamarraSamarra, Iraq, Iraq

11) Hasan11) Hasan alal--AskariAskari 846846--874874 SamarraSamarra, Iraq, Iraq 12) Muhammad12) Muhammad alal--MahdiMahdi b. 868b. 868 in occultationin occultation


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Necessary Existence of the ImamsNecessary Existence of the Imams

In fact, the fundamental belief in the necessaryIn fact, the fundamental belief in the necessary

existence of the Imams, as guardians of theexistence of the Imams, as guardians of the

ShariShariahah and guides to its correct interpretationand guides to its correct interpretationand implementation by the community, constitutesand implementation by the community, constitutes

the essential point of difference between thethe essential point of difference between the ShiShiii

and Sunni legal tradition.and Sunni legal tradition. The Imam is believed to be the proof or argumentThe Imam is believed to be the proof or argument

((hujjahhujjah) of God over his human creatures. Hence,) of God over his human creatures. Hence,

the earth cannot be without an Imam, be hethe earth cannot be without an Imam, be hemanifest and active in the management of themanifest and active in the management of the

affairs of the community, or hidden from humanaffairs of the community, or hidden from human

sight andsight and perception.perception.


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Other Differences on the SunnahOther Differences on the SunnahThe ShiThe Shii chains of transmitters usuallyi chains of transmitters usually

employ different persons than the Sunnisemploy different persons than the Sunnisdo.do.

Sunnis and ShiSunnis and Shiis do not recognize eachis do not recognize each

otherothers collections.s collections.

Nevertheless, there is much overlap inNevertheless, there is much overlap in

content.content.

T lT l H di h C ll iH dith C ll ti


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TwelverTwelver Hadith CollectionsHadith Collections Just as the Sunnis recognized six major collectionsJust as the Sunnis recognized six major collectionsofof hadithhadithas authoritative, so theas authoritative, so the TwelverTwelver ShiShiisis

recognized four different collections of their own.recognized four different collections of their own.These are called by themThese are called by themThe Four Books.The Four Books.TheyThey

are:are: alal--KafiKafiby alby al--Kulayni (d. 941).Kulayni (d. 941).

Man la yahdaruhu alMan la yahdaruhu al--faqihfaqihby Ibn Babawayh alby Ibn Babawayh al--Qummi, also known as alQummi, also known as al--Shaykh alShaykh al--Saduq (Saduq (the truthfulthe truthful

shaykhshaykh). (d. 992)). (d. 992) alal--IstibsarIstibsarby Shaykh alby Shaykh al--TaTaifahifah ((the juris doctor of thethe juris doctor of the

communitycommunity) Abu Ja) Abu Jafar alfar al--Tusi (d. 1067)Tusi (d. 1067)

Tahdhib alTahdhib al--ahkamahkamalso by alalso by al--Tusi.Tusi.

There are also other ShiThere are also other Shii collections of Hadith.i collections of Hadith. The Hadith have less importance in ShiThe Hadith have less importance in Shiism than inism than in

Sunnism, because the ShiSunnism, because the Shii religious leaders ori religious leaders ormujtahidmujtahids have more discretionary religiouss have more discretionary religiousauthority and thus are less reliant on specific texts.authority and thus are less reliant on specific texts.


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Three of the ShiThree of the Shii Four Booksi Four Books

From the left,From the left, alal--KafiKafiof alof al--Kulayni,Kulayni, Tahdhib alTahdhib al--

AhkamAhkam, and, and alal--IstibsarIstibsar, both of al, both of al--TusiTusi

The missing book,The missing book, Man La Yahduruhu alMan La Yahduruhu al--FaqihFaqihofofIbn Babuyah, is Volumes 9 and 10 in this editionIbn Babuyah, is Volumes 9 and 10 in this edition


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The Role of the ScholarsThe Role of the Scholars

ForFor ShiShiitesites the centrality of the doctrine ofthe centrality of the doctrine of

imamahimamah and the logical necessity of the existenceand the logical necessity of the existence

of an Imam were firmly established.of an Imam were firmly established. However, from the start of the greater occultationHowever, from the start of the greater occultation

in 941, the Imam, though living, was inaccessible.in 941, the Imam, though living, was inaccessible.

Thus, in his absence the scholars of theThus, in his absence the scholars of thecommunity were delegated to fulfill his role,community were delegated to fulfill his role,however imperfectly, as guardians of thehowever imperfectly, as guardians of the ShariShariahah..

This in turn led to the understanding thatThis in turn led to the understanding that ijtihadijtihad,,or personal reasoning, had to go on but thator personal reasoning, had to go on but that

juristic consensus had to be limited to thejuristic consensus had to be limited to the ijmaijma ofof

the scholars only.the scholars only.

lT l ShiShiii l iL l P ti


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TwelverTwelver ShiShiii Legal PracticeLegal Practice

IjtihadIjtihad was narrowly defined as the scholarwas narrowly defined as the scholarssrational effort not so much to formulate new laws,rational effort not so much to formulate new laws,but to comprehend and interpret the Imamsbut to comprehend and interpret the Imams

rulings in ways that would apply to new situations.rulings in ways that would apply to new situations. In practice, this did not differ much from SunniIn practice, this did not differ much from Sunni

legal reasoning. Thus, the Sunni andlegal reasoning. Thus, the Sunni and ShiShiii schoolsschools

came greatly to resemble each other in legalcame greatly to resemble each other in legalpractice.practice.

The principle ofThe principle of taqlidtaqlid, or the necessity for every, or the necessity for everyShiShiii man and woman to imitate a recognized juristman and woman to imitate a recognized juristin all their legal actions, has accorded thein all their legal actions, has accorded theindividual scholars more authority in theindividual scholars more authority in the ShiShiiicommunity more authority than Sunni scholarscommunity more authority than Sunni scholars

enjoy in their respective community.enjoy in their respective community.


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hehe AlawisAlawis oror NusayrisNusayris


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hehe AlawisAlawis oror NusayrisNusayris

ofofTurkey and SyriaTurkey and SyriaArising in the 9Arising in the 9thth century in Iraq at first, thecentury in Iraq at first, the

NusayrisNusayris are also known asare also known as AlawisAlawis, because they, because they

regardregard AliAli as an incarnation of God.as an incarnation of God. They also believe in reincarnation and theThey also believe in reincarnation and the

necessity of escaping fromnecessity of escaping from the cycle of death andthe cycle of death and

rebirthrebirth like Buddhists and Hindus.like Buddhists and Hindus. They do not practice the law or uphold the pillarsThey do not practice the law or uphold the pillars

of practice like other Muslims. This causes themof practice like other Muslims. This causes them

not to be recognized by any other Muslims.not to be recognized by any other Muslims. The president of Syria,The president of Syria, BashsharBashshar alal--Asad, thoughAsad, though

nominally a Sunni, is ofnominally a Sunni, is of NusayriNusayri origin.origin.

S iS i ShiShiii Si il itSi il it


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SunniSunni--ShiShiii SimilaritySimilarity UnlikeUnlike IsmaIsmailisilis andand NusayrisNusayris,, ImamiImami TwelverTwelver

ShiShiis,is, having ahaving a ShariShariahah--basedbased legal school, havelegal school, havegenerally been accepted by the rest of the Muslimgenerally been accepted by the rest of the Muslim

community.community. The Sunnis also respect the family of the ProphetThe Sunnis also respect the family of the Prophetlike thelike the ShiShiis.is.

Genuine efforts continue to be made at resolvingGenuine efforts continue to be made at resolving

outstanding legal differences among all Islamicoutstanding legal differences among all Islamiclegal schools. Some talk of the eight schools now:legal schools. Some talk of the eight schools now:the four recognizedthe four recognized SunnniSunnni ones,ones, MalikiMaliki,, HanafiHanafi,,ShafiShafiii, and, and HanbaliHanbali, another Sunni school called, another Sunni school called

ZahiriZahiri, the, the IbadiIbadi KharijiKhariji school, and the two legalschool, and the two legalShiShiii schools, theschools, the ZaydiZaydi and theand the ImamiImami Twelver, asTwelver, asin thein the Amman Statement.Amman Statement.

This trend has been somewhat sidelined by recentThis trend has been somewhat sidelined by recentpolitical developments.political developments.

F l Di t ti d All tiFalse Disto tions and Allegations


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False Distortions and AllegationsFalse Distortions and Allegations

Sunnis and ShiSunnis and Shiis accuse each other of claimingis accuse each other of claimingthat the Qurthat the Quran has been changed, whereas in factan has been changed, whereas in factneither claims that.neither claims that.

Sunnis falsely accuse the ShiSunnis falsely accuse the Shiis of claiming that theis of claiming that theQurQuran was intended to be sent down uponan was intended to be sent down upon AliAli

instead of Muhammad.instead of Muhammad. Sunnis sometimes claim ShiSunnis sometimes claim Shiism arose from theism arose from the

teachings ofteachings of Abd Allah ibn SabaAbd Allah ibn Saba, when in fact Ibn, when in fact IbnSabaSaba is a mythical figure who never existed.is a mythical figure who never existed.

Some Sunnis claim that the ShiSome Sunnis claim that the Shiis cannot beis cannot be

allowed to represent their own beliefs, becauseallowed to represent their own beliefs, becausethey follow a principle of dissimulation orthey follow a principle of dissimulation or taqiyyahtaqiyyahwhen dealing with outsiders, but actually that onlywhen dealing with outsiders, but actually that onlyapplies where there is physical danger for statingapplies where there is physical danger for statingoneones beliefs.s beliefs.


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sunn vs. shiite pp

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