Download Lesson D Sunni and Shia Flipped learning

Sunni Vs. Shi'a
You need to know some
differences between these two
branches of Islam.
Keyword definitions
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Religion: "faithfulness and adherence to someone (a god) or
something (a belief)"
Islam: “submission, self-surrender”; monotheistic world religion
closely related to Judaism and Christianity; adherents of Islam,
called Muslims, comprise about 20-25% of the world (1.2–1.5
billion in 2000 CE).
Sunni or Sunnite: Majority branch of Islam (ca. 85% of all
Muslims worldwide). The branch that accepts the first four
caliphs as rightful successors of Muhammad.
Shi'a or Shi'i or Shi'ite: Minority branch of Islam (ca. 15%
worldwide, with several sub-groups); lit. the “faction or sect of Ali”.
Caliphs: Leader after Muhammad.
CE: Common Era (previously known as AD)
Definitions from http://catholic-resources.org/Courses/SCTR19-Spring2007.htm
Sunni
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Movement can be identified in differences with the Shi'a
Dominating continuously since 661CE
Sunni Islam claims to be continuation of revelations passed to
Muhammad
Believe Caliphs did not have to be from the Prophet’s family
Believe Prophet did not designate a successor
Believe that any good Muslim can be a leader
Leaders come from agreements of consensus and do not
recognize special sacred wisdom in their leaders
Believe that ‘Ali is not a “divine light” from the Prophet
Importance of Sunna (meaning “customs” included in Hadiths)
Shari’a: Islamic law was established
Sunni
Shi'a
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Believe in Muhammad’s teachings and religious guidance of his family,
which is referred to Ahl al-Bayt
Bloodline continues through daughter, Fatima, and Son-in-law/cousin,
‘Ali
Believe descendants are Imams fathered by ‘Ali
First three rulings of Sunni Caliphs is seen as an occurrence in history
and not something that is connected to faith
Muhammad directed ‘Ali as successor on many occasions; he is the
rightful leader of Muslim faith
‘Ali is seen as a divinely appointed imam
‘Ali has power to add to Hadith and continue newly found beliefs of
Islam
Shi'a believe in holy books after the Quran, including the Mushaf Fatima
(Book of Fatima), Al-Jamia, and Al-Jafr (The Parchment)
Branches in Shi'a: Twelvers: Twelve rightful Imams and Alawites:
believe ‘Ali is the incarnation of God
Shi'a
Sunni Vs. Shi'a
Sunni Vs. Shi'a
Chart from: http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/comparison_charts/islamic_sects.htm
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On a practical daily level, Shias have a different call to prayer, they perform ablution
(wudu) and Salah differently including placing the forehead onto a piece of hardened
clay from Karbala, not directly onto the prayer mat when prostrating. They also tend
to combine prayers, sometimes worshipping three times per day instead of five. The
Shias also have some different Ahadith and prefer those narrated by Hazrat Ali (RU)
and Fatima (RA) to those related by other companions of the Prophet (SAWS).
Because of her opposition to Ali (RU), those narrated by Aisha (RA) count among the
least favored. Shias also permits ‘Muttah’ (fixed-term temporary marriage) which is
banned by the Sunnis.