Sunni and Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia (Research Paper Sample)

Name: College: Course: Tutor: Date: Sunni and Shia Muslims in Saudi Arabia Sunni and Shia are the two main denominations that are found in the Islamic religion. Over the years, the two groups have been faced with rivalry that stem from their beliefs among other aspects. In order to get an in-depth understanding of the two groups and understand why they should be one, there are certain things that you need to be knowledgeable on. Below are some topics to guide you through the process of learning about the Sunni and Shia of Saudi Arabia. History of the Split of Sunni and Shia There may be different kinds of stories relating to how the two groups split. However, it should be noted that most of these are mere myths based on the opinions of different people. The history of the split of the denominations can be traced back to the division that occurred after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632. The division arose from a dispute on who would succeed Prophet Muhammad. The disputes were marked by a series of battles including the Battle of Siffin, Battle of Camel, Battle of Karbala (Sardar 34). It is after the latter that the division widened further after Hussein Ibn Ali and his entire household was allegedly killed by Yazid I who was the ten ruling Umayyad Caliph. According to Sunnis, the successor of Muhammad was supposed to be Abu Bakr who also happened to be the father of Aisha. Aisha was Prophet Muhammad’s wife. Besides, this sect also believed that the process of choosing the successor or other leaders should be guided by the Quran as required by the Muslim community. Shia on the other hand was not in agreement to this, a move that triggered the split. This group believes that the successor of Muhammad was Ali who was the prophet’s son-in law and cousin. They argue that Ali was ordained by the prophet according to God’s command. It is the outcry of the revenge for his death that stirred greater divisions in the early Muslim community. The division led to segregations in traditions, customs and religious practices. As the battles intensified, 80% of the Muslim community threw in their weights behind Abu Bakr (Sardar 48). However, Ali got to rule as caliph for a short period of time. The split of Sunni and Shia Muslims was sealed off when Hussein, Ali’s son was murdered in Karbala by the troops of the ruling Caliph. The rivalry has been carried on to date. Differences between Sunni and Shia Sunni and Shia are both denominations in the Islamic religion. However, there are a few practices and beliefs that changed as a result of the rivalry that has existed between the two since the death of Prophet Muhammad (Chehab, Sam and Lucy 3). It is important that you also get to know more about some of these differences. The main one is lies in the demographics of the two sects. Today, Sunnis are known to account for the largest percentage of the Muslim community at 80%. Shia occupies the remaining 20% slot of the muslims in Saudi Arabia. The other difference that exists between the two denominations lies in their leadership structures. The Sunnis believe and act based on the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad while Shias on the other hand, mainly rely on their Ayatollas that they argue are true reflections of God. At the time of their split of the two denominations, Sunnis took the side of Abu Bakr while the Shia went after Ali whom they believe in as the successor of Prophet Muhammad (Chehab, Sam and Lucy 5). Another point of difference between the two can also be derived from the beliefs in the places that are associated to the origin of their faith. Shia Muslims associate the origin of their faith with Kufa and Karbala while Sunni say that it is Madina (Medina) and Makkah (Mecca). Similarities between Sunni and Shia Despite the few differences highlighted above, it should be noted that there are not much differences between the two Islamic groups. In fact, there are more similarities more than the differences. Besides, most of the differences that exist do not have any greater impacts on the lives and beliefs of the two Muslim groups. Below are the similarities between Sunni and Shia. Both Sunni and Shia believe and abide by the five pillars of Islam. In fact, their daily activities are highly dependent on those pillars. This is one of the greatest aspects that can truly prove to you of the slim difference between the two groups. It should also be noted that all the two denominations do not approve of the use of statues and pictures that depict God or other religious leaders when performing prayers. In fact, these materials are also not permitted in their places of worship. Sunnis and Shia both believe in the existence of one God and the Islamic Holy Book, Quran. All these groups are tied to the belief in Allah as the only God and Muhammad his prophet (Chehab, Sam and Lucy 3). Besides, they also use the Quran as the official Holy book for use in prayers. Since both of them are Muslims, they have one day that is Friday set aside for worship. The other similarity is that both Sunni and Shia visit the mosque for worship. They both visit the mosque since it is regarded as the holy place of worship for all believers. With regards to matters relating to marriage and family, Sunni and Shia are both in agreement to the fact that Islam allows men to marry up to four wives provided that they get equal treatments. Just like it is with Christians, Sunni and Shia believe that the body of Jesus ascended to heaven after death. However, both groups are in dispute of the allegations that Jesus died on the cross. They are of the belief that Jesus will come down from heaven sometime in future (Inhorn and Soraya 40). Another significant similarity between the two factions is in the way they view other religions. They are both of the opinion that Judaism and Christianity fall under ‘’People of the Book’’. Why Sunni and Shia Should Be United It is true that rivalry between Sunni and Shia has been in existence for quite a long time. However, this should not be used to make judgments on which one is right and not. Disputes are part of life and have been experienced by various religious and even political ...