Islam Learning Goal #2

1.4

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• The split in Islam dates back to the death of Muhammad in 632 CE, and was started over who would succeed Muhammad in being the leader of the religion. 
• Shia believed in the family line being followed, giving leadership to Ali, the husband of Muhammad's daughter. 
• Sunni believed in a council of the society's elite determining who was best fit to lead the religion. 
• The Sunnis prevailed and chose a successor to be the first caliph.
• While Ali was later elected as Caliph after two were killed, violence had begun and an irreparable rift had formed.
• Hussein, Ali's successor was killed and became a martyr for the shiites, and is commemorated annually. 
• "Twelfth Imam" is the messiah for some Shia Muslims 
• Shia/Persian empire surrounded by Sunni
• Beginning of 20th century: Shiites ruled by Ottomans (Sunni)
• Political instability ensued in Iran, only factor that could not be controlled by the Shah was the Mosque.
• Revolution in 1978 allowed Ayatollah to gain power, created a theocracy and also a stronghold for shiites in the middle east. 
• Sunni governments rejected Ayatollah's design of government, Saddam Hussein reacted the most harshly invading Iran in the 80's.
• Many Sunnis resisted Khomeini solely because he was Shia
• Saddam remained wary of shiites in southern Iraq despite help against Iran in war. 
• US fights Iraq in Kuwait, but doesn't give aid to Shiite revolution efforts despite encouragement.  
• Second US war allowed Shia leader to emerge in Iraq, which lead to more violence and Al-Qaeda opposition 
• Anti-Sunni death squads and street fighting come as a response to bombings. 
• Hezbollah remains a threat to Israel but doesn't get full support because it is Shiite.
• Iran gained strength in the defeat of Iraq and al-Qaeda in Afghanistan.
• US still backing government in Iraq even though it is Shia and is in communication with Tehran.
• Blocking Iran's expansion and fighting against the history of the region are considered ill advised actions for the US. 

1.5

Sufism is the belief in an eternal self and "the journey of the slave to the master. It also includes the idea that ones life is characterized by the sum if ones good actions.


1.6

• Originally part of the Muslim Brotherhood, began after failed assassination attempt on leading figure. 
• Salafist movement called for the creation of Islamic states. 
• Alliance with al-Qaeda makes them a main threat in Europe.
• Salafism: Ultra conservative Sunnis
• Although they are only a small minority, the influence of salafist groups is substantial because of their attacks and use of public unrest to achieve their goals. 
• Many new governments are worried about salafi groups causing second revolutions in unstable countries and gaining a larger following through fear and radicalism. 
• Radicals are pushing for ultra conservative societal conventions like full covering of women, and are taking over mosques, especially in Tunisia. 
• Many salafists were just conservatives who turned to Jihad after the peaceful efforts proved to be less fruitful or slower than they desired. 

1.7

How do social and political factors such as governments and war affect the spread, popularity, and image of a sect of Islam and what are the implications for the future?