₦airaland Forum

Sunnis and Shia: Islam's ancient schism
4 January 2016
From the section Middle East
Pilgrims worshipping at MeccaImage copyrightAP
Image caption
Pilgrimage to Mecca is one of many rituals that are shared by both sects
The divide between Sunnis and Shia is the largest and oldest in the history of Islam.
Members of the two sects have co-existed for centuries and share many fundamental beliefs and practices. But they differ in doctrine, ritual, law, theology and religious organisation.
Their leaders also often seem to be in competition. From Lebanon and Syria to Iraq and Pakistan, many recent conflicts have emphasised the sectarian divide, tearing communities apart.
Who are the Sunnis?
The great majority of the world's more than 1.5 billion Muslims are Sunnis - estimates suggest the figure is somewhere between 85% and 90%. In the Middle East, Sunnis make up 90% or more of the populations of Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia.
Al-Azhar mosque in Cairo, EgyptImage copyrightGetty Images
Image caption
Egypt is home to some of Sunni Islam's oldest centres of learning
Sunnis regard themselves as the orthodox branch of Islam.
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The name "Sunni" is derived from the phrase "Ahl al-Sunnah", or "People of the Tradition". The tradition in this case refers to practices based on what the Prophet Muhammad said, did, agreed to or condemned.
A map of Sunni populations in the Middle East
All Muslims are guided by the Sunnah, but Sunnis stress its primacy. Shia are also guided by the wisdom of Muhammad's descendants through his son-in-law and cousin, Ali.
Sunni life is guided by four schools of legal thought, each of which strives to develop practical applications of the Sunnah.
Who are the Shia?
Shia constitute about 10% of all Muslims, and globally their population is estimated at between 154 and 200 million.
Lebanese Shia supporters of Hezbollah listen to the story of Imam Hussein in BeirutImage copyrightAP
Image caption
The deaths of Ali, Hassan and Hussein gave rise to the Shia concept of martyrdom
Shia Muslims are in the majority in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, Azerbaijan and, according to some estimates, Yemen. There are also large Shia communities in Afghanistan, India, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Qatar, Syria, Turkey, Saudi Arabia and the UAE.
In early Islamic history, the Shia were a movement - literally "Shiat Ali" or the "Party of Ali". They claimed that Ali was the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad as leader (imam) of the Muslim community following his death in 632.
Ali was assassinated in 661 after a five-year caliphate that was marred by civil war. His sons, Hassan and Hussein, were denied what they thought was their legitimate right of accession to the caliphate.
Hassan is believed to have been poisoned in 680 by Muawiyah, the first caliph of the Sunni Umayyad dynasty, while Hussein was killed on the battlefield by the Umayyads in 681. These events gave rise to the Shia concept of martyrdom and the rituals of grieving.
A map of Shia populations in the Middle East
There are three main branches of Shia Islam today - the Zaidis, Ismailis and Ithna Asharis (Twelvers or Imamis). The Ithna Asharis are the largest group and believe that Muhammad's religious leadership, spiritual authority and divine guidance were passed on to 12 of his descendants, beginning with Ali, Hassan and Hussein.
The 12th Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is said to have disappeared from a cave below a mosque in 878. Ithna Asharis believe the so-called "awaited imam" did not die and will return at the end of time to restore justice on earth.
What role has sectarianism played in recent crises?
In countries which have been governed by Sunnis, Shia tend to make up the poorest sections of society. They often see themselves as victims of discrimination and oppression. Sunni extremists frequently denounce Shia as heretics who should be killed.
Iranian protesters raise their fists in front of a portrait of Saudi Shia cleric Nimr al-Nimr following execution (3 January 2016)Image copyrightAFP
Image caption
The execution by Saudi Arabia of a prominent Shia cleric triggered a diplomatic crisis with Iran
The Iranian revolution of 1979 launched a radical Shia Islamist agenda that was perceived as a challenge to conservative Sunni regimes, particularly in the Gulf.
Tehran's policy of supporting Shia militias and parties beyond its borders was matched by Sunni-ruled Gulf states, which strengthened their links to Sunni governments and movements elsewhere.
Today, many conflicts in the region have strong sectarian overtones.
In Syria, Iranian troops, Hezbollah fighters and Iranian-backed Shia militiamen have been helping the Shia-led government battle the Sunni-dominated opposition. Sunni jihadist groups, including Islamic State (IS), have meanwhile been targeting Shia and their places of worship in Syria and neighbouring Iraq.
In January 2016, the execution by Saudi Arabia of a prominent Shia cleric who supported mass anti-government protests triggered a diplomatic crisis with Iran and angry demonstrations across the Middle East.

http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-16047709

Competition is a good thing. Who will believe that these polithiefcians can be this proactive. Good idea.

Believe anything this government says at your own peril.

Why was the money paid into his PA's account? Was he using his PA's account for official transactions?
I wouldn't buy into this lies of sinking men.

Very funny! Hahaha......

It will cost you between N20,000 to N25,000. This will take between 1to 3days depending on where you are processing it.

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DropShot:
[color=#990000]The salary for December is not earned by any worker until after 31st of December. So, quit being irrational.

If the salary is paid before 25th, it's a favour and not a right even though Nigerians have come to see it as the later.

Workers earned their month end salaries from 15th of every month my ignorant friend! Please don't try to defend politicians. You have played your part by voting them into positions.

[quote author=hassan85 post=41244783]Works, Power and Housing 433.4 billion Naira
Transport 202.0 billion Naira
Interior 53.1 billion Naira
Special Intervention Programs 300 billion Naira
Education 369.6 billion Naira
Defence 294.5 billion Naira
Health 221.7 billion Naira
Ministry of Interior 145.3 billion Naira

Since Awolowo and Ahmadu Bello which government ever took Education and Health as seriously as d APC government?

Honestly, PDP are really sick. Rather Dan learn to keep quiet, dey sprew trash always. well EFCC is coming for all of u. In Buharis voice "where ever Nigerias wealths are hidden, we must get dem no matter wat" so all keep wailing.[/quote

Check previous budgets and you will know how APC have made your brain to think in reverse order.

Just keep on deceiving the ignorant ones. How can aviation be under transport when there is a minister for aviation( state). Do you think Captain Hadi will be reporting to Amaechi? Just keep on dreaming.

The General Overseer Of
Synagogue Church of All Nation, Prophet T.B
Joshua is in Tanzania for the inauguration of
the 5th President of the United Republic of
Tanzania Dr John Pombe Magufuli that will take
place on Thursday Nov 5th 2015. The new
Tanzania President Dr John Pombe Magufuli
said Prophet T.B Joshua told him he will win
the Presidential election, Dr John Pombe
Magufuli could not believed the prophecy
because incumbent President had not lost to
the Opposition party in history of the country,
but for God so good, the Prophecy came to
pass, Dr John Pompe Magufuli now became the
President of Tanzania, he invited the man of
God to grace the inauguration occassion on
Thursday. The new President said Prophet T.B
Joshua is a man of God, he said he told him he
will become a President, and the prophecy
came to reality, he defeated the incumbent
President Dr Jakaya in the poll. Prophet T.B
Joshua is pictured in the first photo with the
elected President, Magufuli. And also, in the
last photo is Prophet T.B Joshua with outgoing
President Dr Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete
*A Prophet Is Not Honoured At Hom

Magufulli contested under the ruling CCM and not the opposition pary.
He defeated Lowassa and not the out going president Kikwete. In fact Kikwete rigged and imposed Magufulli on the people of Tanzania.

I think there are people running media houses in this Govt. Every move by the president always leaked to the press. This guy is denying the list now and yet when it is officially made public you will still see the same portfolios.
I sincerely pity PMB because i am feeling this era has gone past this old man capabilities.
God help our president to pilot the affairs our great nation in the right direction.

SLIDEwaxie:
Was that what Jonathan was also planning to do in his time?

1. NIMET~Dr. Anthony Anuforom

2.NNPC~Eng. Andrew Yakubu

3.NIMASA~Patrick Apobolokemi

4.PENCOM~Mrs. Chinelo Anohu Amazu

5.FERMA~Engr. Chukwu Amuchi

6.DPR~Mr. George Osahon

7.Bank Of Industry~Ms. Evelyn Oputu

8.Nigerian Content Dev. Agency~Ernest Nwanpa

9.Consumer Protection Agency~Mrs Dupe Atoki

10.NCC~Engr. Eugene Juwa

11.NAMA~Engr. Nnamdi Udoh

12.NCAA~Engr. Akikuotu

13.FAAN~George
Uriesi

14.NCAT~Capt. Chinere Kalu

15.SEC~Aruma Otteh

16.Sovereign Wealth Fund~Uche Orji

17.NAFDAC~Dr Paul Orhil

18.FIIRO~Dr. Mrs. G. N Elemo

19.Maritime Academy Of Nigeria~Oron Joshua Okpo

20.Railway Corporation~Eng. Seyi Sijuwade

21.Nigerian Touri
sm Dev. Corporation~Mrs. Sally Mbanefoh

22.Budget Office Of The Federation~Dr Bright Okogwu

23.NERDC~Prof Godswill Obioma

24.NEXIM~Mr R. R Orya

25.Standard Organization Of Nigeria~Dr Joseph Odumodu

26.Nigerian Broadcasting Corporation~Emeka Nkem Mba

27.Industrial Training Fund~Prof. Longmas Wapmuk

28.National University Commission~Prof. Okojie

29.NESREA~Mrs. N.S Benebo 30.MDG Office~Dr. Precious Gbenio

31.Surveyor General Of The Federation~Peter Chigozie

32.Statistician General Of The Federation~Dr. Yemi Kale

33.Accountant General Of The Federation~Mr. Jonah Otunla

34.Auditor General Of The Federation~Samuel Yonongo Ukura

35.National Orientation Agency~Mike Omieri

36.News Agency Of Nigeria~Oluremi Oyo Oluremi Oyo was replaced by Ima Niboro....from the South South.

37.NEPC E/S David I Adelugba

38.NEPZA~Mr. Olugbenga Kuye 39.BPP~Engr Emeka Ezeh

40.Niger Delta Ministry-Orubebe, etc...



Credit to 'kazim' on Facebook.

Continue to dey cry

Engr. Andrew Yakubu is from Kaduna
Dr Paul Orhii is from Benue
Prof. Longmas Wapmuk is from Plateau.
Dont try to defend what is wrong!

Reality is here and no more propagandas! Just keep on dodging the important questions, we are watching as things unfold.

Long overdue!
I am begining to smell Change. Sack all the under performers. Baba i stand by you on this one.

When will these guys realise that GEJ is not our president any more. We all knew things were difficult but you promised to fix everything and now you keep mentioning GEJ in every thing.

When the same government is paying millions of naira to legisfighters for dressing allowance? Poor man dey collect N20k now don become waste for government eye.

Fighting every where. APC which way are we heading?

The children of propagandas will now accept and attribute this to their snail-pace master. God bless Okonjo-Iweala.

GEJ now chilling and sipping his ogogoro in Otuoke watching the liers destroy themselves.

APC used drug money to win elections and now trying to crucify the drug baron? This is laughable.

APC deceiving the gullibles since 2013. We want to see the said brother in-law in handcuffs before PMB. Ye ye story.

Kul3ger:
War against corruption has just begun....

Let's all support change...100 likes for change

The over payments were said to have been
discovered during the commission’s visit to the
institution on May 12, 2015 to carry out an
inspection of FUO’s remuneration practices vis-
a-vis the extant government’s pay policy.
I wonder what you people will be writing when PMB will make just one achievement in office.

PDP giving APC constructive criticism while APC is now destroying itself with their usual lies and propagandas every day.

To early to start regreting. You guys will have to live with this change for the next 4yrs. But come to think of it, the VP and Deputy speaker HOR are from S/ west plus Sakari who himself is half yoruba. What else do Yoruba want?

He had better go to the US otherwise 14yrs jail is at the corner.

#Bababringbackourmonies# Team BBM!

Oboy if you no fit eat foods cooked with sugar no try go Malaysia ooh...even meat na sugar them go carry cook am.

That is their business! let us face our own challenges, except for our brothers over there who might want to import this madness to us. Thank God for 14yrs jail penalty on same sex marriage.

All former PDP rebels! Rebels will always be rebels no matter how you try to make them saints.

This is too much! If the masses will keep mute and allow things to go the way they are now, these guys will milk the country dry!
Please PMB reduce and do away with some these bogus allowances.

Most of the senators are former governors/godfathers in their states. They imposed the current State governors on the masses so i wonder how they want to control/ call the senators to order. Is it Ahmed that can call Saraki to order or Ortom to call Akume and Gemade to order. May be Ambode can ask Tinubu or Gbaja to shealth their ambitions.