Conflict in the Middle East

Cody Simpson

Dr. Gregory Young

Conflict in the Middle East

29 January 2010

Word Count: 667

Thought Questions #2

Although both under the same religious blanket of Islam, the difference in doctrine between Sunni and Shia Muslims is vast. The Sunni, who make up a large majority of the Muslim population, believe ultimately that whoever follows in the footsteps of the prophet must be the most devout and pious Muslim who leads by example. This is what took place after Muhammad’s death. His close friend, Abu Bakr, was elected the first Khalifah. (Armstrong 191)

Shia, on the other hand, believe that it is necessary for the person who follows after the prophet to be a direct descendant. Although Abu Bakr was chosen, some felt his position rightfully belonged to Ali ibn Abi Talib, Mohammad’s son-in-law and the first Muslim convert. A man “who was thought to have inherited some of the Prophet’s exceptional qualities (Armstrong 191).”

Angered by Abu Bakr’s ascension to power, followers of Ali orchestrated the assassination of the third caliph, Uthman, so that Ali could assume his rightful position as leader of the Ummah. Those of Shia conviction accept only Ali of the Rashidun four and believe that the 12th imam, who disappeared in 874AD, went into hiding and is waiting for the time of restoration to return. ("Answering Islam, A Christian-Muslim dialog")

The delegation of power to those not of Muhammad’s blood line caused the spilt. This division became evident around the time Muawiyyah settled in Damascus, as animosity between Muslims of Iran and Syria developed. Amongst the Shia it was widely believed that “a chief’s special qualities were passed down the line of his descendants, and some Muslims believed that Ali had inherited some of Mohammad’s special charisma (Armstrong 191).”

Allowing Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman to succeed the Prophet could presumably be seen as a contamination to the purity of the will of Allah. It is understandable how Muslims of this...