Was Persia Shia or Sunni?
The Safavid conversion of Iran to Shia Islam was a process that took place roughly over the 16th through 18th centuries and turned Iran (Persia), which previously had a Sunni majority, into the spiritual bastion of Shia Islam.
What was the main difference between the Sunni and Shia?
Both sides agreed that Allah is the one true God and that Muhammad was his messenger, but one group (which eventually became the Shiites) felt Muhammad’s successor should be someone in his bloodline, while the other (which became the Sunnis) felt a pious individual who would follow the Prophet’s customs was acceptable.
When did Islam come to Persia?
650 AD
Islam was brought to Iran via Arab-Islamic conquest in 650 AD and has played a shifting, anomalous role in this nation-state ever since. The ideas of nationalism, secularism, religion, and revolution are unique in this Muslim country.
When did Persia become Shia?
Until the 16th century, Persia was mostly Sunni. At the turn of that century, the Safavid dynasty conquered much of what is now Iran and made Shiism the official religion. The conversion was accompanied by a massive crackdown on Sunnis, so that over time much of the population became Shia.
What is the major belief of Sunni?
Sunni Muslims. Sunni Muslims strongly believe that the redemption of human beings is dependent on faith in Allah, His prophets, acceptance of Muhammad as the final prophet, and belief in righteous deeds as explained in the Koran.
Why did the Shia and Sunni split?
The concept of Shi’ism further crystallized around events at the Battle of Karbala, where Husayn ibn Ali, the son of Ali and grandson of the prophet, was killed alongside many of his supporters. Thus a political split became a far more personal one, marked by blood feud, and a cause for further divergence.
Who conquered Persian Empire in Islam?
Umar ibn al-Khattab
In 642, Umar ibn al-Khattab, then-Caliph of the Muslims, ordered a full-scale invasion of Persia by the Rashidun army, which led to the complete conquest of the Sassanid Empire by 651….Muslim conquest of Persia.
| Date | 633–654 |
|---|---|
| Location | Mesopotamia, Caucasus, Persia, and Greater Khorasan |
| Result | Rashidun Caliphate victory |
What is the major belief of Shia?
Shi’a Muslims believe that imams are inspired by God, are without sin and are infallible, which means that they can interpret the teachings of the Qur’an without making any errors. Today, Shi’a Muslim communities are led by imams, who are seen as having been chosen by God.
Where did Shia originate?
The first Shia state was the Idrisid dynasty (780–974) in Maghreb. Next was the Alavid dynasty (864–928) established in Mazandaran (Tabaristan), north of Iran. These dynasties were local, but they were followed by two great and powerful dynasties.