What is the Sunni-Shia schism and why does it matter?
Despite their differences, Sunni and Shia have lived alongside each other in relative peace for most of history. But starting in the late 20th century, the schism deepened, exploding into violence in many parts of the Middle East as extreme brands of Sunni and Shia Islam battle for both religous and political supremacy.
What would a Sunni-Shia war mean for the Middle East?
Sunni-Shia divisions would fuel a long-running civil war in Syria, fighting in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere, and terrorist violence on both sides. A common thread in most of these conflicts is the ongoing battle between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran for influence in the oil-rich Middle East and surrounding regions.
What percentage of the world’s Muslims are Sunni?
Today, about 85 percent of the approximately 1.6 billion Muslims around the world are Sunni, while 15 percent are Shia, according to an estimate by the Council on Foreign Relations.
How did Iran become a Shia Muslim country?
First came the rise of the Safavid dynasty in the 16th century, which transformed Iran (through force) from a Sunni center into the Shia stronghold of the Middle East.
Is it possible to become a Shia Muslim?
Yes! Salam. if you studied and want to become shia, you just need to testify for imamate of imam Ali and eleven imams after him. they are our guardian, mola after prophet Mohammad (peace and blessings of Allah upon him and his household). you dont need to go to mosque or testify in front of clergies, scholars, etc.
What do the Shia believe in?
The Shia believe in five principles such as the Oneness of God, Prophet-hood of the Last Prophet (S), Resurrection, Divine Justice and Imamate. You keep your family and Sunni friends, you don’t go to them with your new ideology of Islam. If they had questions then you answer.