What do Sunnis believe about Muharram?
Muharram observances are carried out in countries with a sizable Muslim population. Shia mourn during Muharram, although Sunnis do so to a much lesser extent….
| Mourning of Muharram | |
|---|---|
| Significance | Marks the death of Hussein ibn Ali |
| Observances | Mourn and derive messages from Hussein’s Sacrifice ; Fasting |
| 2020 date | 29 August |
What is Shia Alam?
Alam, which means flag, is considered a sacred symbol for Shia Muslims because it is associated with Imam Hussain’s (AS) brother Hazrat Abbas (AS) , the flag bearer of Banu Hashim. Alam Pak is taken out during majalis and processions.
Why is there a divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims?
The divide originated with a dispute over who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Islamic faith he introduced. 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.
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.
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.
What is the criteria of entering into the fold of Islam?
The criteria of entering into the fold of those who call themselves “Muslim” as a community has been defined by the Quran and the Prophet sa of Islam and is straightforward and simple. The criteria given is to recite the Kalima: “There is none worthy of worship save Allah and Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah”.