1 of 9

Shiite

2 of 9

Islam

  • Sunnis
    • 83% of the Muslim world
  • Shias
    • Between 10% percent and 15% percent of Muslim world
    • Fewer than 200 million
    • Majority in Iran, Iraq and Bahrain.
    • Largest group in Lebanon

3 of 9

Conflict

  • War between Iran and Iraq took place between 1980 and 1988

    • Iran is a Shiite country
      • Militant Shiites in Lebanon supported Iran

    • Iraq is Sunni Muslim
      • Most Sunni Muslim governments supported Iraq

4 of 9

What do they believe?

  • Similarities
    • Believe that Allah is God and Muhammad is his prophet

    • You should lead your life according to the Koran

    • 5 pillars of Islam

5 of 9

The Sunni-Shia Split

  • After Mohammed's death there is a conflict over who should lead the religion of Islam

  • Sunni Muslims supported Abu Bakr as the first caliph of the Muslim faith

  • The first group of Shia were a small group who opposed Bakr and wanted a man named Ali to take control

6 of 9

The Sunni-Shiite Split

  • What they did not agree:
    • Sunnis thought the leader should be chosen on the ways in which the person lived his life (devotion to religion)

    • Shia chose Ali because he was Mohammed's cousin (based on bloodline)

7 of 9

Differences in Belief

1. Intercession between Allah and human beings

    • Sunni Muslims: believe that no one can get between Allah

    • Shiite Muslims: Twelve Imams can intercede between mankind and Allah

8 of 9

Differences in Belief

2. Paradise and Hell on the day of judgment

    • Sunni Muslims: redemption dependent on faith in Allah. Redemption is based on the mercy of Allah
    • Shiite Muslims: guaranteed paradise if they follow the rules of Muhammad and the twelve Imams

9 of 9

Modern Day Islam Info Hunt

Click on the Link to Virtual Map of World of Islam Information

to answer the following questions

  • What is the current estimated world population of Muslims?
  • List the top 10 countries with the largest Muslim population in the world
  • What is the current total of Muslims estimated to live in the United States?
  • What regions of the world do most Muslims live? (*Hint there are 3 major geographic regions)