Lesson 7: Sunni and Shi'a

• Religious education
• Middelbare school
• vwo
• Leerjaar 2

Lesson 7

Sunni and Shi'a

Program

1. Welcome

2. Homework page 102-103 + 104-105

3. Five Pillars - take notes

4. Shia-Sunni divide

Homework: Do 1-5 on page 114-115

Do 1-5 on page 122-123

Homework

Page 102-103

1. It literally means recitation.

2. Arabic, as that is the language in which the Qur'an was was revealed to Muhammad and the language that he spoke.

3. It was passed down orally, memorised between people by word of mouth.

4. Main difference is in how it is arranged. Qur'an is arranged by length

5. They wash their hands before touching, store in a clean place, never on the floor. 

Page 104-105

1. His tribe was polytheist, and they looked after the idols and the Ka'aba. He destroyed the idols when he conquered Mecca

2. 1 = there is nothing greater than God; 2 = God is generous and compassionate; 3 = no words can describe God; 4 = God sees everything

3. God is one and there are no other Gods other than him. 

4. Shirk is the word for the sin of worshipping many gods or idols rather than the one God (idolatry)

5. Personal answer

Five Pillars

- Five Pillars: 5 acts of worship all Muslims are expected to do

- Shahada, Salah, Zakah, Sawm, Hajj

The Hadith is a collection of the sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, serving as a key source of guidance in Islam alongside the Qu'ran.

واجب / فرض (Wajib / Fard) – Obligatory, 'duty'

Refers to actions that a Muslim must perform. Neglecting a wajib/fard action is considered sinful. For example: performing the daily prayers (salah).

مستحب (Mustahabb) – Recommended, 'desirable'

Actions that are encouraged but not obligatory. If performed, they bring reward, but neglecting them is not sinful. For example: extra prayers (nawafil) or giving additional charity.

مباح (Mubaḥ) – Neutral, 'permissible'

Acts that are neither encouraged nor discouraged. Doing or avoiding them has no consequences. For example: eating or drinking, as long as it is within the bounds of halal.

مكروه (Makruh) – Disliked, 'discouraged'

Actions that are not forbidden but are discouraged. Avoiding them brings reward, but performing them is not sinful. For example: overeating.

حرام (Haram) – A sin, 'forbidden'

Actions explicitly prohibited in Islam. Engaging in haram actions is considered sinful and can lead to punishment in the hereafter. For example: drinking alcohol or stealing.

واجب / فرض (Wajib / Fard) – Obligatory, 'duty'

Refers to actions that a Muslim must perform. Neglecting a wajib/fard action is considered sinful. For example: performing the daily prayers (salah).

مستحب (Mustahabb) – Recommended, 'desirable'

Actions that are encouraged but not obligatory. If performed, they bring reward, but neglecting them is not sinful. For example: extra prayers (nawafil) or giving additional charity.

مباح (Mubaḥ) – Neutral, 'permissible'

Acts that are neither encouraged nor discouraged. Doing or avoiding them has no consequences. For example: eating or drinking, as long as it is within the bounds of halal.

مكروه (Makruh) – Disliked, 'discouraged'

Actions that are not forbidden but are discouraged. Avoiding them brings reward, but performing them is not sinful. For example: overeating.

حرام (Haram) – A sin, 'forbidden'

Actions explicitly prohibited in Islam. Engaging in haram actions is considered sinful and can lead to punishment in the hereafter. For example: drinking alcohol or stealing.

4 School of Laws

1. Hanafi

Founder: Imam Abu Hanifa (d. 767 CE)

Characteristics:

Known for its flexibility and use of reasoning (qiyas) and public interest (istihsan).

Emphasizes practicality and adaptability, making it popular in diverse and multi-ethnic regions.

2. Maliki

Founder: Imam Malik ibn Anas (d. 795 CE)

Characteristics:

Heavily relies on the practice of the people of Medina (‘amal ahl al-Madina), considering it a living tradition of the Prophet’s time.

Places significant emphasis on hadith and community practices.

4 Schools of Law

3. Shafi'i

Founder: Imam Al-Shafi'i (d. 820 CE)

Characteristics:

Focuses on strict adherence to the Quran and Hadith, with a systematic approach to deriving rulings.

Balances textual evidence with reasoning.

4. Hanbali

Founder: Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal (d. 855 CE)

Characteristics:

Known for its conservatism and strict reliance on the Quran and Hadith, with limited use of analogy (qiyas).

Forms the basis of modern Salafi and Wahhabi movements.

Sunni and Shi'a Divide

Similarities

- Follow same basic principles (One God, 5 Pillars, Qur'an as basis belief)

Differences

- Spiritual leader on earth -> 12 imams: Ali and his descendants

- Imam Mahdi - hidden imam that will return at the end of times

- Festival of Ashura: mourning the death of Hussein who was beheaded during the Battle of Karbala.

- Conflicts fueled by geopolitical and colonial influences

Work!

- Go to page 114-115 and do 1-5

- Read page 122-123 and do question 1-5

Also answer:

6. "How did the historical disagreement over leadership after the death of the Prophet Muhammad shape the distinct religious practices and beliefs of Sunni and Shia Muslims today?"

7. "In what ways have political and cultural factors influenced Sunni-Shia relations over time, and how do these factors continue to play a role in contemporary conflicts?"

Ashura