Christians Need to Grasp the Differences Between Sunni and Shiite Islam: An Exploration of Ashura.
In order to appreciate the complexities of Islam, it is crucial to delve into its primary sects: Sunni and Shiite. One illustrative moment to examine these divisions is Ashura, a significant Islamic holiday that takes place this Saturday evening and Sunday, July 5 and 6. Similar to Jewish holidays, Islamic observances run from sundown to sundown.
Christians Need to Grasp the Differences Between Sunni and Shiite Islam
Ashura exhibits a striking contrast in meaning between the two sects. For the Sunni majority, which makes up approximately 85-90% of Muslims globally, Ashura is a day of moderate celebration. In contrast, for the Shiite minority, which represents about 10-13% of the Muslim population, it is a profound day of mourning.
To contextualize this division, consider an analogy with the United States’ Independence Day, occurring on July 4. During the Revolutionary War, a significant portion of the American populace—estimated at around 300,000, or 15% of the white population—were British loyalists. After the war ended in 1783, many loyalists either fled or remained as disaffected citizens under a new regime. If they had persistently rejected American independence, the Fourth of July would have evolved into a sorrowful day for them, rather than a celebration. This historical parallel mirrors the sentiments surrounding Ashura, where deep divisions in interpretation shape the observance of the day.
For many Sunnis, Ashura is a day that commemorates various significant events: the departure of Noah’s family from the ark, Joseph’s release from prison, and Moses’ parting of the Red Sea. In stark contrast, Shiite Muslims observe Ashura as a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. He was killed along with many of his male relatives at the Battle of Karbala in present-day Iraq in 680 AD.
Imam Johari Abdul-Malik, a former Muslim chaplain at Howard University, reflects on the juxtaposition of these interpretations, stating, “One Muslim community is saying, ‘Happy New Year!’ while the other is saying, ‘It’s so sad that our beloved Hussein was murdered.’ All Muslims are observing something on Ashura, but the spirit of it is quite different.”
The Sunni-Shiite divide is notably illustrated in the geopolitical tensions between Sunni-majority Saudi Arabia and Shiite-majority Iran. This rivalry has escalated into various proxy conflicts, including the ongoing war in Yemen. In the United States, the Muslim population is predominantly Sunni. Many of these Sunnis coexist comfortably as a minority, as long as they can practice their faith in accordance with the Quran and Hadith, guided by a consensus among Muslims. When teaching a Journalism and Religion course at the University of Texas at Austin shortly after the September 11 attacks, the insightful analyses from two Sunni students highlighted the complexities of these tensions.
While the events of 9/11 brought attention to Sunni extremists like Osama bin Laden, it is important to note that he and his associates are not representative of the majority of Sunni Muslims. Many Sunni scholars argue that a government should not be considered anti-Islamic as long as it allows Muslims to carry out their religious obligations. Abu Hanifa, a prominent Sunni theologian from over a millennium ago, asserted, “Those who face in the direction of Mecca at prayer are true believers and no act of theirs can remove them from the faith.”
Conversely, there are groups within Islam that advocate for the implementation of Sharia law in its entirety. Some seek a governance structure akin to the original caliphate, which they view as a fair system where authority was derived from consensus. Others may support autocratic leadership, while a minority push for violent methods to establish a regime they deem righteous.
Shiite beliefs differ significantly, as they hold that the rightful leaders of the Muslim community should be descendants of Ali, the Prophet Muhammad’s nephew, who married Muhammad’s daughter, Fatimah. They also believe that Allah has appointed a succession of imams—ideal teachers—culminating in the twelfth imam, known as the Mahdi, or “guided one.” This Mahdi is believed to have entered a state of occultation and will return during times of great turmoil to establish divine rule. In Iran, the largest Shiite nation, the supreme leader is often viewed as the earthly representative of the Mahdi.
Ashura takes place during the Muslim month of Muharram, which also marks the anniversary of the martyrdom of the fourth Shiite imam, Ali ibn al-Hussein al-Sajjad, believed to have been poisoned in the early years of Islam. The lineage of imams is fraught with tragedy, with many reportedly meeting untimely deaths, often by poisoning.
This sense of oppression and victimization is deeply embedded in Shiite Islam. On Ashura, Shiite Muslims commemorate the martyrdom of Hussein through reenactments of tragic events from the Battle of Karbala. In Karbala, participants often act out the burning of tents and the subsequent capture of women and children by Hussein’s foes. Throughout the world, Shiite mourners engage in processions, sometimes flagellating themselves as they chant dirges. In Karbala, on the afternoon of Ashura, thousands walk barefoot to Hussein’s shrine in a show of mourning.
In stark contrast, some Sunni extremists have exploited the psychological sense of grievance surrounding Ashura to incite violence. Two centuries ago, radical Sunni figure Ahmad Barelvi condemned the mourning practices associated with Ashura and claimed to have destroyed numerous Shiite ritual sites. More recently, deadly attacks have marred the observance of Ashura; for example, a suicide bomber targeted a Shiite funeral procession in 2004, killing over 50 individuals. Other tragic incidents include bombings during Ashura processions in Pakistan in 2009 and Afghanistan in 2011, highlighting the persistent sectarian violence that can erupt around this day.
Over the centuries, some Sunni scholars have sought to counterbalance the somber Shiite observance by promoting Ashura as a time for joy. By 1300 AD, it became customary for some Sunnis to bathe, dress in fine clothing, and greet one another warmly on this day. In parts of North Africa, Ashura is celebrated with bonfires, charity, and festivities.
In recent years, the Shiite perspective on Ashura has garnered significant attention, particularly in places like New York City. According to reports from Middle East Eye, last year’s observances featured mourners in black clothing carrying shrouds and chanting the names of those who were killed at Karbala. Groups chanted in various languages, including Farsi, Urdu, and Punjabi, creating a haunting atmosphere as mourners expressed their grief in unison.
In conclusion, understanding the differences between Sunni and Shiite Islam is essential for grasping the broader dynamics of the Muslim world. Ashura serves as a poignant illustration of these divisions, showcasing the varied interpretations and practices within Islam. As Muslims around the globe prepare to observe this important day, it is crucial to recognize the rich tapestry of beliefs and experiences that shape their faith.
