Sunni or Shia? The Path of Islam and the Question of Sectarian Identity...
A Journey into Islam
For someone considering converting to Islam, one of the first questions they might encounter is:
Should I follow Sunni or Shia Islam?
Islam, a faith followed by over two billion people, is not a monolithic religion but has diverse interpretations and traditions. The two largest branches—Sunni and Shia—each have their own histories, beliefs, and practices. But the real question is:
Does a convert even need to choose between them?
This article explores the similarities, differences, historical origins, and contemporary realities of these sects while emphasizing a deeper perspective—should sectarian labels matter at all?
Note: Yes, Islam is not a monolithic religion—meaning, it is not a single, uniform belief system with no variations. While all Muslims share fundamental beliefs, Islam has diverse interpretations, sects, schools of thought, and cultural expressions.
Why is Islam Not Monolithic?
1️⃣ Different Sects: The two major sects, Sunni and Shia, have theological and historical differences, stemming from the early succession dispute after Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) death.
2️⃣ Multiple Schools of Thought: Within Sunni Islam, there are four main schools of jurisprudence (Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali), and in Shia Islam, there are Twelvers, Ismailis, and Zaidis. These schools interpret Islamic law differently but remain within the framework of Islam.
3️⃣ Regional and Cultural Differences:
- Islam in Indonesia (the largest Muslim-majority country) is culturally different from Islam in Saudi Arabia, Nigeria, or Turkey.
- Islamic practices and traditions can be influenced by local customs, language, and historical context.
4️⃣ Diverse Views on Theology and Practice:
- Some Muslims emphasize a strict textualist approach (Salafism, Wahhabism).
- Others follow mystical interpretations (Sufism).
- Some focus on legalistic interpretations (Fiqh scholars).
5️⃣ Political and Ideological Variations:
- Some Islamic countries have secular governments (Turkey, Tunisia).
- Others implement Islamic law (Sharia) in governance (Iran, Saudi Arabia).
- Muslims have different views on modern issues like democracy, gender roles, and science.
Does This Mean Islam is Divided?
Not necessarily. Despite differences, Muslims:
✔ Believe in One God (Allah)
✔ Follow the Quran as the final revelation
✔ Accept Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the last messenger
✔ Observe the Five Pillars of Islam (Shahada, Salah, Zakat, Sawm, Hajj)
The differences in Islam do not change the core faith but reflect the diversity in interpretation, practice, and cultural influence.
Thus, Islam is unified in belief but diverse in practice—making it a dynamic and evolving religion, not a rigid or monolithic one.
Understanding Sunni and Shia: How Did the Division Begin?
The split between Sunni and Shia Islam originates not from religious doctrine, but from a political dispute over leadership after Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH) death in 632 CE.
✔ Sunni Islam – The majority group (about 85-90% of Muslims) believes that leadership of the Muslim community should be based on consensus, as demonstrated by the election of Abu Bakr, the Prophet’s close companion, as the first caliph (leader).
✔ Shia Islam – The minority group (about 10-15% of Muslims) believes that leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, specifically with Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law.
This early dispute over leadership eventually evolved into distinct theological, jurisprudential, and cultural traditions.
Key Differences Between Sunni and Shia Islam
1. Leadership and Authority
2. Religious Practices and Rituals
3. Sources of Islamic Law (Sharia)
Is Choosing a Sect Necessary for a Convert?
A convert to Islam does not automatically need to decide whether they are Sunni or Shia.
What Does the Quran Say About Sectarianism?
Interestingly, the Quran strongly warns against division in faith:
📖 "And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided." (Quran 3:103)
📖 "Indeed, those who have divided their religion and become sects—you, [O Muhammad], are not associated with them in anything." (Quran 6:159)
📖 "Do not be like those who became divided and differed after clear proofs had come to them." (Quran 3:105)
These verses indicate that division in Islam is not part of the religion itself, but rather a human-made phenomenon.
A convert does not have to immediately pick a sect—instead, they should continue studying and learning.
Advice for New Converts: Embracing Islam as a Whole
Many experienced scholars have given this advice:
📌 "You will be asked, 'To what sect do you belong?' Answer: 'I am still studying.' Then keep on studying, for the rest of your life."
This wisdom applies to all Muslims, not just converts. Instead of getting caught up in sectarian debates, a new Muslim should focus on:
Why Do Some Muslims Push for Sectarian Identity?
In some regions, cultural, historical, and political factors have made sectarian identity seem important.
However, the sectarian divide is often exaggerated—the majority of Muslims, both Sunni and Shia, share the same core beliefs.
Living as a Muslim Beyond Sectarian Labels
A convert does not need to label themselves Sunni or Shia to be a good Muslim. Instead, they should:
The key to faith is sincerity, knowledge, and action—not labels.
Final Thoughts: Islam Before Sectarianism
Instead of asking, "Should I be Sunni or Shia?", a convert should ask:
At the end of the day, a person’s faith is between them and Allah.
📖 "Verily, the most honored of you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous among you." (Quran 49:13)
Sectarian identity is secondary to faith, sincerity, and devotion. A Muslim should strive to submit to Allah, follow the teachings of the Prophet (PBUH), and live a life of righteousness—regardless of sectarian labels.
For a convert, the best approach is to keep studying, keep praying, and keep growing in faith. Islam is a lifelong journey—no rush, no pressure, just a sincere heart seeking the truth.
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