| Papers [1-15] of 25 :: [Page 1 of 2] | | Go to page : 1 2 —> | Search results on "SUNNI SHIITE CONFLICT": |
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The Sunni and Shiite Conflict, 2008.
This paper examines the ongoing conflict between the Sunni and Shiite branches of Islam.
3,323 words (approx. 13.3 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 94.95
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Abstract
The paper explores the beginnings of the conflict between the Sunni and Shiite factions of Islam and explains their ideological differences. The paper focuses on the twentieth century and why the Islamic conflict continues. The paper discusses how concessions to the Islamists will not work because wiping out the West is part of their agenda. The paper points out, however, that a better understanding of this conflict among Westerners can only yield positive results by clarifying how our interests lay with the Muslims who do not answer the Islamist call to battle.
Table of Contents:
Outline
Beginnings
The Schism
The Contemporary Sunni-Shiite Divide
Conclusion
From the Paper
"This essay will examine the ongoing conflict between the two principle branches of Islam: Sunni and Shiite. This is a relevant, even critical topic for anyone interested in today's world events. The current War on Terror and the struggles between Palestinians and the Israelis make understanding the acrimony between Sunni and Shiite Muslims necessary. The secular, Christian West remained generally ignorant of Islam until September 11, 2001, when members of Islam's radical fringe besmirched their faith in the eyes of the world through an amazing act of terrorism."
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Shiite Muslims In Pakistan, 1999.
Examines the political and social history of this Islamic sect. Discusses the schism with the Sunnis, cultural and religious identity, fragmentation, impact in India, massacres, leadership and persecution.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 13 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"SHIISM IN PAKISTAN
This research traces the political and social history of the Shiite Muslims in Pakistan. For many centuries, the Shiites, as a minority Muslim sect, have maintained a distinct cultural and religious identity in the parts of India which are now in Pakistan, despite opposition from the dominant Sunni elite and schisms within their ranks. With some notable exceptions, the Shiites have been a negligible political influence. In modern Pakistan, serious communal strife has erupted between extreme Sunni and Shiite elements, which reflect political instability and centrifugal forces which have polarized Pakistani politics.
Origins of the Sunni-Shiite Schism in Islam
According to Blood (124), Muslims account for 97 percent of Pakistan's population of 140 million people, of which 77 percent ..."
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The Iraqi Conflict, 2005.
This paper discusses the advice that Machiavelli's "Prince" and Socrates' "Golden Guardian" would give President Bush regarding the Iraqi conflict.
945 words (approx. 3.8 pages), 3 sources, MLA, $ 33.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that Machiavelli's advice regarding the conflict between the Iraqi insurgents and President Bush would be explicit regarding the governance of Iraq: Do not leave governance up to the democratic will of the people because this will only stimulate chaos and revolt and allow minority clerics to stimulate discontent among fundamentalist sympathizers in Iraq. The author points out that Machiavelli would see it foolish for 'Prince' George Bush's own interests to attempt to create a Constitutional democracy in Iraq, which would self-destruct, and thus endanger his own power. The paper relates that Plato from his ideal Socratic oligarchy might agree that democracy would not be the ideal path for Iraq to follow; the problem with Socrates' analysis is that he seems to suggest the most faithful rather than the most popular should hold political sway but, when philosophical correctness within the dominant faith is polarized between Sunni and Shiite, a religious theocracy would be a disaster.
From the Paper
"Machiavelli would see a democratically elected, Constitutional Prince as anathema and unwise in this situation. In Chapter V of "The Prince", he specifically denotes what should be done concerning the governance of "those states which have been acquired," as Iraq has, through warfare and occupation. For states unlike Iraq, that "have been accustomed to live under their own laws and in freedom," such states should be allowed to remain free and constitutionally governed. "Because such a government, being created by the prince, knows that it cannot stand without his friendship and interest, and does its utmost to support him; and therefore he who would keep a city accustomed to freedom will hold it more easily by the means of its own citizens than in any other way.""
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Iraqi State-Building, 2005.
An analysis of the reasons why Sunnis and Shiites in Iraq have never been able to get along and how their differences have impacted Iraqi state-building.
3,375 words (approx. 13.5 pages), 15 sources, $ 133.95
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Abstract
This paper shall examine why it is that the Sunnis and Shiites of Iraq, who desperately need to work together if they are to find lasting peace and if the new Iraq is to be more stable and democratic than the old Iraq, are thus far unable to do so. In particular, the paper looks at the religious, political and institutional factors that have driven a wedge between the two groups. Ultimately, the paper concludes that knowing what went wrong in the past is the crucial first step to avoid the same mistakes in the future.
From the Paper
"For those unfamiliar with the ethnic and group hostility that often percolates below the surface of Iraqi society, the often-acrimonious relationship between Iraqi Sunnis and Iraqi Shias (Shiite) occasionally defies easy explanation. As Martin Woollacott (2004) of the UK Guardian notes, "[F]amilies and tribes in Iraq have Sunni and Shia branches, intermarriage has not been uncommon, and both branches of Islam suffered persecution under Saddam," although Shias fared worse at the hands of that particular dictator than did their Sunni counterparts (para.11). Woollacott proceeds to point out that both parties have a vested mutual interest in working together, inasmuch as proof that they can do so is one of the most promising means by which they can expedite the ejection of American military personnel from Iraq (2004, para.11)."
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Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims, 2006.
This paper looks at the differences between Shi'ite and Sunni Muslims.
3,404 words (approx. 13.6 pages), 7 sources, MLA, $ 96.95
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Abstract
In this article, the writer examines how throughout Islamic history, Shi'ites developed a denomination distinct in various significant ways from that of Sunnis. The writer explains that the differences between Islam's two major denominations arose as early as the beginning of Islamic history and in fact took place shortly after Islam's fourth caliph Ali ibn Abi Talib came to power. Initially, these differences centered on a political dispute over who should serve as the prophet's successor after his death. The writer looks at both sides of the dispute. Initial differences over political ideology caused Shi'ites to branch off from the majority Sunni Muslim community and form their own ideological viewpoints on various other issues. The writer concludes that Sunni-Shi'ite relations since the beginning of Islamic history reveal that both took divergent paths in regards to the beliefs and practices of Islam.
From the Paper
"Initial differences over political ideology caused Shi'ites to branch off from the majority Sunni Muslim community and form their own ideological viewpoints on various other issues. Besides politics, Shi'ites later developed their own distinguished set of beliefs regarding theology and jurisprudence. This meant that they now developed their own understanding of belief in the Islamic creed, practice of the five established pillars of Islam, interpretation of the Quranic text, acceptance and rejection of the prophet's Hadiths, sources of Islamic jurisprudence, and position of the various eminent Islamic personalities in history, particularly from among the prophet's companions. The Shi'ite branch later subdivided into various smaller sects, which hold differing viewpoints about various matters despite sharing some fundamental concepts of the Shi'ite belief system."
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The Ancient Sects of Islam: Sunni and Shi'ite, 2002.
A comparative analysis of the sects of Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the Shi'ite and Sunni sects of religion under the banner if Islam. The sects will be explained and there differences described to get a better idea of how they differ from each other under the over all religious perspective of Islam. By revealing their differences a better understanding of both of these sects can be found and compared in the bigger spectrum that is Islam.
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Sunni and Shi'ite Muslims, 2002.
An analysis of the contrasting views of the Sunni and Shi'ite sects of Islam throughout history.
1,400 words (approx. 5.6 pages), 5 sources, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper will discuss the history of the Sunni and Shi'ite sects of Islam and will uncover why it began, where it came from, and why they exist under the banner of Islam. Both of these cultures developed many distinguishing principles in their beliefs that have divided opinions on the nature of Islam and their founding father Muhammad. These objectives will be covered in finding how these two sects became so separated in the course of history and became two differing entities in the stages of this world religion.
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Sunni and Shia Muslims, 1991.
This paper comparesthe Sunni and Shia Muslims: Histories and evolution, major leaders, politics and holy works.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 6 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"Islam follows in the traditions of Christianity and Judaism: it venerates the same prophets, follows similar rites, and traces its origins back to Abraham.It has been an extraordinarily successful religion, and today, it is estimated that more than 900 million individuals throughout the world consider themselves Muslim .Of these, 85 to 90 percent follow the Sunni tradition; the remainder follow the Shia tradition. Shi'ites, as the followers of the Shia tradition are known, are found primarily in Iran, and, to a lesser but still significant degree, in Iraq. This research examines the similarities and differences between the two traditions as well as the results the schism has had on Islamic history.
All Muslims believe in the five pillars of Islam: bearing witness to the one and only God, performing prayers, paying a ... "
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War and Democracy in Iraq, 2005.
This paper discusses the war in Iraq and argues that democracy is the most feasible and productive form of government for the Iraqi nation.
3,050 words (approx. 12.2 pages), 8 sources, MLA, $ 89.95
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Abstract
This paper explains that the war in Iraq has two ultimate goals: The formation of a democratic government and to send a strong message to countries that support terrorism. The author points out that the goal of the United States is not to set up a presidential democracy such as America but a democracy defined by the people of Iraq, which is the best hope for a peaceful Middle East. The paper relates that, in addition to the struggle with guerrilla warfare, the United States faces a slew of problems in Iraq, most of all to strike a balance between Iraq's three main ethno-religious groups--Sunni, Shiite and Kurd, which should be achieved with education and understanding, not with violence and vendettas.
From the Paper
"The United States needs a unified Iraq because it provides the U.S. military a strategic advantage in the heart of the Middle East. Iraq will serve as prime location for military operations against terrorist groups in Pakistan and other neighboring countries. By establishing a democracy in this oil rich country, it will help establish a stable economy that will further the development of the Iraqi nation. As well as being rich in oil, establishing a democracy in one of the more advanced countries of the Middle East will give the United States an advantage in the global economy as well as helping to ensure the security of the United States homeland. The military defense is essential to peace keeping efforts; however, much like the Vietnam war, the military is faced with guerilla warfare tactics that inhibit the peace efforts."
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Political Islam, 2005.
Examines the issue of democracy in today's Middle East and the problems it faces.
4,545 words (approx. 18.2 pages), 10 sources, APA, $ 118.95
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Abstract
This report addresses some of the issues associated with Islam and politics in the Middle East and looks specifically at the subject of democracy in the Middle East from a number of perspectives. Currently, many Middle Eastern countries are technically democracies, but some follow the rules of a democracy in different ways, which may be a
part of the integral culture of the area. This report takes a culturally sensitive perspective, which also raises issues of cultural perspective, relativism, and Orientalism as it is mentioned both in Stork's "Political Islam" and in the works of the famous scholar and originator of the term Orientalism, Edward Said. The report begins by briefly discussing the role of politics from an Islamic perspective, looking at and defining different Muslim groups and sects, which are often also differentiated along political lines. Some of these groups are the Shiite Muslims, the Sunni Muslims, and the Sufi Muslims. This section of the report also looks at how various Islamic fundamentalist perspectives view the subject of democracy in the Middle East. The report then moves on to discuss democracy in the Middle East, specifically, and gives examples and comparisons of the existing democratic and ostensibly democratic political systems in Egypt, Lebanon, Algeria, Israel, Iraq, and Libya. Following this comparison, the report concludes by looking at the above mentioned issues of Orientalism in the Western perspective on Middle Eastern democracy and also presents the notion for future study that, perhaps, in this area of the world and its cultures, the Western ideal of freedom may be one easier to sell than democracy.
From the Paper
"Democracy in the Middle East can therefore, in the light of this discussion on fundamentalist Islam politics, be seen as a concept that is in many ways an import to the area's inhabitants. Nonetheless, like other imports, it has its staunch supporters as well as its voices of opposition who see the concept as being somewhat culturally intrusive. One of the main points that is brought up in defense of bringing democracy to the Middle East as a common system uniting nations is that democracy tends to be historically more than dictatorships, in terms of waging war against other countries or against the country's own citizenry."
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The Muslim Religion: The Shia, 2008.
An examination of Shia/Sunni schism within the Muslim religion and how the Shia has survived despite this divide.
1,659 words (approx. 6.6 pages), 5 sources, MLA, $ 53.95
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Abstract
This paper examines the Shia of the Middle East and what they have done to survive in the face of implacable outside hostility. The paper explores the beginning of the Shia/Sunni schism as well as the phenomenon of the "steady state" and what it means for the Shia. The paper further examines the cultural/religious anxiety of the Shia, the cultural distortion suffered, and the cultural revitalization experienced by, this group. Finally, the paepr discusses elements such as communication (on a broad, cultural level), organization, adaptation and cultural transformation (within the context of the Middle East) for Muslims in general.
From the Paper
"At the same time, the cultural transformation of the Middle East in the last century-plus by the western colonial powers has sparked a powerful re-birth of traditional religious sentiment throughout the Middle East - including Iran (Harman, para.11). The impress of western sensibilities and philosophical doctrines upon the elites was aggressively counter-acted by a new rise in religious commitment. As a result, and this has been the case in Iran since at least the days of Khomeini, Shia Islam has been pushed to the fore because it is (arguably) the most potent means by which the peoples of Iran can express their revulsion at the depredations of foreign powers. Looked at from an anthropological perspective, it may be advanced that the Shia peoples of Iran have made a fetish out of their religious beliefs in order to thwart cultural imperialism - but they (or at least their leaders) have shown enough adaptability to meet the exigencies of turbulent times."
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Ali Ibn Ali Talib, 1997.
Role of Muhammad's cousin/son-in-law in historical struggle between Shi'ite & Sunni Muslims over succession to Prophet's leadership.
1,350 words (approx. 5.4 pages), 5 sources, $ 47.95
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From the Paper
"Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, married to Muhammad's daughter Fatima. As a boy Ali, who was much younger than the Prophet, lived in Muhammad's house and was practically adopted by him. At the death of the Prophet the confusion over the succession (al-khilafah, hence the "caliphate") to the leadership was heavily debated. Ali's claims, based on his double relationship to the Prophet, were supported by many. But the leadership was given to Muhammad's father-in law, supported by Muhammad's wife A'isha. After two more successors, Ali ibn Abi Talib was declared caliph. But his rule was brief and when he was assassinated those who seized power began the line of the Umayyad caliphs.
The followers of Ali (the shi'ah of Ali) remained faithful and most did not recognize the Umayyad line. This difference.."
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Islamic Fundamentalism, 1993.
An examination of the rise in the Middle East and North Africa including politics, Shi'a v. Sunni schools, secular/religious unity and socioeconomics.
2,025 words (approx. 8.1 pages), 10 sources, $ 71.95
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From the Paper
"This research examines the rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the Middle East and North Africa. Islamic fundamentalism is a movement whose aim is to return Islamic society and religion to essential and traditional Islamic values, as those values are understood, interpreted, and enunciated by the adherents of Islamic fundamentalism (Sayeed, 1990, p. 4). In this context, Islamic fundamentalism is similar to Christian fundamentalism in the United States, Orthodox Judaism in Israel, and Hindu fundamentalism in India, as all these fundamentalist groups see themselves as the only true defenders of God against secular modernism (Lawrence, 1990, pp. 1.306).
The rise of Islamic fundamentalism in the contemporary world can be traced to the success of the Islamic Revolution in Iran (Hiro, 1990, p. 24). The Islamic Revolution in Iran occurred in..."
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Islam, 2006.
This paper discusses the importance of the clergy system in Shi'a Islam.
3,018 words (approx. 12.1 pages), 9 sources, MLA, $ 88.95
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Abstract
The paper points out that within the context of Western-Islamic relations, most Shi'a Muslims are concentrated in Iran and Iraq and so it is crucial that the West understands the differences between Shi'a and Sunni Muslims. The paper discusses the role and importance of the cleric system, ulema, within Shi'a Islam and how it differs from the cleric system among Sunnis. Finally, the writer highlights some of the modern effects of the Ulema in Shi'a society. The paper concludes that these religious teachers and advisers hold tremendous sway over the development of Shi'a communities and nations all over the world.
Outline:
Introduction: The Historical Context of Shi'a Islam
The Clergy, Ulema, System in Shi'a Islam
Differences with Other Types of Muslims, Specifically Sunni Muslims
Modern Relevance of the Shi'a Ulema: Iran and Iraq
Conclusion
From the Paper
"Shi'a Islam represents the only major schism in modern Islam. The differences between it and the dominant Sunni Muslim tradition date back to the foundation of the religion, shortly after the death of the Prophet Mohammed (Hooker par. 1). I will discuss these differences in greater depth in a subsequent section. However, it is important to recognize that this distinction exists, because it helps us to not think of Islam as a monolithic religion. The fact is that Shi'a Muslims do not recognize the religious authority of Sunni caliphs (Hooker par. 7). This religious distinction makes Shi'a Muslims categorically different from Sunni Muslims. If the West deals with any nation or group of people who are Shiite, it would be important to understand the differences that exist between them and Sunni Muslims. In Iran, for example, where Shi'a Islam became the official religion in 1500 when the Safauid Dynasty took power, it is crucial that Westerners recognize the difference between Shi'a and Sunni Muslims (Thornton par. 6)."
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Traditional Muslim Philosophy and Sufism, 2006.
An analysis of Islamic mysticism through the ages.
2,800 words (approx. 11.2 pages), 18 sources, MLA, $ 83.95
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Abstract
This paper studies the religious, political and epistemological factors underlying the development of Islamic mysticism, or Sufism. The paper compares and contrasts traditional Sunnism with Sufism, and asks how they each relate to the Kalam, or the divine word. The author also looks at the teachings of Al-Ghazali, a Sunni philosopher and Sufi mystic. The paper concludes by exploring the virtual demise of Sufism and questioning whether there is still a place for mysticism today in an increasingly orthodox Islam.
What are the Main Tenets of Each
Metaphysics and Physics and Muslim Philosophy
A Comparison of Sunni and Sufi Beliefs and Practices
Why Did Muslim Philosophy Ultimately Fade into the Background of Islamic Thought and Practice, and Did It Have Any Permanent Effect on the Development of Sufism?
Can Sufism be Reconciled with Orthodox Sunni Theology and Law?
From the Paper
"The whole of Muslim life turned around the Qur'an. Revealed to Muhammad by God between 610 and 632 from an eternal codex (the Preserved Tablet), according to Muslim doctrine, the Qur'an embodies the full range of principles and precepts by which the believer should order his life. The Qur'an is supplemented, however, by a mass of utterances attributed to Muhammad and constituting, together with circumstantial reports of the actions and decisions of the Prophet, the general body of Muhammadan Traditions, properly designated in Muslim usage as the Prophetic "Way" (al-Sunnah)."
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