Diversity in Islam

• Shi'a Islam


  Beliefs and practices distinctive of this sect of Islam
• Shi'a Islam has its origins in the historical dispute over the succession to the leadership of the Muslims
• Shi'a Muslims interpret Muhammad as having appointed Ali as his successor and his family
• Hussein was martyred at Karbala upholding this claim
• Shi'a Muslims mark the time of Hussein's martyrdom at Ashura


  1. Acting out events in passion plays

  2. Making displays of sorrow and suffering

  3. Self-flagellation
• This contrasts with Sunni Muslims who mark Ashura for different reasons
• Distinctive practices of Shi'a Muslims


  • Pilgrimage to Imam Ali's tomb in Najaf and other sites
  • Paying an additional poor sum in the form of Khums
  • Permitted to practice Muta (temporary marriage)
  • Permitted to conceal belief (Taqiyya) if facing persecution
• Shi'a Imams are descendants of the family of the Prophet and are respected for their power to interpret the Qur'an without error for the people today
• There are many sects in Islam, not just Shi'a, and other interpretations such as Salafi, reformists and Qur'anist
• All Muslims would agree on the oneness of Allah and the importance of the Qur'an as God's revelation
• There are differences of tradition and authority among Muslims
• Muhammad taught in his final sermon that there was to be no rich or poor, Arab or non-Arab; simply Muslims
• Muslims are encouraged to make peace and not hold a grudge and settle disputes before Hajj and Id
• Unity


  • Important in Islam, visually symbolised in coming together at Hajj or in lines at prayer, showing the Ummah together
• It may be debated how far differences of background, sect or interpretation matter and how significant perceived differences of belief really are