I slam, S hi'a, and S unna

Abstract

Abstract Fourteen centuries ago, an important schism occurred within the Islamic umma (nation of believers). From this rift, two main factions emerged: the Sunna and the Shi'a. Since then, myriad events in the Middle East have shaped the worldview and attitudes of the minority Shi'a population. Knowledge of this Islamic history is vital to understanding the dynamics of present day Iran and Iraq, both Shi'a nations. The schism sparked the idea of martyrdom, which had a tremendous impact on the history of Islam. This concept of martyrdom (shahada) is now used by militant groups to justify suicide bombings as a legitimate method of warfare. To best understand the motives of self‐martyrdom one must go back again to the reasons for the schism. This article focuses on the history of this division since it appears that both Iran and Iraq will be among the central focal points of U.S. foreign policy. The study of this history is necessary to understand the modern attitudes and postures of these two countries.