Page 12 - Questionable Teachings ofISLAM

P. 12

Questionable Teachings of Islam:

One Billion People Deceived

Islamic Sects and Sub-Groups

There are various sects, divisions of belief, that stem from the fundamental interpretations
of seventh-century Islamic theology. This is much the same as what has happened within
Christian denominations whose basic doctrines differ in their views regarding the person
of Jesus Christ, worship, Salvation, and one's eternal destiny. The Jewish religion also has
its branches of faith that differ from each other, such as: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative,
the Messianic movement, etc. Therefore, whenever someone proclaims that they are a
Muslim, it means that they belong to one of the several branches of Islam. There are also
individual Muslims who say that they are moderate and peaceful and view terror as a
misguided interpretation of their faith while many others who follow fundamental
teachings regard terror and jihad as the path they must take, as instructed in the Qur'an
and Ahadith (sayings of Muhammad).

The two major Islamic groups are the Sunni and Shiite. Sunnis comprise approximately
eighty-percent of the entire Muslim population while Shiites account for less than fifteen-
percent. Both of these groups have disputed over which has been granted the rightful
succession to lead the Muslim faith. Herein is a brief overview of the varying sects that
form the Islamic world:

SUNNIS:

As stated, Sunnis comprise the largest following of Muslims throughout the world. Sunnis
consider their group to have been given the legitimate succession of leadership which took
effect after the death of their prophet, Muhammad in the year 632 CE.

The successors, known as "caliphs," are elected heads of state. The first caliph to pick up
the banner of Islam after Muhammad died was Muhammad's own father-in-law, Hadrat
Abu Bakr, 632-634. The following three successors after Abu Bakr were: Hadrat Umar
Farooq, 634-644; Hadrat Othman, 644-656; and Hadrat Ali, 656-661. Ali was a blood
relative of Muhammad and the husband of Muhammad's only surviving daughter, Fatima.
(Ali and Fatima were cousins)

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