Religion and Faith
By: Zach, Jeff, CJ, and Josh
Differences Between Sunni and Shiite
How is Islam Integrated into Afghan Culture?
Afghanistan had a fragile cultural identity based on respect of Islam (along with political independence and historical continuity), until it was invaded by the Soviet Union in 1979. After the invasion, the national identity crumbled, and Afghanistan’s attempt at unity was fragmented.
Islam is integral to Afghan culture, and it affects the everyday lives of the people:
influences the way people dress
Limits what can be eaten
The law is based on the Qur’an
Why Can't the Sunni and Shiite Religions Get Along?
It’s obvious that the issue has evolved just as the world and the religion have evolved. The split is now about more than the original differences. The successor of Muhammad is no longer the most important issue to Muslims. This issue was just the catalyst that separated the two groups originally. After this separation, the two sects grew further and further apart, and the split is not as simple as it once was. Sunni parents teach their children that Sunnis are superior and Shia are inferior, and those children grow up to teach their children the same. It’s a sort of inherited intolerance that has been passed down since the two sects separated.
The Basic Tenets of Islam
The main belief for Islam is that there is one , unique, incomparable God. They believe that there was a chain of prophets with Adam as the first and ending with Muhammad. There are also 5 pillars of Islam, in which every Muslim are supposed to perform. Islam also has a declaration of faith called the shahada which is said a few time a day. Prayer is supposed to be done 5 times a day facing Mecca. All Muslims are supposed to give charity, fast for a month during Ramadan, and go on a pilgrimage to Mecca called hajj.