Monotheistic Religions Like Islam Preach Unity Theology Religion Essay Example

religion as the individual's feelings, emotions, actions, and experiences in solitude and in relation to the divine, in his study on the varieties of religious experience.

According to Clifford Geertz, in his work "Religion as a cultural system," religions are characterized by symbols that establish lasting power, temperaments, and motives in individuals by connecting concepts with a sense of authenticity. This ultimately presents these motives and temperaments as genuine and distinct. Religion plays a vital role in giving significance and meaning to humans and their experiences. It provides organization, structure, and establishes goals and responsibilities for humanity. However, religion can also create an imbalance of power between the powerless and powerful, leading to social, economic, and political instability. Conversely, it can also bring about radical change and promote structural progress. Many sociologists argue that religion cannot be defined but should rather be understood in an ideal form.

Most faiths share characteristics of the ideal type, but it is not necessary for them to have all of the following features. These features include interaction with the supernatural, communal practices, regular rituals, and recognition of a significant problem with human condition and the offering of escape from it. While Buddhism and Jainism do not involve interaction with the supernatural, they meet all other criteria and therefore qualify as religions. Conversely, Taoism lacks specific rituals but possesses other features, thereby also qualifying as a religion. Many believers from different faiths consider their religion to be unique and superior to all others.

Regardless of their variations, it is essential to respect and appreciate every faith by people with diverse religious backgrounds. Understanding the similarities and differences among all religions is crucial as

they convey comparable messages to their adherents and share a mutual belief in a higher power. Addressing inquiries about the afterlife is one of religion's most significant aspects.

All faiths have different paths to enlightenment, but they share a common belief in the progress of humanity.

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Regardless of one's individual faith, there are universally taught principles that include sincerely adhering to one's faith, refraining from cheating others regardless of their beliefs, avoiding violence and harm towards others, helping those less fortunate, showing respect and love towards our families, and forming new relationships as we grow.

Religion enforces regulations, ordinances, and control on individuals through their prescribed books, counsel for prayers, the 10 commandments, and places of worship such as churches, mosques, and the Western Wall. Religion serves to unite people by instilling a strong bond and collective resilience against adversities. Various religions have their own sacred texts such as the Quran, Vedas, Bible, Torah, Tripitaka, Avesta, etc., which impart moral values through anecdotes and stories. These narratives guide believers to live in accordance with the teachings of their respective holy books. Every story in these books carries a moral lesson. For instance, the Bible and Quran provide accounts of people in the past who made mistakes, allowing believers to learn from these examples and improve their own conduct.

Fear is used to strengthen moral guidance in religion, promoting the adoption of strict rules, morals, and values like the 10 commandments. Breaking these rules is believed to result in punishment after death.

Research Methodology:

Purpose of Research

The bombings in Quetta and Karachi, along with the unchecked killings of Hazara Shia by government, have inspired me to study the underlying reasons behind the

Sunni-Shia conflict. Despite its sensitive nature, I have chosen this topic for my research.

The changing conditions in the Middle East, particularly the social and political tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims, have intrigued me. I wanted to delve into this subject and understand how religion influences this conflict. It is worth noting that despite their significant presence, countries like Iraq, Bahrain, and Lebanon consider the Shia population a minority. If religion promotes unity under one flag, why are Muslims divided amongst themselves? I aimed to examine the role of faith within Islam specifically. However, the influence of political power is so strong that individuals are willing to fight each other solely for its acquisition. I sought to comprehend why this conflict runs so deep that Muslims either do not actively seek or do not desire to find a resolution.

Following a comprehensive investigation, a solution and recommendation will be presented regarding the impact of denominationalism on the Muslim community.

Research Design:

• The research adopts an Interpretivist and Constructivist Pragmatism approach in terms of doctrine.
• An inductive approach is employed.
• A combination of descriptive research and exploratory research methodologies are utilized as schemes.
• Qualitative choices are made.
• A historical survey is conducted for future prediction purposes, considering the time horizon.
• Data is gathered from books on Sunnis and Shias, as well as newspaper articles using various techniques and procedures.

Subjects

Sunnis believe that the Prophet's successor requires political leadership without needing a special relationship with God. Conversely, Shias believe that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) possessed unique spiritual qualities which allowed him to comprehend religion's hidden meanings and teachings without committing any sins. They also hold

the belief that these qualities were inherited by Ali (R.A) and his descendants through Muhammad (P.B.U.H).

The Shia population is scattered across Iran, the Middle East, South Asia, and East Africa. Notably, they have significant populations in Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon, Pakistan and Afghanistan. In terms of current politics, Shia leaders played a crucial role in a nationalist movement primarily observed in Iraq and Lebanon. They were influenced by the ideologies of Marx and Kant.

These leaders believed that the nationalist movement had the potential to reduce the division between Shia and Sunni groups. This briefly brought both religious factions together. However,this attempt at national unity gradually declined as Shia individuals faced ongoing marginalization and discrimination due to inherent Sunni bias.

This bias persisted despite patriotic efforts to eliminate it. The 1950s through the 1970s witnessed an era of Arab nationalism which eventually gave way to Islamic fundamentalism.Consequently,the prejudice against Shia individuals intensified further.

Ibn Taymiya, a Sunni scholar, recognized the Shia as Muslims but disagreed with their beliefs. The Shia have been compelled to prioritize political matters over religious identity and ideology, specifically in relation to the Palestine-Israel conflict. Consequently, Shia groups such as Hezbollah and Amal in Lebanon are perceived as anti-imperialist and anti-Israel rather than pro-Shia. The Muslim community has faced conflicts due to frequent suicide bombings targeting Shia Muslims by a small faction of extremist Sunni fundamentalists, including Al Qaeda. Both Sunni and Shia religious leaders reject the utilization of the term 'Martyr' for suicide bombers as an incorrect interpretation and representation of Islam.

Iraq's history is characterized by ongoing sectarian conflicts, which have their roots in significant Shi'ite events that occurred in the

country. Specifically, the assassinations of Ali and his son Hussein in Najaf and Karbala respectively gave rise to a holy city centered around Hussein's shrine. As a result, Iraq has become a focal point for violent confrontations between Sunni and Shia factions, further deepening the divide between these religious denominations.

Literature Review

( Syed, 1986 ) In his book "Religion and Reality," Syed explores the different stages that religions have undergone throughout history. He emphasizes the initial worship of multiple gods, followed by dualism, and eventually the acceptance of the Trinity (consisting of Father, Son, and Holy Ghost). Ultimately, monotheism emerged as believers began dedicating themselves solely to one God, promoting religious harmony.

In ancient times, gods were often seen as cruel and unforgiving. The idea of a compassionate and benevolent god was rare. People from various religions held different beliefs and were so deeply committed to their faiths that they viewed other faiths as insignificant. It is human nature to prioritize oneself and one's possessions, and this inclination to protect oneself and reject what is unfamiliar has led to reliance on superstition and uncertainty. Consequently, wars have not only occurred between different faiths but also within religious groups themselves. Minority religious communities have faced prejudice, suspicion, and selfishness.

The text discusses the exploitation and feelings of inferiority individuals experience, highlighting the danger that arises when hatred grows within faith. This poses a threat to both human safety and faith itself. Saints and Nebiims preached brotherhood, equality, and tolerance for this reason. In her book "After the Prophet: The heroic narrative of Sunni and Shia split," Lesley Hazleton reflects on the history of the Sunni Shia split

after Prophet Muhammad's decease (P.B.U.H). The split began with the killing of Othman (R.A), followed by Ali's assassination (R.A) and the rivalry involving Aisha (R.A).

This paragraph explores the historical roots of the division between Shia and Sunni Muslims. It emphasizes that soldiers from the Sunni dynasty executed Hussein, who was Muhammad's grandson and Ali's son at Karbala. This event has had a significant impact on the emergence of Shia Islam, which continues to be an important aspect of their narrative and contributes to current divisions, particularly in the Middle East. These divisions have resulted in occasional instances of sectarianism and violence, particularly in Iraq and Pakistan. Moreover, Saddam Hussein's removal from power further escalated these tensions by creating a void.

British journalist Lesley Hazleton argues that the neglect of Iraq's troubles has been worsened by American policymakers' lack of understanding of the complexities involved. Sunni Muslims believed that the Caliphate should be led by the person most capable of uniting Muslims and maintaining the growing Muslim empire, which led to their support of Abu Bakar, Muhammad's father-in-law, as the first Caliph. Ali became the fourth caliph 25 years later, but his subsequent assassination left Shi'ites with a lasting sense of exclusion. In summary, the Sunni-Shia divide is based on their different beliefs about how power should be understood and wielded. Sunni ideology is pragmatic, focusing on how power actually works rather than how it should ideally work.

"The Shia Revival" by Vali Nasr delves into the religious and political facets of Shi'ite ideology in Islam. It provides an impartial viewpoint and a thorough comprehension of the enduring discord between Shias and Sunnis, showcasing how this rift still

impacts current events. Additionally, Nasr explores Iran's nuclear program, Hezbollah's sway in Lebanon, and the United States' move towards backing Shia authority in Iraq (Nasr, 2006).

This book delves into the historical and political unrest in the Middle East that has impacted its people over time. It specifically concentrates on the period following Prophet Muhammad's (P.B.U.H) era, asserting that this struggle has become even more significant since Iran's revolution. The author also analyzes the US invasion in Iraq, which not only heightened Shia groups' presence but also revitalized them throughout the country. Nasr highlights the differences between Sunni and Shia, going beyond just succession of leadership, as each group holds distinct viewpoints on authority and leadership within their community. Furthermore, the book draws parallels between the Shia-Sunni conflict and Christian Protestant discord by comparing Imam Husain to Jesus Christ, offering a deeper understanding of this ongoing battle.

However, Vali Nasr has been overly sympathetic towards the Shia community, portraying them as non-violent and tolerant victims constantly persecuted by Sunnis. Yet, he overlooks the fact that Shia groups like Sadr's Mahdi Army have engaged in acts of force. This particular armed force was established in April 2003 and has fought against Sunnis and the U.S. military in Iraq since Saddam Hussein's downfall.

In his book, "The Arab Shia: the forgotten Muslims", Fuller discusses the controversial relationship between Sunni and Shia and the challenges the Shias have faced in Iraq, Lebanon, and Bahrain. He examines not only the historical but current social and political issues that have shaped the relationship between the dominant Sunni and minority Shia. Fuller concludes by suggesting that Shias should integrate socially and politically to

bring about political progress in the Middle East and the Gulf (Fuller, 2001). In a theological essay by Sheila T Harty on "Sunni and Shiites: Islam's Schism," she explains the early difference within Islam that divided Muslims into two major religious orders. Harty cites certain scholars who argue that while Sunnis and Shias may be in conflict, Sunni scholars generally do not consider Shias non-Muslims, except for some Sunni fundamentalists. According to these scholars, as long as Muslims adhere to the five pillars of Islam, they are considered Muslims and do not need to align with a specific school of thought (Harty, 1998). Karen Armstrong's book, "The Great Transformation," examines the violence that occurs today based on cultural and religious differences.

The text addresses the impact of spiritual beliefs and traditions on human life and how they shape people's responses to violence throughout history (Armstrong, 2007). It also compares these beliefs with other religions such as Buddhism and Hinduism in India, Confucianism and Daoism in China, and monotheism in Israel. Additionally, it discusses the current issues faced by these religious traditions.

Discourse and Analysis

The Sunni belief is that the successor to the Prophet did not need a special relationship with God but rather had to lead the community politically. On the other hand, Shias believe that the Prophet possessed special spiritual qualities and could understand the hidden meanings of the faith without committing any sins. They also believe that Ali and his descendants inherited these qualities from Muhammad.

Currently, the Shia population spans from Iran, across the Middle East, to South Asia and East Africa. Notably, they have significant populations in Iran, Bahrain, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Lebanon,

Pakistan, and Afghanistan. The Shia leaders in Iraq and Lebanon played a crucial role in the nationalist movement and were influenced by Marx and Kant. They believed that embracing nationalism would help bridge the religious divide and briefly unite the two orders.

However, the nationalist cover-up diminished when Shia continued to face marginalization and discrimination due to Sunni bias, which persisted despite efforts of patriotism. The decades of the 1950s, 60s, and 70s were characterized by Arab patriotism, which also contributed to the rise of Islamic fundamentalism and further intensified the bias against Shia. A well-known Sunni scholar named Ibn Taymiya recognized Shias as Muslims but opposed their beliefs. Shias have been compelled to prioritize political issues over religious identity and ideology, such as the Palestine-Israel conflict. This is the primary reason why Shia groups like Hezbollah and Amal in Lebanon are seen as anti-imperialist and anti-Israel instead of being pro Shia. Additionally, the act of suicide bombings targeted at Shi'ite Muslims in various Muslim regions is mainly carried out by a small minority of extremist Sunni fundamentalists, including Al Qaeda.

The conflicts among the Muslims have caused wars. The use of the term 'Martyr' for suicide bombers is seen as a misinterpretation and deception of Islam by both Sunni and Shia religious leaders. Iraq has always been a center of sectarian tension because significant events in Shiite history occurred there. Ali (R.A) was killed near Najaf, and his son Hussein was killed in Karbala, which later became a sacred city around his shrine in Najaf.

The most volatile place where the Sunni and Shia conflict erupts in violence is Iraq, creating a rift between these two religious

factions. In his book "Shia Revival," Vali Nasr has faced criticism for being overly sympathetic towards the Shia, portraying them as non-violent and tolerant but constantly persecuted by the Sunnis. However, he overlooks the fact that the Shias, such as Sadr's Mahdi Army, have engaged in violence. This army was established in April 2003 and has fought against Sunnis and the US military in Iraq post-Saddam Hussein. Due to sectarianism, Muslims have become divided amongst themselves, not only into two major religious factions but also numerous other sects.

The division within the Muslim community has caused internal conflicts among Muslims. Similar events have occurred in Bahrain, Iraq, Lebanon, and Pakistan. The rise of the Taliban in the past decade has worsened tensions between Sunni and Shia Muslims. The main reason for this disunity is the absence of unified leadership that can unite Muslims globally. This issue has been exacerbated by democracy and the influence of sectarianism. Since democracy relies on majority votes, politicians often exploit sectarianism to gain votes, power, and support.

The issue in Iraq's democracy is denominationalism, which has been present since its inception. Lebanon also experiences problems with its democracy, as it struggles to handle differences and often leads to violence. These examples demonstrate that democracy is hindered by systemic issues, including constitutional limitations. Despite their different beliefs, all Muslims believe in unity regarding Islam. This unity should extend beyond society and also apply to politics, as denominationalism arose from the pursuit of power. Personal beliefs, such as fasting and praying, should be left to individuals and not interfered with by others as they are only accountable to Allah. Islamic states should not impose

a unified belief on their citizens and instead respect individual beliefs without resorting to violence.

Islam is not a significant system, nor are its instructions dictatorial. It never forced every detail on its followers. Pakistan has transitioned from sectarianism to Shia genocide. There have always been attempts to Islamize Pakistan since its establishment. Pakistan experienced a peak of social transformation in the 1980s, during which sectarianism fostered the persecution of Shias in the country.

Muslims were historically divided into religious orders, but in Pakistan, violent methods have been adopted to suppress sect-based divisions and maintain a Shia-free state. This distinguishes Pakistan from other Muslim countries. According to the newspaper, sectarian violence has resulted in the loss of ten thousand lives. This violence is not solely based on religious beliefs but also involves the mobilization and politicization of sectarian groups, along with the involvement of national or international entities. During British rule, laws were enacted to appease both Sunni and Shia religious orders, and these laws were later adopted by independent Pakistan.

However, politicians and authorities began exploiting religion for their own agendas, such as gaining votes from the majority. The partition of Bangladesh exacerbated the situation, leading to the killings of Ahmedis, with support from Shia Muslims. Unbeknownst to them, this could also target other religious groups like Shias. Even during Zia's time, he emphasized the Islamization of society with a Sunni perspective. He imposed a strict identity based on Shariah for citizens, redefining Sunnis with a clearly defined ideology while excluding Shia Muslims from this redefinition. In Pakistan, people now take pride in their ethnicity rather than their national identity, with religious affiliation becoming more important than

being Pakistani.

Soon after the 80's, the force began to operate on religious order's footing, targeting and destroying mosques, Imama Bargahs, shrines, and spiritual assemblages of minority religious orders. There are external factors influencing this force, such as the role of Saudi Arabia, Iran, Libya, and Iraq in Pakistan, which is currently under investigation. It is important to note that this force cannot be considered irrational as it is a part of the standardized cleaning of the Shia community, aiming to suppress their self-definition and fundamental values.

Conclusion

In Pakistan, Shia individuals are being abducted and shot dead, with the Hazara community being specifically targeted.

Topographic points with a majority of Shia, such as Gilgit, Baltistan, and Parachinar, are currently being targeted. Similar to how Jews and Gypsies were killed based on their ethnicity, Shia are facing genocide due to their religious orders and spiritual beliefs. They are considered outsiders in the Muslim world. The government and media are failing to identify, prevent, or bring the killers to justice, which results in a gap between the authorities and Shia groups. Resolving or overcoming the religious differences seems almost impossible. There is a need for a peaceful mechanism or institution that allows societies to address and resolve the conflicts without violence.

Muslims embrace different interpretations (ijtihad) as a manifestation of Islam's flexibility and ability to accommodate diverse viewpoints. However, if Muslims were to unite under a single leader, sectarianism would be mitigated, particularly in Bahrain, Syria, and Pakistan. This would allow individuals to focus solely on the details of their personal beliefs and worship practices. The issue of sectarian violence driven by religion, power, and politics remains unaddressed and unexamined in

the media. The global community lacks interest in this matter due to a lack of understanding and awareness of the nature of the Sunni-Shia conflict. In Pakistan, people fail to acknowledge that this is a problem and have never expressed their opinions, resulting in an escalation of violence targeting urban areas with a Shia majority.

Educated Shias are being targeted to incite lawlessness through acts of terrorism and sectarian violence. These tactics are employed to confuse and perpetrate violence against the Shia community. It is necessary to implement reforms that uphold the principle of allowing individuals to practice their religious beliefs freely, while also holding accountable those who incite violence and ensuring they are brought to justice.

Restrictions:

Due to time constraints, my only source of information was books authored by various writers from different parts of the world.

Interviewing an influential Sunni or Shia individual would have provided me with insight into their respective beliefs.