The Roots of IslamThe Roots of Islam

Pre-Islamic Arab CulturePre-Islamic Arab CultureMuhammadMuhammad

Beliefs & ConceptsBeliefs & ConceptsSchools of LawSchools of Law

Sunni vs. Shi’ite Sunni vs. Shi’ite

IslamIslam

Pre-Islamic Arab Culture:Pre-Islamic Arab Culture:– South ArabiaSouth Arabia

Heavily populated by sedentary populations living in wealthy Heavily populated by sedentary populations living in wealthy and powerful cities and powerful cities These bordered on two major two trade routes: These bordered on two major two trade routes:

– One was the ocean-trading route between Africa and India. One was the ocean-trading route between Africa and India. – Another was the land-based trade route up and down the coast of Another was the land-based trade route up and down the coast of

the Arabian peninsula. the Arabian peninsula. – North Arabia:North Arabia:

In the east is a vast desert: Bedouins lived here in small, In the east is a vast desert: Bedouins lived here in small, tightly-knit tribal groups tightly-knit tribal groups arid steppes in the west and the coast: Arabs here lived in arid steppes in the west and the coast: Arabs here lived in sedentary and larger tribal groupssedentary and larger tribal groupsThese communities lived far apart and in relative isolation, These communities lived far apart and in relative isolation, bedouins, in order to survive would engage in the “razzia”, or bedouins, in order to survive would engage in the “razzia”, or raid, upon sedentary populations in order to obtain goods raid, upon sedentary populations in order to obtain goods

IslamIslam

– Religion Religion PolytheisticPolytheistic

Pilgrimage routes to Mecca (the center of a cultic activity) Pilgrimage routes to Mecca (the center of a cultic activity) regulated by the powerful Quraysh triberegulated by the powerful Quraysh tribe

– Politics:Politics:Region conquered by Alexander the Great (Seleucids)Region conquered by Alexander the Great (Seleucids)

Region conquered by RomansRegion conquered by Romans

The Diaspora led to Jewish migration away from Jerusalem The Diaspora led to Jewish migration away from Jerusalem into Srabiainto Srabia

Once the Roman Empire was Christianized, Christian culture Once the Roman Empire was Christianized, Christian culture spread eastward to Byzantium and Arabiaspread eastward to Byzantium and Arabia

Muhammad:Muhammad:– Born around 570 C.E.. Born around 570 C.E.. – Raised by his extended family after the death Raised by his extended family after the death

of his parents of his parents – Began to have religious visions around age Began to have religious visions around age

40 40 – He would memorize the messages received He would memorize the messages received

during these religious visions and teach them during these religious visions and teach them to followersto followers

IslamIslam

– Continued to receive these visions and Continued to receive these visions and messages until his death in 632 C.E.messages until his death in 632 C.E.

– Preached the message that had received, Preached the message that had received, namely that there was One God, In Mecca, namely that there was One God, In Mecca, the center of polytheismthe center of polytheism

– Was rejected and chased out of Mecca, Was rejected and chased out of Mecca, fleeing to Medina (Yathrib) in 622 C.E. This fleeing to Medina (Yathrib) in 622 C.E. This migration was known as the “hijra”…the migration was known as the “hijra”…the Islamic calendar dates the hijra as year oneIslamic calendar dates the hijra as year one

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– In Medina, Muhammad set up a Islamic community In Medina, Muhammad set up a Islamic community (umma) by entering into an agreement with Jewish (umma) by entering into an agreement with Jewish tribes tribes

– The Quraysh followed him and engaged the Muslim The Quraysh followed him and engaged the Muslim caravans in continuous battles:caravans in continuous battles:

The Battle of Badr (a Muslim victory)The Battle of Badr (a Muslim victory)

The Battle of the Trench (a stalemate)The Battle of the Trench (a stalemate)

– The surrounding tribes converted to Islam and The surrounding tribes converted to Islam and isolated the Meccan communityisolated the Meccan community

– Eventually, they Meccans converted to Islam as wellEventually, they Meccans converted to Islam as well

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– Muhammad’s death Muhammad’s death – No heir to his political leadership proclaimedNo heir to his political leadership proclaimed– The tribes gathered together to elect Abu Bakr (a The tribes gathered together to elect Abu Bakr (a

Meccan Muslim) to the Caliphate Meccan Muslim) to the Caliphate The wars of the Riddah—Waged to consolidate Islam’s The wars of the Riddah—Waged to consolidate Islam’s power in Arabia, converted the Arabs to the Southpower in Arabia, converted the Arabs to the South

– The Umayyad Dynasty:The Umayyad Dynasty:Umar ibn al-Khattab—Extended Islam’s reach to Syria and Umar ibn al-Khattab—Extended Islam’s reach to Syria and Jerusalem (a holy city to Muslims because of Muhammad’s Jerusalem (a holy city to Muslims because of Muhammad’s visit there upon his “night journey”)visit there upon his “night journey”)Uthman ibn Affan– Began work on copying the revelations of Uthman ibn Affan– Began work on copying the revelations of the Prophet and assembling them into a single book: the the Prophet and assembling them into a single book: the Qur’an. Eventually assasinated. Qur’an. Eventually assasinated.

IslamIslam

– Civil WarCivil WarThe election of Ali (nephew to the Prophet), The The election of Ali (nephew to the Prophet), The Shi’at AliShi’at AliMuwawiyyahMuwawiyyahCompromiseCompromiseThe assassination of AliThe assassination of AliMuawiyyah’s promise to hand over power to Muawiyyah’s promise to hand over power to Hassan, Ali’s sonHassan, Ali’s sonYazid’s ascension to the CaliphateYazid’s ascension to the CaliphateHusayn (Ali’s younger son) and the battle of Husayn (Ali’s younger son) and the battle of Karbala—Sunni and Shi’ite splitKarbala—Sunni and Shi’ite split

IslamIslam

Sunni Islam:Sunni Islam:– Beliefs, Concepts, and PracticesBeliefs, Concepts, and Practices

Islam's fundamental theological concept is Islam's fundamental theological concept is tawhīdtawhīd—the belief —the belief that there is only one God that there is only one God

Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet, although they Muslims believe that Jesus was a prophet, although they reject the Christian doctrine of the Trinity reject the Christian doctrine of the Trinity

Islam embraces Judaism and Christianity as the precursors Islam embraces Judaism and Christianity as the precursors of Islam, they share a belief in one God but have strayed of Islam, they share a belief in one God but have strayed from the original message as proclaimed in both the Old and from the original message as proclaimed in both the Old and New TestamentsNew Testaments

Muslims trace their lineage all the way back to Abraham, Muslims trace their lineage all the way back to Abraham, thus creating linkages to the concept of a “chosen people”thus creating linkages to the concept of a “chosen people”

Sunni IslamSunni Islam

Muslims believe that the verses of the Qur'an were Muslims believe that the verses of the Qur'an were revealed to Muhammad by God through the angel revealed to Muhammad by God through the angel Gabriel Gabriel

To Muslims, the Qur'an is perfect only as revealed To Muslims, the Qur'an is perfect only as revealed in the original Arabic; translations are deficient in the original Arabic; translations are deficient because of language differences because of language differences

Muslims view Muhammad not as the creator of a Muslims view Muhammad not as the creator of a new religion, but as the restorer of the original, new religion, but as the restorer of the original, uncorrupted monotheistic faith of Adam, Abraham uncorrupted monotheistic faith of Adam, Abraham and Jesusand Jesus

Sunni IslamSunni Islam

Muhammad is viewed as merely the last and the Muhammad is viewed as merely the last and the greatest in a series of prophetsgreatest in a series of prophets

Muslims believe in the "Day of Resurrection", or Muslims believe in the "Day of Resurrection", or yawm al-Qiyāmahyawm al-Qiyāmah

Muslims believe in predestination, i.e. God has full Muslims believe in predestination, i.e. God has full knowledge and control over all that occursknowledge and control over all that occurs

Non-Muslim monotheists (Jews and Christians) are Non-Muslim monotheists (Jews and Christians) are dhimmi (People of the Book). As such, their dhimmi (People of the Book). As such, their traditions are to be respected and protected under traditions are to be respected and protected under Islamic Law. In return, the dhimmi must pay the Islamic Law. In return, the dhimmi must pay the jizyah (tribute tax). jizyah (tribute tax).

Sunni IslamSunni IslamJihad—”Holy Struggle”Jihad—”Holy Struggle”

– Greater Jihad: A personal struggle against sinGreater Jihad: A personal struggle against sin– Lesser Jihad: A commitment to strive to spread the teachings of Islam, to remove obstacles Lesser Jihad: A commitment to strive to spread the teachings of Islam, to remove obstacles

wherever they might exist to the preaching of Islam, to defend Islam when oppressedwherever they might exist to the preaching of Islam, to defend Islam when oppressed

Sura– Consultation. Usually expressed as a political virtue. The wise leader always Sura– Consultation. Usually expressed as a political virtue. The wise leader always consults others (debate over how broad this consultation needs to be) before making consults others (debate over how broad this consultation needs to be) before making his decisions.his decisions.Ijma– Consensus. Also expressed as a political virtue. Before making political Ijma– Consensus. Also expressed as a political virtue. Before making political decisions, the wise ruler accepts the consensus of those he has consulted.decisions, the wise ruler accepts the consensus of those he has consulted.Shari’a—Islamic Law (derived from the Qur’an and Hadith)Shari’a—Islamic Law (derived from the Qur’an and Hadith)Hadith-- The sayings of the Prophet. Hadith can be categorized with regards to its Hadith-- The sayings of the Prophet. Hadith can be categorized with regards to its authenticity into 5 types:authenticity into 5 types:

– Sahih (authentic) Sahih (authentic) – Hasan (sound)Hasan (sound)– Dha'eef (weak)Dha'eef (weak)– Dha'eef Jiddan (very weak)Dha'eef Jiddan (very weak)– Mawdhoo (fabricated). Mawdhoo (fabricated).

Sunnah-- The way of the Prophet and his Companions (tradition)Sunnah-- The way of the Prophet and his Companions (tradition)Fiqh-- JurisprudenceFiqh-- JurisprudenceMadhhab-- School of jurisprudenceMadhhab-- School of jurisprudenceIjtihad: Independent Reasoning in legal decisionsIjtihad: Independent Reasoning in legal decisionsDhimmi—Non-Muslim monotheistsDhimmi—Non-Muslim monotheists

Sunni IslamSunni Islam

The Five Pillars:The Five Pillars:– The Shahadah: The basic creed or tenet of Islam: "I testify that The Shahadah: The basic creed or tenet of Islam: "I testify that

there is none worthy of worship except God and I testify that there is none worthy of worship except God and I testify that Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” Non-Muslims wishing to Muhammad is the Messenger of God.” Non-Muslims wishing to convert to Islam are required to recite the creed(although convert to Islam are required to recite the creed(although technically the Shi'a do not consider the technically the Shi'a do not consider the shahadahshahadah to be a to be a separate pillar, just a belief).separate pillar, just a belief).

– Salah: Ritual prayer, which must be performed five times a day. Salah: Ritual prayer, which must be performed five times a day. (However, the Shi'a are permitted to run together the noon with (However, the Shi'a are permitted to run together the noon with the afternoon prayers, and the evening with the night prayers). the afternoon prayers, and the evening with the night prayers). Each salah is done facing towards the Kaaba in Mecca. Salah Each salah is done facing towards the Kaaba in Mecca. Salah is intended to focus the mind on God, and is seen as a personal is intended to focus the mind on God, and is seen as a personal communication with him that expresses gratitude and worship. communication with him that expresses gratitude and worship. Salah is compulsory but flexibility in the specifics is allowed Salah is compulsory but flexibility in the specifics is allowed depending on circumstances. In many Muslim countries, depending on circumstances. In many Muslim countries, reminders called Adhan (call to prayer) are broadcast publicly reminders called Adhan (call to prayer) are broadcast publicly from local mosques at the appropriate times. from local mosques at the appropriate times.

– Zakat:Zakat: Alms-giving. This is the practice of giving based on Alms-giving. This is the practice of giving based on accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all Muslims who can accumulated wealth, and is obligatory for all Muslims who can afford it. A fixed portion is spent to help the poor or needy, and afford it. A fixed portion is spent to help the poor or needy, and also to assist the spread of Islam. The zakat is considered a also to assist the spread of Islam. The zakat is considered a religious obligation (as opposed to voluntary charity) that the religious obligation (as opposed to voluntary charity) that the well-off owe to the needy because their wealth is seen as a well-off owe to the needy because their wealth is seen as a "trust from God's bounty". "trust from God's bounty".

– Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Muslims must Sawm: Fasting during the month of Ramadan. Muslims must not eat or drink (among other things) from dawn to dusk during not eat or drink (among other things) from dawn to dusk during this month, and must be mindful of other sins. The fast is to this month, and must be mindful of other sins. The fast is to encourage a feeling of nearness to God, and during it Muslims encourage a feeling of nearness to God, and during it Muslims should express their gratitude for and dependence on him, should express their gratitude for and dependence on him, atone for their past sins, and think of the needy. atone for their past sins, and think of the needy. SawmSawm is not is not obligatory for several groups for whom it would constitute an obligatory for several groups for whom it would constitute an undue burden. For others, flexibility is allowed depending on undue burden. For others, flexibility is allowed depending on circumstances, but missed fasts usually must be made up circumstances, but missed fasts usually must be made up quickly. quickly.

Sunni IslamSunni Islam– The The HajjHajj, which is the pilgrimage during the Islamic month of , which is the pilgrimage during the Islamic month of Dhu al-Dhu al-

HijjahHijjah in the city of Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it in the city of Mecca. Every able-bodied Muslim who can afford it must make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime. must make the pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in his or her lifetime. Rituals of the Hajj include walking seven times around the Kaaba, Rituals of the Hajj include walking seven times around the Kaaba, touching the Black Stone, running seven times between Mount Safa touching the Black Stone, running seven times between Mount Safa and Mount Marwah, and symbolically stoning the Devil in Mina. Every and Mount Marwah, and symbolically stoning the Devil in Mina. Every Muslim is expected to contribute in some way to a pilgrim on Hajj.Muslim is expected to contribute in some way to a pilgrim on Hajj.

– Sunni Schools of Law (Madhhab):Sunni Schools of Law (Madhhab):The Hanafi Madhhab: Imam Abu Hanifa, who was the 'founder' of The Hanafi Madhhab: Imam Abu Hanifa, who was the 'founder' of the Hanafi school, lived in what is now modern-day Iraq. Among the the Hanafi school, lived in what is now modern-day Iraq. Among the four established Sunni schools of legal thought in Islam, the Hanafi four established Sunni schools of legal thought in Islam, the Hanafi school is the oldest, but it is generally regarded as the most liberal school is the oldest, but it is generally regarded as the most liberal and as the one which puts the most emphasis on human reason. and as the one which puts the most emphasis on human reason. The Hanafi school also has the most followers among the four major The Hanafi school also has the most followers among the four major Sunni schools. (Both the Ottoman Empire and the Mughal Empire Sunni schools. (Both the Ottoman Empire and the Mughal Empire were Hanafi so the Hanafi school is still widespread in their former were Hanafi so the Hanafi school is still widespread in their former lands). lands).

Sunni IslamSunni Islam

The Maliki Madhhab: Imam Malik was born shortly thereafter The Maliki Madhhab: Imam Malik was born shortly thereafter in Medina. This school differs from the three other schools of in Medina. This school differs from the three other schools of law in the sources it uses for derivation of rulings. All four law in the sources it uses for derivation of rulings. All four schools use the Qur'an as primary source, followed by the schools use the Qur'an as primary source, followed by the sunnah of Muhammad transmitted as hadith (sayings), ijma sunnah of Muhammad transmitted as hadith (sayings), ijma (consensus of the scholars) and Qiyas (analogy); the Maliki (consensus of the scholars) and Qiyas (analogy); the Maliki school, in addition, uses the practice of the people of Medina school, in addition, uses the practice of the people of Medina as a source. This source, according to Malik, sometimes as a source. This source, according to Malik, sometimes supersedes hadith, because the practice of the people of supersedes hadith, because the practice of the people of Medina was considered "living sunnah Medina was considered "living sunnah The Shafi'i Madhhab: Imam Shafi'i was also taught by both The Shafi'i Madhhab: Imam Shafi'i was also taught by both Abu Hanifa's students and Imam Malik, and his respect for Abu Hanifa's students and Imam Malik, and his respect for both men is also well-known. The Shāfi‘ī School of thought both men is also well-known. The Shāfi‘ī School of thought stipulates authority to four sources of jurisprudence, also stipulates authority to four sources of jurisprudence, also known as the Usul al-fiqh. In hierarchical order the known as the Usul al-fiqh. In hierarchical order the usul al-usul al-fiqhfiqh consist of: the Quran, the Sunnah of Muhammad, ijma' consist of: the Quran, the Sunnah of Muhammad, ijma' (consensus), and qiyas (analogy). (consensus), and qiyas (analogy).

Sunni IslamSunni IslamTheThe HanbaliHanbali Madhhab: Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal studied under Madhhab: Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal studied under Imam Shafi'i, and consequently there are many similarities between Imam Shafi'i, and consequently there are many similarities between the two the two madhhabsmadhhabs. The following heirarchy of sources was . The following heirarchy of sources was acknowledged by the Hanbali school: acknowledged by the Hanbali school:

– Divine text (Divine text (the Quran and the Sunnahthe Quran and the Sunnah) was the first point of reference ) was the first point of reference for all scholars of jurisprudence, and in this, Ahmad was not an for all scholars of jurisprudence, and in this, Ahmad was not an exception. Whenever he noticed a divine textual evidence for an issue, exception. Whenever he noticed a divine textual evidence for an issue, he never referred to other sources, opinions of the Companions, he never referred to other sources, opinions of the Companions, scholars or resorted to analogical deduction (scholars or resorted to analogical deduction (QiyasQiyas).).

– Verdicts issued by the companions were resorted to when no textual Verdicts issued by the companions were resorted to when no textual evidence was found in the Quran or the Sunnah. The reasons for evidence was found in the Quran or the Sunnah. The reasons for ranking the verdicts of the Companions after the Quran and the Sunnah ranking the verdicts of the Companions after the Quran and the Sunnah are obvious: The Companions witnessed the revelation of the Quran, are obvious: The Companions witnessed the revelation of the Quran, and its implementation by Muhammad, who advised the Ummah to and its implementation by Muhammad, who advised the Ummah to adhere to the rightly-guided caliphs, hence, the companions ought to adhere to the rightly-guided caliphs, hence, the companions ought to have a better understanding than the latter generations. Imam Ahmad, have a better understanding than the latter generations. Imam Ahmad, would likewise, never give precedence to a scholarly opinion or would likewise, never give precedence to a scholarly opinion or analogical deduction over that of the Companions’, to the extent that if analogical deduction over that of the Companions’, to the extent that if they were divided into two camps over an issue, two different narrations they were divided into two camps over an issue, two different narrations would similarly be documented from Imam Ahmad.would similarly be documented from Imam Ahmad.

Sunni IslamSunni Islam

– In a case where the companions differed, he preferred In a case where the companions differed, he preferred the opinion supported by the divine texts (the opinion supported by the divine texts (the Quran and the Quran and the Sunnahthe Sunnah).).

– In instances where none of the above was applicable, In instances where none of the above was applicable, Ahmad would resort to the mursal Hadith (with a link Ahmad would resort to the mursal Hadith (with a link missing between the Successor and Muhammad or a missing between the Successor and Muhammad or a weak hadith. However, the type of weak Hadith that weak hadith. However, the type of weak Hadith that Ahmad relied on was such that it may be regarded as fair Ahmad relied on was such that it may be regarded as fair hadith due to other evidences, not the type that is hadith due to other evidences, not the type that is deemed “very weak” and thus unsuitable as an evidence deemed “very weak” and thus unsuitable as an evidence for Law. for Law.

IslamIslam

Shi’ite IslamShi’ite Islam– Beliefs, Concepts and Practices:Beliefs, Concepts and Practices:

Shi’ites believe that the descendants from Shi’ites believe that the descendants from Muhammad through his daughter Fatima Zahra Muhammad through his daughter Fatima Zahra and his son-in-law Ali (the Imams) were the best and his son-in-law Ali (the Imams) were the best source of knowledge about the Qur'an and Islam, source of knowledge about the Qur'an and Islam, the most trusted carriers and protectors of the most trusted carriers and protectors of Muhammad's Sunnah (traditions), and the most Muhammad's Sunnah (traditions), and the most worthy of emulation.worthy of emulation.

Shi’ite IslamShi’ite IslamTheology of Shia Theology of Shia ((Usūl al-DīnUsūl al-Dīn))

– Tawhīd: The Oneness of God Tawhīd: The Oneness of God – Adalah: The Justice of God Adalah: The Justice of God – Nubuwwah: God has appointed perfect and infallible prophets and messengers to Nubuwwah: God has appointed perfect and infallible prophets and messengers to

teach mankind the religion (that is, a perfect system of how to live in "peace" teach mankind the religion (that is, a perfect system of how to live in "peace" ("submission to God")) prophets are Messengers which are appointed by Allah to ("submission to God")) prophets are Messengers which are appointed by Allah to bring the message of God to people and spread that message while bring the message of God to people and spread that message while Imam(leader) is appointed by Allah to protect that message since ordinary people Imam(leader) is appointed by Allah to protect that message since ordinary people will fail to do so. Also as Muhammed was the last messenger of God which will fail to do so. Also as Muhammed was the last messenger of God which means the message he brought was the last and final message to the people means the message he brought was the last and final message to the people from Allah; none is supposed to bring a message from Allah after Muhammed, from Allah; none is supposed to bring a message from Allah after Muhammed, therefore, if people were left with the message alone, the true message could not therefore, if people were left with the message alone, the true message could not survive long and would have undergone changes. Imams were therefore survive long and would have undergone changes. Imams were therefore appointed to take care of the message and prevent people from going astray appointed to take care of the message and prevent people from going astray after the last prophet. after the last prophet.

– Imamah: God has appointed specific leaders to lead and guide mankind — a Imamah: God has appointed specific leaders to lead and guide mankind — a prophet appoints a custodian of the religion before his demise. Shia believe in prophet appoints a custodian of the religion before his demise. Shia believe in Twelve Imams, eleven of them were killed, but they believe their twelfth Imam is Twelve Imams, eleven of them were killed, but they believe their twelfth Imam is still alive, their history says that he disappeared after performing rituals of the still alive, their history says that he disappeared after performing rituals of the eleventh Imam's (his father) death. He is still under 'ghaybat' or 'occultation' and eleventh Imam's (his father) death. He is still under 'ghaybat' or 'occultation' and will appear on the face of the earth to raise the truth and bring an end to tyranny will appear on the face of the earth to raise the truth and bring an end to tyranny and oppression and oppression

– Qiyamah: At the end of this world, God will raise mankind for Judgement. Qiyamah: At the end of this world, God will raise mankind for Judgement.

Shi’ite IslamShi’ite IslamPractices:Practices:

– Salat — called "Namaaz" in Persian — (Prayer) – Performing the five daily Salat — called "Namaaz" in Persian — (Prayer) – Performing the five daily prayers (Prayers can be made up for at night) prayers (Prayers can be made up for at night)

– Sawm — called "Roozeh" in Persian — (Fast) – fasting during the Islamic holy Sawm — called "Roozeh" in Persian — (Fast) – fasting during the Islamic holy lunar month of Ramadhan (Able to eat after the sun goes down) lunar month of Ramadhan (Able to eat after the sun goes down)

– Hajj (Pilgrimage) – performing the pilgrimage to Mecca (once in a lifetime) Hajj (Pilgrimage) – performing the pilgrimage to Mecca (once in a lifetime) – Zakat (Poor-rate) – paying the poor-tax (2.5% of your wealth every year should Zakat (Poor-rate) – paying the poor-tax (2.5% of your wealth every year should

go to the poor) go to the poor) – Khums (One-fifth of savings) – paying tax to the Imam Khums (One-fifth of savings) – paying tax to the Imam – Jihad (Struggle) – struggling to please the Almighty. The greater, or internal Jihad Jihad (Struggle) – struggling to please the Almighty. The greater, or internal Jihad

is the struggle against the evil within one's soul in every aspect of life. The lesser, is the struggle against the evil within one's soul in every aspect of life. The lesser, or external, Jihad is the struggle against the evil of one's environment in every or external, Jihad is the struggle against the evil of one's environment in every aspect of life. This is not to be mistaken with the common modern misconception aspect of life. This is not to be mistaken with the common modern misconception that this means "Holy War". Writing the truth (jihad bil qalam) and speaking truth that this means "Holy War". Writing the truth (jihad bil qalam) and speaking truth in front of an oppressor are also forms of Jihad. in front of an oppressor are also forms of Jihad.

– Amr-Bil-Ma'rūf– commanding what is good Amr-Bil-Ma'rūf– commanding what is good – Nahi-Anil-Munkar – forbidding what is evil Nahi-Anil-Munkar – forbidding what is evil – Tawalla – loving the Ahlul Bayt (family of the Prophet) and their followers Tawalla – loving the Ahlul Bayt (family of the Prophet) and their followers – Tabarra – dissociating oneself from the enemies of the Ahlul Bayt Tabarra – dissociating oneself from the enemies of the Ahlul Bayt

Shi’ite IslamShi’ite Islam

Schools of Law:Schools of Law:– Ja’fari: Ja'fari Fiqh is the name of the jurisprudence of the Shi'a Ja’fari: Ja'fari Fiqh is the name of the jurisprudence of the Shi'a

Twelvers Muslims, derived from the name of Ja'far al-Sadiq, the Twelvers Muslims, derived from the name of Ja'far al-Sadiq, the 6th Shia Imam. This school has two main branches6th Shia Imam. This school has two main branches

Usuli: This school of thought utilize Ijtihad by adopting Usuli: This school of thought utilize Ijtihad by adopting reasoned argumentation in finding the laws of Islam. reasoned argumentation in finding the laws of Islam. UsulisUsulis emphasize the role of Mujtahid who was capable of emphasize the role of Mujtahid who was capable of independently interpreting the sacred sources as an independently interpreting the sacred sources as an intermediary of the Hidden Imam and , thus, serve as a intermediary of the Hidden Imam and , thus, serve as a guide to the community.This meant that legal guide to the community.This meant that legal interpretations were kept flexible to take accout of interpretations were kept flexible to take accout of changing conditions and the dynimics of the times. This changing conditions and the dynimics of the times. This school of thought is predominant among most of Shi'a. school of thought is predominant among most of Shi'a. Akhbari: This school of thought take a restrictive approach Akhbari: This school of thought take a restrictive approach to ijtihad. Akhbaris are located in Basra, its environs and to ijtihad. Akhbaris are located in Basra, its environs and Bahrain. Bahrain.