But when Jesus calls himself God's son, he is not identifying himself as divine, he is identifying himself as a descendant of David, just as the scripture uses the term in Ps 29:1. The coronation hymn in Ps 2:7 declares that the king of Judah becomes God's son on the day he is annointed by the High Priest.

You see a perfect example of this when God commanded Zechariah (Zechariah 6:11-13) to annoint as king, Jesus, son of Josedech, who was the high priest. God calls him "branch" which is used to mean descendent of Jesse (David's father) in several places in scripture. -- see Isaiah 11:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6; Isaiah 4:2, etc.

Of course a Levite and descendent of Aaron is not literally a descendent of Jesse, but by the time of Zechariah, the term "branch" has become synonymous with "king", which is also spoken of as "son of God". Jesus is the second part of the Trinitarian God head. All three "persons" are co-eternal, co-powerful and co-equal.

Back in those days, it was considered blasphemy, though, he was not commiting blasphemy.

Answer

There is one small passage in scripture which testifies that Christ (Jesus) knew exactelly who He was. Remember when his parents missed him when they were journying home. That had to return to where they were last at to try and find him.

Eventually they found him with the priests and clergy discussing the gospel with them. His mother perhaps said to him somewhat curtly. "We have been looking for you for ages and we were worried". Do you remember what he said, he said words to this affect " You should not have worried mother, for I was only doing what my Father in Heaven wanted me to do". Jesus, from an early age, knew exactly who his real father was.

So basically it was not blasphemy because it was the truth.

--

Another Answer:

The priests are descendants of Levi, Israel's son and are called Levites.

The Gospel is loaded with examples of Jesus knowing who He is. When His parents missed Him in Luke 2 He said, "Why did you seek Me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father's business?"

He referred to Himself as the Son of Man 35 times. A term the Old Testament often used for God.

He referred to His relationship with the Father 33 times.

He Prayed to His Father in Heaven 4 times, specifically John 17.

He referred to Himself as the Son of God 5 times, and was referred to as the Son of God 41 times, once in Daniel.

He addresses God as "My Father" 39 times.

He certainly does identify himself as divine.

Another View:

Certainly not blasphemy though that was the charge the religious leaders placed against HIm. Here is an example from the Gospel of John. The setting is the 7th and last day of the Feast of Tabernacles - a ritual done during this Feast is the 'water pouring ceremony' at the temple altar that now reaches its height. Jesus proclaimed: "If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me, as the Scripture has said, out of his heart will flow rivers of living water" (John 7:37-38). Jesus is essentially proclaiming Himself to be the Messiah and Lord God of Israel, the source of living waters of God's Holy Spirit.

Surely, the peoply would of been amazed at the words from Jesus but just as surely, others would have been offended and these wanted to kill Him (verse 44).

So the very next day - the sacred 8th day of the Feast following the Feast of Tabernacles - Jesus is again teaching in the temple complex. In this holy setting on this Holy Day, the enemies of Jesus cast their 'foolproof' plot to trap and try to discredit Him - worthy of being condemned by the multitude. It's the well known story of the scribes and Pharisees throwing a woman before Him who was caught in adultery - and the crowd gathers to see His response.

These religious leaders quote Moses as to her prescribed punishment - death by stoning. If Jesus agrees, the position of the religious leaders would be upheld thus contradicting His reputation for compassion and forgiveness. But if Jesus said no to punishing the woman, the religous leaders would charge Him with breaking or contradicting the Law. What a spot for a mere human to be in.

Jesus, to their amazement, bends down and starts to write in the ground with His finger (John 8:6) paying them no mind - or so it seems. Was this something private for the Son of God to ponder before He spoke or could it relate to Jeremiah 17:13: "Those who depart from the Lord, 'the fountain of living waters (which Jesus declared Himself to be the day before),' shall be 'written in the earth.' This means being written in the sand - without permanence - while others strive to be 'written in heaven' (see Luke 10:20) and written in the 'book of life' in Revelation 13:8; 20:12, 15. These religious leaders surely would have gotten the meaning of the scriptural message being sent - even if they didn't see the writing itself. Blasphemy is what they thought but only the divine Son of God could be consistently perfect, judging these and all mankind at the end of the reign of man.

Additional Comment:

Nobody can say for sure that Jesus ever said he was the son of God because the scriptures where written at least 70 years after his death and by authors no one can identify. No one has ever identified who Mathew, Mark, Luke and John where. There is no historical evidence of their existence other than the scriptures that where part of hundreds of others the Church decided to include in what is now known as the Bible.

" O People of the Scripture, do not commit excess in your religion or say about Allah (God and same God worshiped in Christianity and Judaism) except the truth. The Messiah, Jesus, the son of Mary, was but a messenger of Allah and His word which He directed to Mary and a soul [created at a command] from Him. So believe in Allah and His messengers. And do not say, "Three"; desist - it is better for you. Indeed, Allah is but one God. Exalted is He above having a son. To Him belongs whatever is in the heavens and whatever is on the earth. And sufficient is Allah as Disposer of affairs" (4:171).

Answer-3

Al-Qur'an: Sura: Al-Maidah: Verses: 116, 117, 118

Translation:

"And when Almighty Allah will say, "O Jesus son of Maryam! Did you say to people that take me and my mother as your Lord besides Allah, he will say, 'You are free (from any kind of Partner), it does not suit me to say such (things to people) for which I have no right (to say). If I had said it, it would have been in Your Knowledge, You know even what is (hidden) in my heart, and I don't know what you know. You are the True Knower of the Hidden. 116. I didn't say to them (the people) except what You Commanded me to say that worship Allah Who is the Rabb (Lord-Provider) of you and me. And as long as I was among them I was aware of them, thus when you ascended me (to heavens) You remained aware of them. And You are witness to all things. 117. If You chastise them, they are Your slaves. And if You forgive them, no doubt You are the Supreme, the Wisest." 118

Allah Almighty is the Sole Creator, Sustainer, Provider and Ruler of the Universe. He has No Son, No Parents, No off-spring. He is Omnipotent, Omni-Present, All-Knowing, All-Seeing, All-Listening. HE and He alone deserves worship. All powers lie in His Hands. He alone is the Master of the Day of Judgment. He has No Partner, No Associate whatsoever. No one can understand Him completely. There is Nothing like Him. He is Most Merciful, Most Gracious, Most Forgiving..

The five pillars of Islam are the bases of the faith that every Muslim must complete. The five pillars of Islam are:

1. the shehada (declaration of faith that means testimony that there is no God except Allah (God) the one and only one God and that prophet Muhammad is His messenger),
2. praying 5 times a day,
3. paying zakat (Islamic taxes)
4. fasting during the month of Ramadan.
   
5. completion of the hajj (holy pilgrimage to Mecca) at least once in your lifetime for those who can afford it physically and financially.
   

Quran was revealed by God to prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in Arabic (that is still an Alive language). However, Quran meanings have been translated to almost all languages of the world as Muslims are spread allover the world and speak their own country languages.

The holy book of Islam is called the Qur'an. Muslims are committed to all teachings of Quran. Quran reflects real and true words of Allah (or God and same God in Christianity and Judaism) that had been revealed to prophet Muhammad (peace be upon). Per teachings of Quran and prophet Muhammad, Muslims believe in all God holy books as God revelations to His prophets (including Torah and the Bible) but not committed in their teachings. Muslims are committed; in addition to commitments to Quran teachings; to prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) teachings through his sayings and practices (that is called Sunnah).

Refer to the related question for more information on other holy and religious books as well related questions on more information about Qur'an holy book and its teachings.

A follower of Islam is a Muslim (مسلم‎ in Arabic). People who follow the religion of Islam are called Muslims (plural).

Muslim, sometimes spelled Moslem. Plural: Muslimeen

Muslims are further divided into Shia and Sunni Muslims.

Men are Muslims and Women are Muslimahs..

Islam means literally "one who submits"(to God). Islam (also with a soft 's' like in Muslim) means: One who acquires inner peace through obedience to the will of the One God.

Saying that Islam means peace does not mean that Islam is a passive religion. That is what people use to make fun of Islam.

Just like you say that : "Freedom is not free", also "Peace is not free", sometimes you have to FIGHT, in order to maintain peace.

Explanation: Islam is an Arabic word that means submission and surrender to God (Allah) the Creator. The Arabic root of the word 'Islam' is 'salem' that means in English 'to be in peace'. Accordingly, Islam is submission and surrender to God (Allah in Arabic) the Creator and hence achieving peace in the universe.

In this universal sense and meaning of Islam, you conclude that Islam is as old as the universe creation. In this sense the first creation of any thing, alive or not alive, was created on the principle of Islam, that is submission to God (Allah in Arabic) the Creator.

Then upon creation of mankind, creation that started by the creation of Adam, all God's prophets; including Adam, Noah, ... , Abraham, ..., Moses, ..., Jesus, and Muhammad; called people to Islam, that means submission to God (Allah) the Creator the one and only one God. Those who positively reacted to the prophet's call to Islam and became Islam followers are called Muslims.

• Islam per God's revelation of the Torah to Prophet Moses is called Judaism.
• Islam religion per God's revelation of the Bible to Prophet Jesus is called Christianity.
• Islam religion per God's revelation of the Quran to Prophet Muhammad is called the very name Islam.

The basic belief of the Muslims is: There is no god, but ONLY Almighty Allah Karim-having No Son, No Parents, No Partner, No Associate whatsoever. He and He alone is the creator, Sustainer, Provider, and Ruler of all worlds. He and He alone deserves worship. Then there are the beliefs in the Prophets (Hazrat Muhammad (SAW) being the last one), Angels, Holy Books, Day of Judgement etc.

This very name Islam is the religion per Quran revelation by God to prophet Muhammad through the angel Gabriel. Quran revelation started by year 610 AD (when prophet Muhammad was 40 years old) and continued through year 632 AD (year of prophet Muhammad (PBUH) death.

They are called Muslim. Their god is Allah and their last prophet is Muhammad. They believe in Allah, the only god, the angels who's exist from light, paradise and hell, Al-Quran, and the end of the world. Check the 'I am Muslim' book.

Allah was basically used by Christians of old times as Allah indicate one God. In Islam, God (Which is one) send his last holy book for all mankind, and it was given to prophet muhammad(saw) for all humans .

All Muslims, per God's revelation of Quran to prophet Muhammad (PBUH), should believe and follow the five pillars of Islam, they should follow the God commands in Quran and follow prophet Muhammad teachings, they should have faith in God, all God prophets, all God holy books, God angels, the Day of Judgment and 2nd life, and the Destiny.

A Muslim is defined not only by their beliefs, but by actions: the five pillars of Islam are the guiding light of the religion, and include a basic oath of faith and recognition; 5 daily prayers; annual obligatory charity; ritual fasting during a specific month; and a pilgrimage to be taken at least once in life. Special dietary and behavioral laws, in addition to standard social laws, are also built up and included in the religion, and must be strictly adhered to.

As of October 2009, there are about 1.57 billion Muslims of all ages living in the world today (in more than 200 countries of the world). This represents 23% of an estimated 2009 world population of 6.8 billion people. (per study done by Pew forum). Refer to related link below.

60% of these Muslims live in Asia, mainly Pakistan, India, Indonesia, and Bangladesh.

20% of these Muslims live in North Africa and the Middle East, from Morocco to Iran.

This shows a person how many Muslims are non-Arab and that Islam allows people of any background to convert and accept the religion. The country currently with the most Muslims is Indonesia.

Refer to related questions below for more information.

Answer 1

It is not Islam splitting. It is just different view points on non critical issues. Both Shiites and Sunnis believe in:

• one and only one God; with no partner, no companion, no son, no father, no associate, and no equivalence.
• all God prophets (from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Isac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, ..., Jesus, and the last Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon them all)
• all God angels
• Hell and Paradise (or Heaven)
• all God holy books including Torah, Bible, and Qur'an
• destiny, whether good or bad
• Resurrection Day and 2nd eternal life

Both Sunnis and Shiites follow the same Qur'an and prophet Muhammad teachings including the five basic pillars of Islam (including praying, fasting, alms giving, and hajj and both are practicing them per prophet Muhammad detailed teachings although Shiites added to them some other minor items based also on prophet Muhammad sayings.

The main difference is that: they considered that Ali Ibn AbouTaleb (Prophet Muhammad's Cousin) was legitimate to success Prophet Muhamad (after his death) in ruling the Muslims rather than that the election of the successor Abou Bakr who was followed by Omar and Osman Ibn Affan and then Ali Ibn AbouTaleb.

The other important point is that no one has the right to expel anyone out of Islam and to consider him/her unbeliever (or Kafir) so far:

• he/she witness that no god Except one God (Allah) with no partner and that Muhammad is God messenger and prophet, and that
• he/she doesn't deny intentionally the praying (Salah), paying Zakat (Alms giving), fasting Ramadan, and pilgrimage (Hajj).

Answer 2

The main split in Islam is over how the leaders of the faith should be chosen - in particular, who should have succeeded Muhammad and over doctrinal issues stemming from which successors they accept, in particular, over what writings to accept as authoritative outside the Qur'an - these additional writing are referred to as the "hadith" and are composed of writings and collections of oral traditions.

The Sunni branch accepts the first four "caliphs" as rightful successors of Muhammad and accepts hadiths narrated by the "companions" of Muhammad. The Sunnis believe that Muhammad did not specifically appoint a successor to lead the Muslim community before his death, and a group of his most prominent companions gathered and elected Abu Bakr Siddique a father-in-law and close friend of Muhammad as the first "caliph" of Islam. The Sunni canon of hadith took its final form more than 230 years after the death of Muhammad (632 AD). Later scholars may have debated the authenticity of particular hadith but the authority of the canon as a whole was not questioned. This canon is referred to as "the six major Hadith collections".

The Shia, by contrast, believe that the leadership of Islam should have passed to his surviving family or "Ahl al-Bayt" (the People of the House)because Allah decided selected them as leader, not only because they are relatives of prophet SAWW. They assert that his descendants, known as Imams, are the only ones with special spiritual and political authority rule over the community. They also assert that Ali ibn Abj Talib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the first of these Imams and was the rightful successor to Muhammad, and consequently reject the legitimacy of the first three "caliphs". In the Shia hadith you will often find sermons attributed to his successor Ali. Shi'a Muslims do not use the six major Hadith collections followed by the Sunni, instead, their primary hadith collections are written by three authors who are known as the 'Three Muhammads'.

Despite what the first answerer said - there are differences in what each group believes including what each considers to be faithful practice of Islam, acceptability of terrorist actions in the name of Islam and whether it is mandatory to kill or imprison anyone who chooses to leave Islam. Most outsiders would consider many of these to be "critical issues".

Commentary on Answer 2

I agree on the information in Answer 2, however:

• Ali ibn Abu Talib himself (Allah be pleased with him), and all who were supporting his legitimacy to the first Caliph, supported the first three caliphs during their ruling and Ali was their arm in advice and support. (according to shia Islam more than 100 Sahaba; although of much less percentage of all Muslim Sahabis; opposed Caliphate of Abubakr and did not give Bayat to him)
• The claimed differences between Shiites and Sunnis are not crucial and not expelling any of them to be true Muslims and good believers.
• Terrorist actions against civilians are condemned by both Shiites and Sunnis
• Both Shiites and Sunnis accept, of course, the Qur'an saying that no compulsion in religion. Accordingly, they don't agree to kill or imprison anyone who chooses to leave Islam unless he attacks Islam and use his convert from Islam as a way for earning money through working with some media agencies to propagate lies against Islam.

Answer 3 (shia view)

The reason is for Imamat (leadership). shia Muslims believe Imamt is one of pillars of Islam and only God has the right to select the leader (Caliph) for leading humans and this leader is deputy of God on earth and has divine knowledge and never says "I do not know" and can answer any question of humans and can lead humans to meet God. Shia Muslims believe God selected Imam Ali as first leader after prophet Muhammad SAWW and prophet declared it at Ghadir in front of 120,000 Muslims and companions including Abubakr and Umar and Uthman congratulated this to Ali a.s. and given him Byat (pledge of alliance). this made Shia Muslims do not recognize Abubakr as leader and follow in Ali and 11 other Imams after him as their leaders even if not officially in power. please refer to below books for more details about Imamat.

Answer 4

Differences in the Five Pillars:

Five Pillars of Islam according to shia Muslims are:

1. Monotheism: The Oneness of Allah (tawhid)

2. Divine Justice ('adl)

3. Prophethood (nubuwwa)

4. Succession to Muhammad (imamat)

5. The Day of Judgement and the Resurrection (Qiyama)

Practices of Islam according to shia Muslims:

1- Prayers (salaat) - 5 times a day

2- Fasting (sawm) during Ramadan

3- Alms giving (zakaat and khums)

5- Pilgrimage to the city of Makkah (hajj)

6- Holy Defense (Jihad)

7-8. Enjoining good (amr bil-ma'rouf) and forbidding evil (nahiy an al-munkar)

9- Supporting those who walk in the path of Allah (tawalli li awliyaa' Allah)

10- Turning away from the enemies of Allah (tabarri min a'daa Allah)

Five Pillars of Islam according to Sunni Muslims are:

1. professing (Shahadah)

2. Prayer (Salat)

3. Alms-giving (Zakāt)

4. Fasting (Sawm of Ramadan)

5. Pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj)

also different sects of sunni have differs in five pillars. for example Mu'tazilate Sunni Scholars like shia consider Adl as one pillar. but Ash'arites does not believe Adl is one of Pillars although believing in Adl as an attribute of God but with an interpret of Adl that in view of shia and Mu'tazilate is equal to not having Adl.

a question about succession to the khalifahship, or deputy status, after Mohammed died. The Sunnis wanted it to be by a political process open to all the early and important followers, the Shia wanted it to be a family or dynastic line.

Somewhat ironically, the Shia candidate, Ali, did eventually become Khailfah under the political process and equally ironically, the khalifahship has become defunct. However, the hostilities stirred up by the conflict lived on and the two sects have grown apart in other ways.

Answer 5

They just got divided on the way the successor of the prophet (after his death) should be. Muslims elected Abou Bakr to be the first Caliph after prophet Muhammad (PBUH) death. However, some Muslims believed that the successor should be from the family of the prophet and hence should Ali Ibn Abou Taleb (the prophet cousin and husband of his daughter). However, after the election of AbouBakr, they joined the majority and even Ali Ibn Abou Taleb (God be pleased with him) supported the elected Caliph. The same scenario was repeated after election of Omar Ibn Alkhattab as the second Caliph and Othman Ibn Affan as the third Caliph. Ali Ibn Abou Taleb was then elected as the fourth Caliph.

However, Sunnis and Shiites are just two Islamic schools that differ in minor issues.The outsiders are trying to feed up assumed differences and conflicts between Muslim groups to gain control on Muslim countries and on their resources. The two main groups are Sunnis and Shiites. Both groups agree upon basic Islam pillars, believe in same and only version of Quran, believe and follow the sunnah of same prophet (PBUH), pray to same direction (facing Kaba in Makkah or Mecca in Saudi Arabia, go to same places on pilgrimage (or Hajj), and adhere to same Islam morals and ritual worships. They only differ on some side issues that are not critical.

Some other groups as Taliban and Al-Qaeda are in conflict with both Sunnis and Shiites true Muslims.

Answer 6

They just got divided on the way the successor of the prophet (after his death) should be. some of top Arab tribe bosses at Saqifeh elected Abou Bakr to be the first Caliph after prophet Muhammad (PBUH) death and other Muslims were forced and even killed (for example سعد ابن عباده Saad Ib Ebadeh) to accept this ruler. Some like Ali ., Salman, Abuzar, Miqdad, Bilal,... disagreed this election. they believed that the successor should be Ali a.s. because God selected him as leader and not because he is relative of prophet SAWW. However, after the election of AbouBakr, they did not fight for power and Ali a.s helped the elected Caliph for survive of real Islam and to big enemies like Roman and Persian empires can not destroy Islam using civil war of Muslims. and always declared his disagreement with this election bu did not made civil war for power. The same scenario was repeated after election of Umar as the second Caliph by will of Abubakr and Othman as the third Caliph by election in a 6 persons meeting. When Uthman was killed in civil war , Ali was then elected as the fourth Caliph by majority of Muslims while he was not interested in power.

However, Sunnis and Shiites are two Islamic schools that differ in major (pillars of Islam) and minor issues. The world Imperialists know Islam is truth and if people know this they will lost power. so they try to make wars between Muslim groups to gain control on Muslim countries and on their resources. for example they bomb a shia mosque and tell in media that sunni did it and so on. The two main groups are Sunnis and Shiites. Both groups agree upon basic Islam pillars(unless Imamat (Islamic rules for political leadership)) and believe in same and only version of Quran and follow the sunnah of same prophet (PBUH), pray to same direction (facing Kaba in Makkah or Mecca in Saudi Arabia, go to same places on pilgrimage (or Hajj), and adhere to same Islam morals and ritual worships. Thier main differ is in Imamat.shia beleives based on Quran and Islam the only one who has the right to elect the leader is God and Muslims do not have such a right in Islam.

Answer 7

No one has noticed the wording of question which says " Why did Islam split into ......." while all answers are related to splitting of Muslim in two groups . Islam is the religion as per Quran , its interpretations by its followers vary. Majority of the Muslim is Sunni while Shia are in minority .This split in Muslim is a ground reality and can't be denied , and such issues can't be settled .Final conclusion is Sunni and Shia muslim disagry on many basic principals including caliphate or imamat.

Answer 8

As explained above; It is no splitting. It is just different view points on non critical issues. Both Shiites and Sunnis believe in:

• one and only one God with no partner, no son, no father, no companion, no associate, and no equivalence,
• believe in all God prophets (from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Isac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, ..., Jesus, and last Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon them all),
• all God angels
• all God holy books including Torah, Bible, and Quran
• destiny, whether good or bad
• Resurrection Day, judgement, and 2nd eternal life

Both are bound to the five pillars of Islam and following them. These five pillars; despite the different interpretations of Sunnis and Shiites; are based on the prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) hadith.

The main difference is that: they considered that Ali Ibn AbouTaleb Prophet Mohammed's Cousin) was legitimate to success Prophet Mohamed (after his death) in ruling the Muslims rather that the successor Abou Bakr who was followed by Omar and Osman Ibn Affan and then Ali Ibn AbouTaleb

No one has the right to expel anyone out of Islam and to consider him/her unbeliever (or Kafir) so far:

• he/she witness that no god Except one God (Allah) with no partner and that Muhammad is his messenger and prophet, and that
• he/she doesn't deny intentionally the praying (Salah), paying Zakat (Alms giving), fasting Ramadan, and pilgrimage (Hajj).

Refer to related question below.

Answer 9

The Shia-Sunni split is not a recent phenomenon. The root of this division can be traced to just a few days after the death of our Prophet (pbuh&hp). Shi'as believe that the Prophet within his lifetime unambiguously appointed Imam Ali bin Abi Talib as his successor, and the caliph of the Muslim ummah (nation) after his death.

However, Sunnis believe that the Prophet did not decicively fix the choice of the caliph after him, nor did he fix or proscribe any method of selection of this next caliph. As a result, Sunnis accept Imam Ali (a.s.) to be the fourth caliph, not the first (the first three recorded in their histories are Abu Bakr, Umar al-Farook and Uthman bin Affan).

The Shi'a call themselves so, because we describe ourselves as "Shi'an-e-Ali" (Party/Followers of Ali - "Shia" means party member or follower). Now this difference of belief did not immediately result in a division amongst Muslims at that time. The division occurred later when the self-appointed caliphs of the Islamic nation began persecution of Shi'as because of their refusal to acknowledge the caliphate of these rulers.

These Shi'a refused to acknowledge the caliphate of these rulers because of the Shi'a belief that only the Prophet (under instructions from Allah) could appoint a caliph for the Muslim ummah, as he had already done so during his lifetime.

The history of the Muslim ummah, after the demise of the Prophet, unfolded in the following manner. After a large portion of Muslims refrained from acknowledging Imam Ali as the first caliph, he (Imam Ali) chose to wait with patience over this affair, rather than fight for his right, since the Prophet had advised him in the last days of his life to deal with the clamities that followed his (the Prophet's) death with patience, so as to not cause divisions within the Muslim ummah. As a result, he withrew himself from active participation in political affairs and with matters regarding the handling of the government.

After the death of the third caliph, the state of the Muslim nation had severely deteriorated since the time of the Prophet, and much of the injustice and suffering that was prevalent during the pre-Islamic era had creeped back into society. Muslims, acknowledging the dire situation their nation was in, then earnestly appealed to Imam Ali to take up the caliphate as they realized that there was no one more worthy than him for that position. After a lot of persuasion, Imam Ali reluctantly agreed.

Now within the rule of Imam Ali, Muawiyah bin Abu Sufyan rose up and waged a bloody war against him. He (Muawiyah) unjustly claimed that Imam Ali was either responsible or connected to the death of the previous caliph, and that this war of his was revenge for that death. Eventually, after a long war, a compromise was reached, and partial peace was restored.

However, after the death of Imam Ali, Muawiyah declared himself caliph of the Muslim ummah, and confronted Hasan bin Ali (a.s.), the son of Imam Ali, who was appointed by him as his successor. Again Muawiyah tried to wage a war against the true caliph, but this time Hasan bin Ali (a.s.) managed to work out a compromise with him that permitted him governance of the Muslim ummah till his death, after which it would return to Hasan bin Ali (a.s.) or his successor.

However, before Muawiyah died, he appointed his son Yazeed bin Muawiyah as the next caliph, blatantly contradicting the terms of the peace-treaty that he had given his oath of allegiance to earlier with Hasan bin Ali (a.s.). Meanwhile Hasan bin Ali (a.s.) had appointed his brother Husayn (a.s.) as his successor, and he was thus the rightful caliph. But Yazeed had taken that title for himself, and ordered Husayn (a.s.) to pay allegiance to him. Husayn (a.s.) refused. As a result, Yazeed's forces salughtered Husayn (a.s.), the grandson of the Prophet (pbuh&hp), and his family members in the land of Karbala, on the day of A'shurah.

In Yazeed's rule, and in the rule of the succeeding rulers appointed by him, the Shi'as suffered extreme levels of injustice and mistreatment from these rulers, who deliberately persecuted Shi'as without inhibition, and without any regard for Islam or morality. As a result the Shi'as withdrew themselves from the government (which was mainly Sunni), and remanied secluded from matters of caliphate for hundreds of years that followed, and this seclusion has resulted in the prominent Shi'a-Sunni split that you see today.

For a much more detailed analysis of the historical causes of this issue, read the online book in the Related Links below.

Answer 10

th cause or reason of the separation of the Shiite minority from the Sunni majority :the friends and followers of Ali believed that after the death of prophet, the caliphate and religious authority belonged to ALI. this belief came from consideration of Ali's position and station in relation to the prophet , his relation to the chosen among the companions , as well as his relation to muslim as general.

it was only the events that occurred during the few days of the prophet final illness that indicated that there was opposition to their view, contrary expectation, at the very moment when the prophet died and his body lay still unburied while his household and a few companion occupied with for his burial and funeral services , the friend and followers of Ali received news of the activity of another group who had gone to the mosque where community where gathered faced with this sudden loss of its leader.

this group ,Which was later ti form the majority , set forth in great haste to select a caliph for the muslim with the aims of the ensuring the welfare of the community and solving its immediate problems. they did this without consulting the household of the prophet , his relatives or many of his friends who were busy with funeral and without providing them with the least information. thus Ali and his companions were presented with a fait accompli .

Ali and his friends such as Abbas , Zubayr , Salman . Abu Dharr , Meghdad and Ammar, after finishing with the burial of the body of the prophet became aware of the proceedings by which the caliph had been selected . they proteted against the act of choosing the caliph by consultation or election , and also against those who were responsible for carrying it out.

they even presented their own proofs and arguments but the answer they received was that the welfare of the Muslims was at sake and the solution lay in what had been done.it was this protest and criticism which separated from the majority the minority that were following Ali and made his followers known to society as the partisans or shiah of Ali . the caliphate of the time was anxious to guard against this appellation being given to the Shiite minority and thus to have Muslim society divided into sections comprised of a majority and a minority .

THE supporters of the caliph considered the caliphate to be a matter of the consensus of the community , and called those who objected the opponents of allegiance . they claimed that the shiiah stood, therefore opposed to muslim society .sometimes the shiiah were given other pejorative and degrading names.

shiism was condemn from the first moment because of the political situation of the time and thus it could not accomplish anything through mere political protest.

Ali in order to safeguard the well-being of Islam and the Muslims and also because of lack of sufficient political and military power did not endeavor to begin an uprising against the existing political order which would have been of a bloody nature . yet those who protested against the established caliphate refused to surrender to the majority in certain questions of faith and continued to hold that the succession to the prophet and the religious authority belonged by right to Ali. they believed all spiritual and religious matters should be refered to him and invited people to becime his followersIslam is Sunni and it did not split.It passed down from the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of god be upon him).Shias are a sect which changed alot of the teachings of the Prophet.Most of the Muslims regard them as non Muslim.

Answer 11

Islam is Sunni and it did not split.It passed down from the time of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of god be upon him).Shias are a sect which changed alot of the teachings of the Prophet.Most of the Muslims regard them as non Muslim.

Answer 13 The question phrasing is wrong. There is no splitting in Islam. The westerners are trying to amplify some differences between Sunnis and Shiites to create unjustified conflicts to allow the West in getting control of the Islamic countries and putting hands on the resources of the Islamic countries.

As explained before, it is just different view points on non critical issues. Both Shiites and Sunnis believe in:

• one and only one God; with no partner, no companion, no son, no father, no associate, and no equivalence.
• all God prophets (from Adam, Noah, Abraham, Ismael, Isac, Jacob, Joseph, Moses, David, Solomon, ..., Jesus, and the last Prophet Mohamed (peace be upon them all)
• all God angels
• Hell and Paradise (or Heaven)
• all God holy books including Torah, Bible, and Qur'an
• destiny, whether good or bad
• Resurrection Day and 2nd eternal life

Both Sunnis and Shiites follow the same Qur'an and prophet Muhammad teachings including the five basic pillars of Islam (including praying, fasting, alms giving, and hajj and both are practicing them per prophet Muhammad detailed teachings although Shiites added to them some other minor items based also on prophet Muhammad sayings.

The main difference is that: they considered that Ali Ibn AbouTaleb (Prophet Muhammad's Cousin) was legitimate to success Prophet Muhamad (after his death) in ruling the Muslims rather than that the election of the successor Abou Bakr who was followed by Omar and Osman Ibn Affan and then Ali Ibn AbouTaleb.

The other important point is that no one has the right to expel anyone out of Islam and to consider him/her unbeliever (or Kafir) so far:

• he/she witness that no god Except one God (Allah) with no partner and that Muhammad is God messenger and prophet, and that
• he/she doesn't deny intentionally the praying (Salah), paying Zakat (Alms giving), fasting Ramadan, and pilgrimage (Hajj).

It remains to mention that:

• Ali ibn Abu Talib himself (Allah be pleased with him), and all who were supporting his legitimacy to be the first Caliph, supported the first three caliphs during their ruling and Ali was their right arm in advice and support.
• The claimed differences between Shiites and Sunnis are not crucial and not expelling any of them to be true Muslims and good believers.
• Terrorist actions against civilians are condemned by both Shiites and Sunnis
• Both Shiites and Sunnis accept, of course, the Qur'an saying that no compulsion in religion. Accordingly, they don't agree to kill or imprison anyone who chooses to leave Islam unless he attacks Islam and use his convert from Islam as a way for earning money through working with some media agencies to propagate lies against Islam.

Answer 12

the friends and followers of Ali believed that after the death of prophet, the caliphate and religious authority belonged to ALI. this belief came from consideration of Ali's position and station in relation to the prophet , his relation to the chosen among the companions , as well as his relation to muslim as general.

it was only the events that occurred during the few days of the prophet final illness that indicated that there was opposition to their view, contrary expectation, at the very moment when the prophet died and his body lay still unburied while his household and a few companion occupied with for his burial and funeral services , the friend and followers of Ali received news of the activity of another group who had gone to the mosque where community where gathered faced with this sudden loss of its leader.

this group ,Which was later ti form the majority , set forth in great haste to select a caliph for the muslim with the aims of the ensuring the welfare of the community and solving its immediate problems. they did this without consulting the household of the prophet , his relatives or many of his friends who were busy with funeral and without providing them with the least information. thus Ali and his companions were presented with a fait accompli .

Ali and his friends such as Abbas , Zubayr , Salman . Abu Dharr , Meghdad and Ammar, after finishing with the burial of the body of the prophet became aware of the proceedings by which the caliph had been selected . they proteted against the act of choosing the caliph by consultation or election , and also against those who were responsible for carrying it out.

they even presented their own proofs and arguments but the answer they received was that the welare of the muslims was at sake and the solution lay in what had been done.it was this protest and criticism which separated from the majority the minority that were following Ali and made his followers known to society as the partisans or shiah of Ali . the caliphate of the time was anxious to guard against this appellation being given to the Shiite minority and thus to have muslim society divided into sections comprised of a majority and a minority .

THE supporters of the caliph considered the caliphate to be a matter of the consensus of the community , and called those who objected the opponents of allegiance . they claimed that the shiiah stood, therefore opposed to muslim society .sometimes the shiiah were given other pejorative and degrading names.

shiism was condemn from the first moment because of the political situation of the time and thus it couild not accomplish anything through mere political protest.

Ali in order to safeguard the well-being of islam and the muslims and also because of lack of sufficient political and military power did not endeavor to begin an uprising aganst the existing political order which would have been of a bloody nature . yet those who proteted against the established caliphate refused to surrender to the majority in certain questions of faith and continued to hold that the succession to the prophet and the religious authority belonged by right to Ali. they believed all spiritual and religious matters should be refered to him and invited people to becime his followers.

Shahada (شهادة) in Arabic means "testimony" or "witness statement". The term is often used to refer to the Muslim declaration of faith wherein Muslims say that they bear witness to God's existence. It can also mean "certificate" like a bachelor's degree or similar.

When Muslims refer specifically to ash-Shahada (الشهادة), they are referring to the Muslim declaration of Faith. Ash-Shahada is to witness that no God except one and only one God (Allah in arabic) and that Prophet Muhammad is His messenger. The recitation of ash-Shadada is considered one of the five pillars of Islam. To be accepted by Muslims ash-Shahada must be said in front of an audience of believers.

In English, the wording is,"There is no God but God and Muhammad is God's Prophet." in Arabic, the wording is, [ʾašhadu ʾan] lā ilāha illā-llāh, wa [ʾašhadu ʾanna] muḥammadan rasūlu-llāhTransliterated this means: "[I testify that] there is no god (ilah) but God (Allah), and [I testify that] Muhammad is the messenger of Allah."

Refer to question below for more information.

Church

• worship place for christians

Mosque

• Worship place for Muslims

okay since that is said, since i am Muslim, i will say some of the less obvious differences

mosque is the English word for where a Muslim worships, most, if not all, Muslims call it a Masjid. This is an Arabic word that means a place where prostration (you know when ur touching your head on the floor) takes place. This is one thing that is different, i have never heard of people in a church prostrating, and i don't know what other kinds of differences you are looking for but these are very basic things

In addition to the above, that I fully agree upon:

The mosque (or masjid) does not include any icons or prophet pictures or statues as the church.

The original language of the Holy book Quran is Arabic. The Arabic meaning of Quran is the readable or recitable. Its name in English may be spelled:

• Quran, Qur'an, Quraan,
• Koran, Kor'an. Koraan,
• Kuran, Kur'an, or Kuraan

In Islam or any other faith tradition, no harm can come of telling someone about a bad dream. Dreams occur within the dreamer's mind, just like one's thoughts. Islam is about submission to the One, not about superstitious fears.

Answer 2:

You can do nothing about the past, from now on don't make the same mistake. If you saw a bad dream or a nightmare then you have to say " O Allah (God)! I seek refuge with Thee from the Satan".

Don't tell anyone about it & it will never harm you enshaa Allah.

Advice: To avoid such bad dreams recite the verse of Throne before sleeping as we have been taught by the prophet Muhammad PBUH, it's a great protection by the will of Allah the Almighty from each evil.

Here is this verse, it's memorized by approximately each Muslim:

(Allah. There is no god but He,-the Living, the Self-subsisting, Eternal. No slumber can seize Him nor sleep. His are all things in the heavens and on earth. Who is there can intercede in His presence except as He permitteth? He knoweth what (appeareth to His creatures as) before or after or behind them. Nor shall they compass aught of His knowledge except as He willeth. His Throne doth extend over the heavens and the earth, and He feeleth no fatigue in guarding and preserving them for He is the Most High, the Supreme (in glory)).

Holy Quran,(2:255).

wish you happy true dreams/ visions.