Persepolis: Religious Context by Valeria Salinas

What is Shia Islam?

valysal1240 — 2024-01-22 23:28:12 UTC

Shia Islam, also known as Shi'ism, is one of the two main branches of Islam (Religion centered on the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad.)

The other main branch is Sunni Islam. The Shia and Sunni Muslims originated from a historical disagreement over the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad.

Shia Muslims believe that the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad were the rightful successor, while Sunni Muslims follow the belief that the first four caliphs were the rightful successors.

valysal1240 — 2024-01-23 00:11:11 UTC

One of the largest populations of Shia Muslims are found in Iran and Iraq.

Shia Islam is the second largest with approximately 10 – 13% of the world Muslim population while Sunni Islam is the sect of the majority of Muslims.

Significance of Shia Islam

valysal1240 — 2024-01-23 00:22:15 UTC

Shia Islam has a significant impact on Iranian culture and politics. Shia Muslims emphasize the concept of Imams who are considered divinely appointed and the succession of leadership through the lineage of Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims commemorate events like Ashura and hold a deep reverence for figures like Ali.

Beliefs and Practices of Shia Islam

valysal1240 — 2024-01-23 14:19:00 UTC

Shia Muslim sects follow the Five Pillars of Islam which are Faith, Prayer, Fating, Almsgiving, and Pilgrimage. They also acknowledge the Quran as holy scripture.

Shia beliefs are based on the concept of Imamat (the person who leads prayers in a Muslim Worship Center), with the Imams considered divinely appointed. The infallibility of the Imams and acknowledgement of the Quran as a holy scripture are key theological aspects. A main difference from the Sunnis is their belief that only Prophet Muhammad's direct descendants can be leaders of the Islamic faith.

Islamic Fundamentalism

valysal1240 — 2024-01-23 14:30:24 UTC

Islamic fundamentalism during and after the Islamic Revolution in Iran pointed to the rise of a conservative and religiously-oriented political ideology that establish an Islamic state based on strict interpretation of Islamic law.

The revolution began in 1979 and resulted in the establishment of an Islamic Republic in Iran. Islamic fundamentalists, often associated with Shia Islam which is aimed to implement a system guided by Islamic principles and rejecting Western influence.

After the revolution, policies were enacted to "Islamize" various aspects of society, including legal, educational, and cultural institutions. Islamic fundamentalism in Iran had a lasting impact on the country's political and social landscape, shaping its domestic and foreign policies.