Islam: Sunnis and Shiites

Abstract

The majority of the world's Muslim population follows the Sunni branch of Islam, and approximately 10-15% of all Muslims follow the Shiite (Shi ite, Shi a, Shia) branch. Shiite populations constitute a majority in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan. There are also significant Shiite populations in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen. Sunnis and Shiites share most basic religious tenets. However, their differences sometimes have been the basis for religious intolerance, political infighting, and violent confrontations. This report includes a historical background of the Sunni-Shiite split and the differences in religious beliefs and practices between and within each Islamic sect as well as their similarities. The report also relates Sunni and Shiite religious beliefs to current discussions of Islamic terrorist groups, Iraq, and other issues of interest to the 109th Congress. This report will not be updated. Related CRS products include CRS Report RS21432 and CRS Report RS21695.

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Document Details

Document Type
Technical Report
Publication Date
Feb 10, 2005
Accession Number
ADA476265

Entities

People

  • Christopher M. Blanchard

Organizations

  • Library of Congress

Tags

Communities of Interest

  • Human Systems

DTIC Thesaurus Topics

  • Afghanistan
  • Africa
  • Arabia
  • Azerbaijan
  • Central Asia
  • Ethnic Groups
  • Governments
  • Law
  • Middle East
  • Minority Groups
  • Pakistan
  • Religion
  • Saudi Arabia
  • South Asia
  • Terrorists
  • United Arab Emirates
  • United States

Readers

  • Nuclear Non-Proliferation and International Security
  • Political Violence and Terrorism Studies.