Division of Islam: Sunni Shia

A Split in Islam The Umayyads succeeded at conquering much land, but internal struggles threatened the empire’s stability. Many Muslims of non-Arab background, such as Persians and Byzantines, did not like the way local administrators favored the Arabs. Financial troubles further weakened the Umayyad dynasty. The empire was so large it was difficult to rule from a capital so far from the frontiers. These distant regions began to develop their own power, and they were hostile to the caliphate.An especially important revolt took place in what is now Iraq. Early in the Umayyad period, Hussein (hoo•SAYN) led this revolt. He was the second son of Ali, who was the son-in-law of Muhammad. Hussein encouraged his followers to rise up against Umayyad rule in 680. He set off to do battle, but his soldiers defected, or abandoned him. He was left with an army of 72 warriors. They faced 10,000 Umayyad soldiers. Hussein’s tiny force fought courageously, but they all died.This struggle led to a split of Islam into two groups. The Shia(SHEE•AH) Muslims accept only the descendants of Ali as the true rulers of Islam. The Sunni (SU•NEE) did not all agree with Umayyad rule, but they accepted the Umayyads as caliphs. This political split led to the development of two branches of Muslims, and these branches continue to exist today. The Sunnis are a majority in the Muslim world. However, most of the people in Iraq and neighboring Iran are Shia Muslims. Shia Only Ali's children can become the Caliph Most people in Iraq and Iran Non Arab Muslims such as Persians and Byzantines Hussein lead failed revolt against the Umayyad Sunni The majority of people within the Muslim World The Umayyad Dynasty was unable to govern its vast territories Describe the complaints of the Shia against the Sunni? ( a minimum of 3 complaints) Which country has a majority of Shia Muslims? Which country is a majority Shia Muslims? Which country is a majority Shia Muslims? Iran