SEARCH Journal

Shi’a particularity and diversity in Islam

There are many commonalities between Shi’i and Sunni Muslims and many would stress their unity. There are however differences in understanding and worship that identify the Shi’i particularity, which sadly has caused lethal rivalry between Shi’i and Sunni communities. Central to this is the interpretation of history and leadership within Islam. Here the place of the Prophet’s son-in-law Ali and the Shi’i Imams is central. In what follows, I gather together the popular narratives and history associated with both Shi’i and Sunni groups, as expressed and interpreted by the Islamic communities today.

* Full article available in printed copies.

Kieran Flynn

Specialist in Islam and Muslim-Christian Relations, lecturing in Intercultural Theology at University College Cork, is the author of Islam in the West, Iraqi Shi’i Communities in Transition and Dialogue, (Peter Lang 2013)