Sectarian Division in Islam: A Comparative Analysis of the Historical and Contemporary Shia-Sunni Schism

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dc.contributorGuenther, Irene V.
dc.contributorContractor, Cyrus A.
dc.contributorRayder, Benjamin T.
dc.contributor.authorAbidi, Dua Z.
dc.date.accessioned2021-09-16T21:32:08Z
dc.date.available2021-09-16T21:32:08Z
dc.date.issued2021-05
dc.description.abstractThrough the use of primary and secondary sources, as well as several hundred responses to a survey sent to Muslim communities, this thesis examines sectarianism in Islam, its roots, historical narratives, and recent political events. More specifically, this thesis attempts to address whether certain divisions are irrevocably in place, whether they have been fostered for generations by familial transference, and whether there can ever be reconciliation between Muslims of different sects. In this thesis, I specifically seek to comparatively analyze the historically documented rifts between Shia and Sunni Muslims with the contemporary existence of sectarianism. Moreover, the aspect of politicization is included due to its significant role in the rift. Not only does this thesis provide insight into a millennium-long feud between members of the two largest Islamic sects, but it also gives modern-day Shia and Sunni Muslims a platform to express their own feelings about the internal schism. The disunity that exists within a faith which emphatically promotes brotherhood and unity is, in every sense of the word, paradoxical. Therefore, by examining key secondary sources, as well as amassing data and personal statements from a wide range of individuals who identify with one or the other sect, I provide a clearer view of the contemporary conflict. In the end, I hope that the understanding of these differences – from the point of view of historical and contemporary Muslims – illuminates the inherent desire for undisturbed unification.
dc.description.departmentPsychological, Health, and Learning Sciences, Department of
dc.description.departmentHonors College
dc.identifier.urihttps://hdl.handle.net/10657/8258
dc.language.isoen
dc.relation.ispartofSenior Honors Theses
dc.rightsThe author of this work is the copyright owner. UH Libraries and the Texas Digital Library have their permission to store and provide access to this work. Further transmission, reproduction, or presentation of this work is prohibited except with permission of the author(s).
dc.subjectIslam
dc.subjectMuslim
dc.subjectShia
dc.subjectSunni
dc.subjectShia-Sunni schism
dc.subjectShia-Sunni sectarianism
dc.subjectIslamic sectarianism
dc.subjectShia-Sunni unity
dc.subjectPoliticization of Islam
dc.subjectEarly Islamic history
dc.subjectGenerational transference
dc.subjectIntrafaith work
dc.subjectRestorative justice
dc.subjectIslamic politics
dc.titleSectarian Division in Islam: A Comparative Analysis of the Historical and Contemporary Shia-Sunni Schism
dc.typeHonors Thesis
dc.type.dcmiText
thesis.degree.collegeCollege of Education
thesis.degree.levelBachelors
thesis.degree.nameBachelor of Science

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