Shia & Sunni
Islam is divided into several branches and sub-sects. the two main sects of Islam are Sunni and Shia. Sunni is the largest group with 85 percent of the Muslim population whereas Shia’s make up 15% of the population. The two sects formed right immediately after the death of prophet as there was no leader for the community, so the people decided to choose themselves. The Sunni’s - which means "people of the community and the tradition" – decided that the leader should be someone respected by the community and know the disciples of the prophet. They chose Abu Bakr who was one of Muhammad's closest friend and he was the first caliphs to succeed Muhammad. After Abu Bakr came Umar, Uthman, and Ali. The Shia's, however, disagreed with …show more content…
Sawm is especially associated with Ramadan, the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. Muslims who are not able to are exempted For example while traveling or sick. but Muslims who are able they are required to fast from dawn to sunset for the entire month. Fasting during Ramadan is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. During Fast, Muslims are required to withhold from food, drink and sexual intercourse. In addition, Muslims are expected to refrain from all the bad activities including anger, envy, greed, lust, gossip, violence, bad language and other inappropriate thoughts and actions. Fasting is to bring Muslims more close to Allah, be patient, and learn the hardships faced by the less …show more content…
AD 570—632) was from Mecca. An orphan from childhood, Muhammad was raised by an uncle, named Abu Talib, and became a merchant. Muhammad was a religious man, often going on retreats to the mountains where he would pray. During one of these retreats, he reported being visited by the angel Gabriel, who supposedly gave Muhammad a revelation from Allah, the Muslim name for God. Muhammad reported having several other revelations from Allah as well, and Muslims regard him as Allah’s last and greatest prophet to mankind.
Early on in his attempts, Muhammad did not win many followers; many of the Meccan tribes opposed his message. Muhammad moved north to the city of Medina for protection. After eight years of conflict with the Meccan tribes, Muhammad gathered 10,000 converts, took up arms, and marched against Mecca. He and his followers took over Mecca and destroyed all the pagan idols there. There was very little bloodshed or resistance from Mecca, and the city fell to Muhammad relatively easily. And later on he continued his practice and succeeded .It is believed he is the last prophet and no other prophet will ever come after him.