Sunni and Shia

The Sunni and Shia conflict is sectarian in nature, born from political-Islamic disputes over who should lead the Muslims after the passing of the Prophet (peace upon him). However, the conflict has long since grown in complexity, surpassing the differing ideologies of Sunni and Shia Muslims and manifesting in broader geopolitical, economic, and cultural arenas.

In Medina, the Prophet Muhammad (peace upon him) passed away unexpectedly in year 632 AD without clarification as to whom would replace him as the leader of the Muslims. A majority of his followers considered Abu Bakr Al Sadeek to be the rightful leader(Caliph) since he was supposedly the first male convert to Islam. Additionally, Abu Bakr was the Prophet’s father in law and his closest friend. However, a small group of the Prophet’s followers disagreed, instead claiming that the rightful Caliph was Ali ibn Talab, the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law. This group formed the Shia sect.

Following the death of the third Caliph Uthman ibn Affan in 656 CE, Ali became the fourth Caliph and first Shia Imam. His rule was contested and tumultuous, beleaguered by violent conflict between the rising Sunni Ummayad Caliphate and Shia groups. In 661 CE Imam Ali was assassinated with a poisoned sword while he prayed at the mosque in Kufah, Iraq. He was succeeded by his son Hasan and then, after that, his son Hussein.

Yazid, the second Ummayad Caliph demanded Hussein's pledge of loyalty, but Hussein refused. What resulted was the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, which was fought between Yazid and Hussein. In the battle, Hussein and his army were massacred. Hussein's sacrifice galvanized the Shi'te Ali movement and became a central event in Shia tradition and theology. The site is commemorated by Shia today.

Sectarian differences have influenced contemporary foreign affairs policy and political alliances between countries who support their preferred types of Islam: Sunnis or Shiites.

The role of sectarianism in the Middle Eastern conflict stems from the political strategic method called "divide and rule" imperialism. This strategy divides the population over a cause, creating controllable and easy-to-manipulate groups. Divided by animosity, the population will not unite and revolt against the authority.

Since the US-led invasion of Iraq in 2003 there has been a growing hegemonic rivalry between Saudi Arabia and Iran over dominance in the Middle East region. The rivalry is fueled from sectarian differences, ideologies, resources and the role of national players.