Islam 101

Lesson 2: The Development Of Islam

Islamic Traditions and Outgrowths

Like groups found within all religions, Islam is not a unified, cohesive group either. On the contrary, there are divisions, some of which have existed for almost the entirety of the tradition. As well, there are entire groups that have grown as offshoots from Islam, while they claim lineage with the Muslim tradition (a claim that is often supported by historical evidence); over the years, they have become their own, unique traditions.

The two major branches of Islam are the Sunni branch and the Shi'i (or Shi'ite) branch. The division between these two groups grew out of serious disputes concerning the succession of leaders following the death of the prophet. Sunni Muslims, currently the world's majority of Muslims, feel that leadership of caliphs should be granted to those appointed by succession or at least showing a great degree of leadership ability. This group strongly feels that no special consideration should be granted if the claimant’s only qualification is his membership in the family or house of Muhammad the prophet. The Shi'i sect, on the other hand, believes that leadership abilities are indeed important, but the group places a significant amount of emphasis on keeping the succession within the family of Muhammad, specifically through the ancestry of his daughter Fatima. The Shi'i in fact believe that the chosen successors of Muhammad are endowed with a special wisdom granted to them by God. When Shi'i leaders were killed without leaving successors, the followers would hope that the leader had been “hidden” from the world, and would be revealed again at the appropriate time.

Though these two groups are the major forces in Islam, there are certainly others. A more modern group, which is not nearly as well known or recognized as the other two, is the group known as the Ahmadiya Muslims, which originated in India. This group has been thoroughly rejected by orthodox Muslims for their syncretic tendencies. The movement began with Mirza Ghulam Ahmad of Qadiyan at the end of the nineteenth century. He saw himself as continuing the traditions of Jesus, Krishna and primarily Muhammad, and for this latter fact the group remains Muslim. This group puts special emphasis on peaceful action.

Though in the strictest sense not a Muslim group, the religion of Sikhism can be shown to have Muslim roots. It is a tradition begun by Nanak in India in the sixteenth century, which is best described as a syncretic Muslim/Hindu religion, though now it has become entirely unique. It proclaims that there is no divergence in religion, but that all are called to worship the one true deity.

Also labeled an Islamic offshoot is the Baha'i faith. This tradition grew out of the Persian Shi'i tradition in the mid-nineteenth century. Like the Ahmadiyan movement, the continuity with several religious traditions is stressed, and like the Sikh tradition, the unity of God and fellowship of all humanity is emphasized.

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