Is Shia Islam an early form of nepotism?
As you know, the differences between the Sunni and Shiite sects are rooted in disagreements over the succession to the Prophet Muhammad and over the nature of the leadership the Muslim community should have.
Shiites believed the leadership should be transmitted though the prophet's bloodline, and believed Ali, Mohamed's cousin, to be the rightful successor.
In contrast, Sunnis believed that leadership should be awarded to a qualified, pious individual who would follow the customs of the Prophet.
They advocated elections as a mechanism of choosing the successor of Mohamed.
To be honest, I find the Sunni "shura" system more logical and in touch with today's democratic society. The Shia bloodline concept reminds me a lot of hereditary dictatorships in he Middle East.
What are your thoughts?
(Of course this thread does not to deny the ensuing Sunni violence that resulted in the death of Ali's sons. But this warrants a separate discussion)
As you know, the differences between the Sunni and Shiite sects are rooted in disagreements over the succession to the Prophet Muhammad and over the nature of the leadership the Muslim community should have.
Shiites believed the leadership should be transmitted though the prophet's bloodline, and believed Ali, Mohamed's cousin, to be the rightful successor.
In contrast, Sunnis believed that leadership should be awarded to a qualified, pious individual who would follow the customs of the Prophet.
They advocated elections as a mechanism of choosing the successor of Mohamed.
To be honest, I find the Sunni "shura" system more logical and in touch with today's democratic society. The Shia bloodline concept reminds me a lot of hereditary dictatorships in he Middle East.
What are your thoughts?
(Of course this thread does not to deny the ensuing Sunni violence that resulted in the death of Ali's sons. But this warrants a separate discussion)