IDENTITY-SUNNI VERSION Muslim Majority

Development of Identity 1. Within a few months of birth 2. Grows in family 3. Grows further in school and community 4. Sees differences in: a. Color b. Language c. Religion d. Behavior and Customs

Consequences of Identity 1. When Affirmative Can be an Incentive: a. to flourish and b. innovate 2. When Negative Can: a. Lower self-respect and b. even destroy self-confidence

Identity in America 1. Born in America and raised by immigrant parents a.Middle Eastern b.Irish c.Chinese d.Buddhist, Hindu, Jewish, or other identities 2. Immigrated to America, thus facing: a.Cultural clashes b.Nationality dilemma c.Language barrier d.Education seeking

Hold to Identity 1. Islamicly: a. Sunni b. Shi’a 2. Culturally: a. Habits, ethics, and Morality 3. Nationality: a. Language b. Education

Two Branches of Islam The Shi’a and The Sunni

Islamic Identity Know your Islamic Affiliation: Shi’a or Sunni Educate yourself about your conviction Master the English to express yourself well Express yourself with conviction and vigor Talk with confidence and with pride

Sunni Schools of Thought: At first there were many Schools of Thought (more than 20 schools). Through time only four schools persisted: 1.Hanafi 2.Maaliki 3.Shafi‘i 4.Hanbali

Statistics as of 1996: SHI’A …………………………………………..…… Millions SUNNI Hanafi …………….……………………...…………. 380 Millions Maaliki ………………………………………………. 305 Millions Shafi’i ……………………………………………… Millions Hanbali …………………………………… …….. 52 Millions

Similarities: Sunni-Shi’a FaithDoctrine Basics of Rituals Ethical Values Eschatology

Dissimilarities: Sunni-Shi’a Political: Matter of the Khilaafah Ahlul Bayt (Family of the Prophet) Expression of Rituals: the Ritual Technique Evolution of Heritage: Shi’a versus Sunni Source References Tafseer,Hadith, Other Islamic interpretation

The Source Muhammad Shi’a Narration: Ali Ahlul Bayt for 329 Yrs, 12 Generation Sunni Narration: Sahaaba Tabi’een For up to 80 Yrs Two generations

The Sunni and Ahlul Bayt 300 narrators of all Al-Sihah Al-Sitta were students of Al-Saadiq 70 narrators of Al-Bukhari were students of Al- Saadiq Ahlul Bayt Carried out the Teaching of Islam after the Prophet for 329 Years over Twelve Generations The best available means to teach in absence of media

Heritage: Sunni Versus Shi’a Sunni Heritage Shi’a Heritage 1. No Celebration of Ghadeer Khum 2. Ashuraa: Celebrating Moses crossing 3. Ramadhan: Taraweeh Prayers 4. Some Celebrate Birthday of the Prophet (pbuh) 5. Hardly Visitations of the Shrines 6. Reading special Du’aas (Supplications) at different occasions. 1. Do Celebrate Ghadeer Khum 2. Ashuraa: Mourning for Imam Husain. Emphasize Karbala 3. Ramadhan Du’aas (Supplications) 4. Celebration of Birthdays of the Prophet and the 12 Imams 5. Emphasize Visitations of the Shrines 6. Emphasize Reading special Du’aas at different occasions.

Heritage: Sunni Versus Shi’a Sunni Heritage Shi’a Heritage 1. Ij’tihad has been and is Closed 2. Head-Imam is employee of the government, has constraints 3. Head-Imam gives forth Fatwa (not so binding) 4. Mut’ah (Temporary Marriage) Closed 1. Ij’tihad is open and Necessary 2.Head-Imam is chosen by the people, has no constraints 3. Head-Imam is the Mar’ji (to be followed) 4. Mut’ah (Temporary Marriage) Allowed

Sunni Heritage Identify with One of 4 Madh’habs: Hanafi and its Fiqh Shafi’i and its Fiqh Maaliki and its Fiqh Hanbali and its Fiqh Identify exclusively with Al-Sihaah Al-Sitta

Cultural Identity Hold to your ways but be discerning Make effort to befriend people of your nationality Be friendly to Americans Explain to Americans your ways with pride Make Frequent visits to Islamic Centers

Nationalistic Identity Speak your language with parents Teach children Arabic as well as your own language Celebrate your usual national holidays Attend meetings catering to your national aspirations

Unique opportunity in America The US is your host country that gives you freedom of expression and work opportunity As its guest: respect the ways fit for the Americans, but keep your ways intact and sound Be innovative and aggressive in pursuit of you goals and aims

Unique opportunity in America Get involved in the American Process Seek Professions: BusinessConstructionGovernmentPoliticalAdministrativeInvestments The Myriad others available Encourage your children to Pursue Professions of Potential Value to America as well as Islamic Society

THANK YOU Be in Allah’s Care A.S. Hashim, MD