Islam primarily can be subdivided broadly into two sects Shia and Sunni.

These two
sects of Islam differ in various ways, though being a part of the same religious belief. Pivotally,
the differences between these two sects were established way back in the period after the death
of Muhammad and the differences grew up surrounding the issue of a valid successor of the
Prophet. Those who accepted Abu Bakr (a friend and advisor of Muhammad) as the Prophets
successor, came to be known as the Sunnis whereas those who opposed this selection and
indulged in identifying the closest relative of Muhammad, Ali, to be Muhammads successor,
came to be known as Shiites (Comparison of Sunni and Shia Islam, n.d.). Difference in
respect of opinions also prevails between these two sects of Islam. The Sunnis opine that
Muhammad never designated any successor whereas the Shiite Muslims are of the opinion that
Muhammad designated Ali as his successor (Comparison of Sunni and Shia Islam, n.d.). In
respect of treating their religious leaders too, difference prevails between Sunni and Shiites.
The Sunnis consider their religious leaders, the imams, as human leaders, but the Shiites
consider their religious heads, the mujtahids, as infallible manifestations of God and perfect
interpreters of the Quran (Comparison of Sunni and Shia Islam, n.d.). But though there are
several other differences to be found between these two sects of Islam, a commonality can be
found between the two in respect of the fact that Both sects emphasize the Five Pillars of Islam,
read the same Quran (Koran), and consider each other to be Muslims (Mithra, 2013).
Traditionally it has been thought that in Muslim societies women are repressed and
oppressed by men but according to the religious and social concepts as depicted in the Quran,
the role of women in the Muslim society is equal in importance to that of men and this is
because, and Quran confirms that men and women are created from one soul to be partners to
each other, that males and females have the same religious responsibilities, and that both genders

will receive like rewards on the day of judgment (Smith, n.d.). But it should be kept in mind
that still in the Muslim societies across the globe the authority of men over women is
acknowledged due to the Islamic belief that men are responsible for the financial support of
women (Smith, n.d.).
It is noteworthy that a deep study of Islamic religious doctrines can reveal an amazing
truth that the role of woman has been considered in Islam as far more superior than what it has
been considered in other religions. And this argument can be supported by the fact that while in
other religions molestation or rape of a woman is considered as a grave sin and hence,
punishable, in Islam molestation and rape of women is not only prohibited but it is also
considered as a capital punishment and this treatment has been thoroughly mentioned in Quran
along with the prescription of methods of eliminating molestation and rape (Major difference
between Islam and most other religions, 2012). But it should be admitted that another basic
difference between the role of women in Islam and the role of women in other religions can be
found in the fact that unlike in other religions, in Islam, women are identified better as
homemakers and according to Quran (33:33) they must be confined to their homes except
when they have permission to go out (A Womans Place, n.d.).
(583 words)
Discuss the main similarities and differences between at least two sects of the
Islamic religion.
Discuss the overall role of women in the Islamic religion. Name at least two ways in
which the role of women is different in Islam from the role of women in another
mainstream religion we have studied.

Sunni and Shi'a are the two main Islam denominations, Sunni, the larger of
the two, represents about 80% of the Muslim population (Fisher, 2014, p. 423). They

both believe in the sacred text from the Qur'an. Their differences originate from
leadership; Sunnis elected the first caliph, Abu Bakr to lead the people of Sunnah.
The Shia believed the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad was Ali (Fisher,
2014, p. 424-425).
Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and
articles of faith. The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam
initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Over the
centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying
practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance.
In Islam, a man can have up to four wives at the same time (Sura 4:3). In addition, a
man is given the right to beat his disobedient wife until she obeys (Sura 4:34,
Bukhari 8:68). According the Quran, "Men are in charge of women, because Allah
has made some of them to excel others...and (as to) those on whose part you fear
rebellion, admonish them, and leave them alone in beds apart, and beat them."
Note that in one popular English translation of the Quran the term "lightly" is placed
after "beat them." But "lightly" is not in the Arabic. Here are six translations of Sura
4:34. Men are superior to women in Islamic teaching. (See Suras 2:228, 4:34).
Interestingly, Islam teaches that the majority of people in hell are women (Bukhari
1:28, 1:301, and 2:161).

Fundamentalist Christianity condones none of the above abuses of women. While

Old Testament figures had multiple wives, this is seen as sinful behavior. Jesus
insisted on the sanctity of marriage with one woman (Mark 10:5-12).

Fisher, M. P. (2014). Living religions (9th ed.). Upper Saddle River, NJ: Pearson.
http://www.faithfacts.org/world-religions-and-theology/christianity-vs.-islam

References

A Womans Place (n.d.). Retrieved August 21, 2013, from

http://www.thereligionofpeace.com/Quran/022-man-in-charge-of-woman.htm
Comparison of Sunni and Shia Islam (n.d.). Religion Facts. Retrieved August 21, 2013, from
http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/comparison_charts/islamic_sects.htm
Major difference between Islam and most other religions (2012). Retrieved August 21, 2013,
from http://www.islam.com/questions/6250/what-do-you-think-differentiates-islam-fromother-religions
Mithra, S. (2013). What Are the Differences Between the Sunni and Shia Sects of Islam? (n.d.).
Retrieved August 21, 2013, from http://www.wisegeek.org/what-are-the-differencesbetween-the-sunni-and-shia-sects-of-islam.htm
Smith, J.I. (n.d.). Islam and the Role of Women. Retrieved August 21, 2013, from
http://www.beliefnet.com/Faiths/Islam/2001/10/Islam-And-The-Role-Of-Women.aspx