Islamic Sects

Question 1

Form of temporary ‘pleasure marriage’ allowed in Shia Islam but not in Sunni Islam.

Answer 1

(Nikah) Mutah

Question 2

The prophesized redeemer of Islam who will redeem the world of evil

Answer 2

Mahdi

Question 3

Difference between Sunni and Shia interpretations of the Mahdi

Answer 3

Sunnis believe Mahdi is to come in the future, and he will be the caliph of god. Shias believe Mahdi is already born, but disappeared, and will reappear at the end of time, and that when he comes there will be an apocalypse. Shias believe Mahdi is the 12th Imam. The shia belief is known as Occultation.

Question 4

Difference between Sunni and Shia beliefs about Aisha

Answer 4

Sunnis are more lenient on Aisha, accepting her hadith. Shias hate Aisha.

Question 5

Name given to the caliphate of rightly guided caliphs directly succeeding Muhammad in Sunni Islam

Answer 5

Rashidun

Question 6

Indo-Pakistani Sunni movement with 200 million followers

Answer 6

Barelvi

Question 7

South Asian Sunni revivalist movement that is less traditional than Barelvi.

Answer 7

Deobandi

Question 8

Collection of hadiths compiled by Sunni scholars that is very important in Sunni Islam

Answer 8

Six Books

Question 9

Difference between Sunni and Shia prayers

Answer 9

Sunni folds their hands to their chests, Shias hold their hands to their sides.

Question 10

Islamic sect dominant in Oman and found around North Africa

Answer 10

Ibadi Islam

Question 11

Sect of Shia Islam believing that a failed rebel should have succeeded in his uprising against the 10th caliph

Answer 11

Zaydi

Question 12

Sect of Shia Islam believing that the 6th caliph should’ve been succeeded by ____ bin Jafar. This sect’s most dominant segment is the Nizari group.

Answer 12

Isma’ilism (seveners).

Question 13

Current Imam of the Isma’ilis

Answer 13

Aga Khan IV

Question 14

Dominant sect of Shia Islam.

Answer 14

Twelvers

Question 15

Sunnis believe in the 5 Pillars of Islam, but Shi’ites also believe in something more. What is that something.

Answer 15

10 Practices, or ancillaries of the faith.

Question 16

Term in Shia Islam used to denote radical shia groups that deify other figures in islamic history (Zaydis and Isma’ilis excluded).

Answer 16

Ghulat (literally exaggerated)

Question 17

Dynasty of Shia Isma’ili Muslims who founded a utopian republic society

Answer 17

Qarmatians

Question 18

Great Battle during which Sunnis defeated Shias. Shias often make pilgrimages to the site of this battle.

Answer 18

Battle of Karbala.

Question 19

Group of Shia Isma’ilis who founded a headquarters at the Iranian region of Alamut

Answer 19

Assassins

Question 20

Sunni Sufi Order in Turkey known for those whirling dervishes

Answer 20

Mevlevi Order

Question 21

Sunni Sufi Order in Afghanistan known for its emphasis on love and tolerance

Answer 21

Chishti Order

Question 22

The most prominent Sufi order of the west. Aurangazeb was a member of this order which is the only one that can trace its lineage back to Muhammad.

Answer 22

Naqshbandi

Question 23

Islamic poet who was a Sufi

Answer 23

Rumi

Question 24

Islamic Practice meaning “remembrance” which is extremely prominent in Sufism. It includes repeating phrases again and again.

Answer 24

Dhikr

Question 25

Persecuted religious group in Pakistan founded by Mirza Ghulam

Answer 25

Ahmadiyya