Apocalypse in the religious context refers to a sudden revelation about hidden information or disclosure of future occurrence. These revelations vary from one religion to another, different communities and societies based on their cultural and religious beliefs. Mostly, religions have either similarities or differences in their beliefs, sacred symbols, holidays, and celebrations. Apocalypse is one of the contagious issues in Muslim communities such as Sunni and Shia. Humans have previously predicted the process that will bring an end to human life in various ways. Since ancient times, the apocalypse is quite evident because it appears on several occasions in the Holy Scriptures belonging to different religious groups. In this regard, Sunni and Shia have varied opinions and interpretations regarding the apocalyptic beliefs in the Islamic community. Sunni is the largest branch of Islam, which refers to the teachings of Prophet Muhammad while Shia is the second largest Islamic community and Shia believers are identified as followers of Ali who is believed to be Muhammad’s cousin. Theology scholars have spelled out the comparison of Sunni and Shia communities and apocalyptic beliefs have been identified as one contemporary issue differentiating them. The contradiction between Shia and Sunni apocalyptic beliefs remains a powerful and a conflicted issue with the modern Sunni differing from the ancient events. Shia on the other hand believes that the current events are a reflection of early predictions in the Quran. Therefore, Sunni and Shia have different interpretations of the end times and apocalyptic processes in general. Therefore, this paper discusses the various differences portrayed by Sunna and Shia communities concerning apocalyptic beliefs, how they influence their way of living, and their relationship.
Works Cited
Connie R. Green, Sandra Brenneman Oldendorf, Religious Diversity, and Children’s Literature: Strategies and Resources, Information Age Publishing, 2011, p. 156.
Eaaswarkhanth, Muthukrishnan, et al. “Microsatellite Diversity Delineates Genetic Relationships of Shia and Sunni Muslim Populations of Uttar Pradesh, India.” Human Biology 81.4 (2009): 427-45. ProQuest. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.
Ostranský, Bronislav. “The Lesser Signs of the Hour: A Reconstruction of the Islamic Apocalyptic Overture.” Archiv Orientalni81.2 (2013): 235,284,121,382. ProQuest. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.
Pierre-Jean. “Islam as a Point of Reference for Political and Social Groups in Iraq.” International Review of the Red Cross 89.868 (2007): 843-55. ProQuest. Web. 3 Mar. 2014.