By Payam Mohseni and Mohammad Sagha*

Since the turn of the century and the increased global focus on the Middle East and Muslim world, many scholars have been quick to recognize the wide gap of knowledge and understanding of Islam in the West, including in the United States. While some progress has been made in better understanding the religion, when it comes to cultural and social diversities within Islam, we see the major ongoing recurrence of problematic generalizations and misunderstandings regarding the two major sects of Islam (Sunnism and Shi’ism) as well as sectarianism in the Muslim world. These problematic narratives pervade mainstream analysis on the Middle East and posit, for instance, a rigid and eternal “Shi’a-Sunni” divide that subsequently is behind conflict in the region. This elementary understanding—that there exists different sects and denominations within Islam– thus can and does feed into false and simplistic narratives of ancient sectarian violence within the Islamic world.

... Read more about Five Myths of Sectarianism within Islam in the Contemporary Middle East

Publicado originalmente el 12 de octubre, 2019

Arbaín marca el cuadragésimo día después de la tragedia de Karbalá. Durante siglos, los chiítas han protestado contra las opresiones y discriminaciones hacia la casa del Profeta en el día de Arbaín. Saddam Hussein prohibió la caminata de Arbaín durante su mandato, pero después de su caída, la práctica se reintrodujo en 2003. En los últimos años, más de 20 millones de peregrinos llegan anualmente a Karbalá de todas partes del mundo durante Arbaín. Esta narración relata un viaje y una experiencia personal a Karbalá en una de estas históricas caminatas.

Por: Mohd Faizal Musa

Traducido al español por Angélica Roxanna Barrera Mosquera

... Read more about 1452 varas a Karbalá

On November 2, Shi'a Nizari Ismaili Muslims across the world will commemorate the birth anniversary of their forty-eighth Imam, Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III, the grandfather of the present Imam, Karim al-Husseini Aga Khan IV. On this anniversary, we remember him for his dedicated efforts towards the socio-economic development of Muslims globally, and, in particular, for creating an authorizing environment for the progress of Ismaili women.

By Shenila Khoja-Moolji

... Read more about Imam Sultan Mahomed Shah Aga Khan III: Laying the Foundations for Ismaili Women’s Progress

Arbaeen marks the 40th day following the tragedy of Karbala. For centuries the Shias have protested against the oppressions and discriminations against the Prophet's household during Arbaeen. Saddam Hussein banned the Arbaeen walk during his rule, but after his fall it was reintroduced in 2003. In recent years, more than 20 million pilgrims annually arrive in Karbala from around the world during Arbaeen. This narrative recounts a personal journey and experience to Karbala on one of these historic walks.

By Mohd Faizal Musa

... Read more about 1452 Poles to Karbala