Religion Is A Cultural System Of Behaviors, Practices, And...

Religion is a cultural system of behaviors, practices, world views, ethics, and social organization that relate humanity to an order of existence (Dictionary). With more than 84% of the world affiliating with religion, religion permeates the fabric of our existence by it’s influence on legal systems, nation’s policies, and moral standards (Religion stats). Making up 23% of the world population, the Muslim religion is divided into two sects: Sunni and Shi’a. The separation of the Muslim religion is the longest and largest division in the history of Islam (BBC). Furthermore, the split of religions is exemplified through the characters in The Kite Runner. Amir, the main character and narrator, describes religion as a part of every day life in†¦show more content†¦A Caliph is the chief Muslim civil and religious ruler, regarded as the successor of Muhammad (Dictionary). Abu Bakr was accepted as the Caliph by much of the community, which saw the succession in political and not spiritual terms. Shi’as believed that the Prophet s son-in-law and cousin, Ali, should be Caliph. They understood that the Prophet had appointed him as the sole interpreter of his legacy, in both political and spiritual terms (Shuster). As time has progressed, Sunni and Shi’a have not only grown apart because of the leadership conflict, but they have separated theologically. The difference of religious rituals and each sect’s interpretation of Islamic law has ultimately not caused hostility between the two sects (BBC). Furthermore, following the Soviet invasion of Afghanistan in 1979, the Taliban was created. It emerged as a a resistance movement intended to eject the Soviet troops from Afghanistan. The Taliban consisted of Shi’a aggressors who stereotyped and attacked the Sunni Muslims. After the Taliban emerged in power, they created a new system of laws in Afghanistan. Talibans use violence and execution to enforce their beliefs. The system of enforcement further separated the Sunnis and Shi’as (‘Who are the Taliban?’). In today’s world, Sunnis continue to dominate Shi’as. Although both sects live in peace, Shi’a remains inferior, which leads to conflict. Because of the power and wealth imbalance, Shi’as make up the