Syncretic Conduits to Middle Eastern Schisms in Noxious Religious Conflicts (Sunni-Sufi-Shia) Public Lecture - RL Vol XII No 315 MMXVIII

Syncretic Conduits to Middle

Eastern Schisms in Noxious Religious Conflicts (Sunni-Sufi-Shia)

Public Lecture - RL Vol XII No 315 MMXVIII

Costantinos Berhutesfa Costantinos, PhD

Professor of Public Policy & Sustainable Institutional Reforms

https://addisababa.academia.edu/CostyCostantinos

Abstract

Sufism was a mystical form of Islam, a school of practice that emphasises the inward search for God and shuns materialism. It has produced some of the world’s most beloved literature. While some Muslims view Sufis as quirky, even eccentric, some fundamentalists and extremists see Sufism as a threat and its adherents as heretics or apostates. Puritanical Salafist Muslims have attacked Sufi shrines and communities across the Arab world in a campaign to spread their influence. Nevertheless, in Tunisia, where national history and identity are intimately intertwined with Sufism, the Salafis have been thwarted (Luck, 2017). Sunni, Ahl al-Sunna, are the people of the tradition. The tradition in this case refers to practices based on precedent or reports of the actions of the Prophet Muhammad and those close to him. Sunnis venerate all the prophets mentioned in the Quran, but particularly Muhammad as the final prophet. In early Islamic history, the Shiats were a political faction - literally Shiat Ali or the party of Ali. The Shiats claimed the right of Ali, the son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and his descendants to lead the Islamic community.

Conflict is seen as a positive and necessary force, desirable because individuals and groups are naturally seen as having different needs and interests, valued because it often serves as an important impetus for positive change. However, the brutal demise of the Yemeni people shows how these schisms have to be put together and the dots have to be connected. The chessboard is being staged for a Clash of Cultures & Civilisations and all the chess pieces are being put into place. The Arab World is in the process of being cordoned off and sharp delineation lines are being created. These lines of delineation are replacing the seamless lines of transition between different ethno-linguistic, skin-colour, and religious groups. Hence, resolving conflicts that arise from spiritual variances derive from several basic premises about the nature of conflict, change and power and how conflict is managed.

Key words: Sunni, Shia, Clash of Cultures & Civilisations, Clash of Cultures, Conflict resolution, 

See lecture here or https://www.academia.edu/37578443/Syncretic_Conduits_to_Middle_Eastern_Schisms_in_Deadly_Religious_Conflicts_-_RL_Vol_XII_No_315_MMXVIII