Islam, as the second-largest religion in the world, encompasses a wide range of interpretations and practices. While most Muslims adhere to the core tenets of the faith — pure monotheism and righteous living — certain sects and groups manipulate these principles for their own political, ideological, or militant goals. Many of these groups deviate from the authentic teachings of Islam, leading their followers down a dangerous path that often results in sectarian violence, terrorism, and instability.
. This article explores the major sects involved in sectarian violence across different regions of the world, examining the historical context and contemporary implications.
Sunni and Shia: The Major Divisions
The split between Sunni and Shia Islam originated in the early years of the Islamic community, primarily over the question of leadership following the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. Sunnis, who constitute approximately 85-90% of the Muslim population, believe that the community should select its leaders, leading to the establishment of a caliphate. In contrast, Shia Muslims, who make up about 10-15%, hold that leadership should remain within the Prophet’s family, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.
This fundamental disagreement has led to centuries of conflict, with both sects accusing each other of heresy. The most notable historical event marking this divide is the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE, where Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of Muhammad, was killed, solidifying Shia identity and martyrdom.
Regional Dynamics of Sectarian Violence
- Middle East
The Middle East is the epicenter of sectarian violence, particularly between Sunni and Shia groups. In Iraq, the U.S. invasion in 2003 exacerbated existing tensions, leading to violent clashes between Sunni insurgents and Shia militias. The rise of ISIS, a Sunni extremist group, further intensified these conflicts, targeting Shia communities and other minorities.
In Syria, the civil war has taken on a sectarian dimension, with the Alawite-dominated government of Bashar al-Assad (Alawites are a Shia sect) fighting against predominantly Sunni opposition groups. This conflict has drawn in regional powers, with Iran supporting Assad and Sunni-majority countries like Saudi Arabia backing the opposition.
- South Asia
In South Asia, particularly in Pakistan and India, sectarian violence has manifested in various forms. Pakistan has witnessed significant violence between Sunni and Shia groups, with extremist organizations like Lashkar-e-Jhangvi targeting Shia Muslims. The historical context of the partition of India in 1947 and the subsequent creation of Pakistan has also contributed to sectarian tensions, as religious identity became intertwined with national identity.
In India, while the majority of Muslims are Sunni, there is a notable Shia population, particularly in regions like Lucknow and Hyderabad. Sectarian violence has occasionally erupted, often fueled by political rhetoric and communal tensions.
- Southeast Asia
In Southeast Asia, particularly in Indonesia and Malaysia, sectarian violence is less pronounced but still present. The majority of Muslims in Indonesia are Sunni, but there are significant Shia communities. Tensions have occasionally flared, particularly in regions like East Java, where Shia Muslims have faced persecution from Sunni extremists.
In Malaysia, the government has taken a hardline stance against Shia Islam, viewing it as a deviation from Sunni orthodoxy. This has led to crackdowns on Shia practices and gatherings, contributing to a climate of fear and discrimination.
The Landscape of Sectarianism in Africa
Africa is home to a diverse array of Islamic sects and groups, reflecting a broad spectrum of theological beliefs and political motivations. However, some of these groups diverge from the pure essence of monotheism in Islam, introducing doctrines and practices that can mislead adherents. Sectarian tensions arise when these groups, often with an extremist agenda, manipulate religious teachings for their own gain.
Sunni Islam
The majority of African Muslims follow Sunni Islam, particularly the Maliki and Shafi’i schools of thought. However, within Sunni Islam, there are movements like Sufism, which, though largely peaceful, has at times faced criticism for introducing mystical elements that some argue deviate from pure monotheism. Additionally, Salafism, a movement that advocates returning to the early practices of Islam, has become influential, especially with the support of Gulf States.
Shia Islam
Though a minority, Shia Muslims are also present in parts of Africa, particularly in East Africa. The divide between Sunni and Shia is one of the most well-known sectarian schisms in Islam, originating from early disputes over the rightful leadership of the Muslim community. While most Shia communities live peacefully, tensions have occasionally flared with Sunni Muslims, especially in regions where political dynamics exacerbate these differences.
Ahmadiyya and Islamist Movements
Other groups like the Ahmadiyya face persecution from mainstream Muslim groups due to theological differences, while political movements like the Muslim Brotherhood seek to merge Islam with governance, sometimes leading to further sectarian strife. Although they operate under the banner of Islam, the manipulation of religious principles to serve political ends can lead to conflict, division, and, in extreme cases, violence.
Militant Islamist Groups Exploiting Sectarianism
In many parts of Africa, sectarian differences are not merely theological but have taken on a violent and extremist dimension. Militant groups like Al-Shabaab and Boko Haram manipulate sectarian divides and use religion as a tool for warfare, radicalizing followers and spreading fear. These groups often claim to be the defenders of “true” Islam, but their actions demonstrate a perversion of the faith, leading to widespread destruction and death.
Al-Shabaab (Somalia, Kenya)
Al-Shabaab is one of the most notorious militant groups in Africa, originating in Somalia and extending into Kenya. This Al-Qaeda affiliate seeks to impose an extreme interpretation of Sharia law and has been responsible for numerous bombings, massacres, and assassinations. Despite claiming to defend Islam, their violent actions, especially against fellow Muslims, reflect a profound distortion of the faith.
Boko Haram (Nigeria, Chad, Niger, Cameroon)
In Nigeria, Boko Haram presents itself as the vanguard of Islamic purity, with its name meaning “Western education is forbidden.” However, their violent tactics — including the mass kidnapping of schoolgirls, bombings, and attacks on both Muslims and non-Muslims — reveal their deviation from the peaceful and just principles of Islam. Boko Haram has exploited the marginalization and poverty of northern Nigeria to radicalize vulnerable populations, often driving a wedge between different sects and ethnic groups.
Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Other ISIS Affiliates
Splinter groups like ISWAP, an offshoot of Boko Haram, further escalate violence in the name of sectarianism. Aligned with ISIS, these groups aim to establish a caliphate in West Africa, where they impose brutal interpretations of Islamic law, often in opposition to both local Muslims and governments. Like their parent organization, these groups justify violence through their interpretation of jihad, twisting the concept into a justification for terror.
Common Threads Among Militant Groups
These militant Islamist groups, despite their different regional focuses, share several characteristics that highlight the dangers of sectarian violence in Islam:
1. Manipulation of Religious Texts: These groups misuse Islamic teachings to justify violence, presenting their cause as a religious duty. By distorting the concept of jihad, they legitimize their attacks on civilians, governments, and even other Muslims who do not adhere to their extreme views.
2. Territorial Ambitions: Many of these groups aim to create Islamic states or caliphates, often through violent insurgencies. In regions where governments are weak or absent, such as in parts of Somalia or northern Nigeria, these groups gain control over large areas, imposing their strict interpretation of Sharia law.
3. Exploitation of Local Grievances: Militant groups often recruit followers by exploiting local grievances, such as poverty, political corruption, and ethnic marginalization. For example, Boko Haram and ISWAP have capitalized on the economic struggles in Nigeria’s north, turning social and political issues into religious ones.
4. Terrorism and Violence as a Strategy: Sectarian violence is the hallmark of these groups. Their tactics — bombings, kidnappings, and assassinations — aim to destabilize governments and spread fear among civilians. By targeting fellow Muslims and non-Muslims alike, they create chaos and confusion, furthering their divisive agenda.
Conclusion
Sectarian violence in Islam, especially as seen in Africa, stems from the manipulation of religious teachings by militant groups and sects. These groups claim to follow Islam, but their extreme interpretations and violent tactics lead adherents away from the straight path of pure monotheism and righteousness. As Muslims around the world strive to uphold the true principles of their faith, it is crucial to recognize and reject the dangerous influence of sectarianism and extremism. Only through unity, justice, and adherence to the true teachings of Islam can the global Muslim community overcome the divisions that sectarian violence perpetuates.
