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Founded by [[Abu Hanifa]], originally from modern day Iraq. This school of those is most widely followed in Central and South Asia, as well as [[Turkey]] and former [[Ottoman]] areas of South Eastern [[Europe]]. It is the oldest of the four schools. A few notable aspects of Hanafi doctrine are given below:

Founded by [[Abu Hanifa]], originally from modern day Iraq. This school of those is most widely followed in Central and South Asia, as well as [[Turkey]] and former [[Ottoman]] areas of South Eastern [[Europe]]. It is the oldest of the four schools. A few notable aspects of Hanafi doctrine are given below:

* The Hanafi school teaches that  "Faith neither increases nor decreases" and that "Actions are not a part of faith". Therefore a sinful Muslim is still just as much a Muslim as a law abiding one, though much less likely to be granted access to paradise. However they commit a serious offence by claiming that such sins are permitted within Islam.

* The Hanafi school teaches that  "Faith neither increases nor decreases" and that "Actions are not a part of faith". Therefore a sinful Muslim is still just as much a Muslim as a law abiding one, though much less likely to be granted access to paradise. However they commit a serious offense by claiming that such sins are permitted within Islam.

* Travellers are not permitted to alter the times of their prayers, as in other schools.

* Travelers are not permitted to alter the times of their prayers, as in other schools.

* It is permissible to recite verses from the Qu’ran during prayer in languages other than [[Arabic]], provided one does not know the Arabic language.  

* It is permissible to recite verses from the Qu’ran during prayer in languages other than [[Arabic]], provided one does not know the Arabic language.  

== Use of Hadeeth ==

== Use of Hadeeth ==

All school founders made use of the Hadeeth in reaching their positions on matters of fiqh, and some of the schools made extensive contributions to the major hadeeth now in use, [[Sahih Bukhari]] and [[Sahih Muslim]], considered the most reliable collections by Sunni theologians today. In additon, the following Hadeeth collections are also used. The Shia sect use an entirely different collection.

All school founders made use of the Hadeeth in reaching their positions on matters of fiqh, and some of the schools made extensive contributions to the major hadeeth now in use, [[Sahih Bukhari]] and [[Sahih Muslim]], considered the most reliable collections by Sunni theologians today. In addition, the following Hadeeth collections are also used. The Shia sect use an entirely different collection.

* Al-Sunan al-Sughra

* Al-Sunan al-Sughra

Conflicts between Sunni and Shia sects stem from the dispute over the sucession following the death of [[Muhammed]] as head of the fledgling [[First Caliphate]] (also known as the “[[Rashidun Caliphate]]”). The Sunnis agreed that [[Abu Bakr]] should succeed to the throne, as chosen by a process of Shura (consultation), whereas the Shia position was that [[Ali]], son-in-law and cousin of Muhammad was the rightful successor, by divine ordination. The Sunnis were victorious in this dispute.

Conflicts between Sunni and Shia sects stem from the dispute over the sucession following the death of [[Muhammed]] as head of the fledgling [[First Caliphate]] (also known as the “[[Rashidun Caliphate]]”). The Sunnis agreed that [[Abu Bakr]] should succeed to the throne, as chosen by a process of Shura (consultation), whereas the Shia position was that [[Ali]], son-in-law and cousin of Muhammad was the rightful successor, by divine ordination. The Sunnis were victorious in this dispute.

Though Ali did become the 4th Caliph (and final ruler of the First Caliphate) Shias regard him as the First Imam (and rightful successor of Muhammad). Today Shias regard that the rightful leder of the ‘Ummah (the global Islamic community, equivalent to the concept Christendom for [[Christians]])  should be the Imamah, who is a direct descendent though Muhammed’s bloodline. Two main sub-sects within the Shia community differ over who this is at present.

Though Ali did become the 4th Caliph (and final ruler of the First Caliphate) Shias regard him as the First Imam (and rightful successor of Muhammad). Today Shias regard that the rightful leader of the ‘Ummah (the global Islamic community, equivalent to the concept Christendom for [[Christians]])  should be the Imamah, who is a direct descendant though Muhammed’s bloodline. Two main sub-sects within the Shia community differ over who this is at present.

The Sunni and Shia differ over the nature of the [[Mahdi]], a figure whom will return to bring about a perfect and just Islamic society. Most Shia hold this will be the [[12th Imam]], [[Mohammed Al Mahdi]], and will signal the beginning of the end of humankind. Sunnis believe it will be a bloodline descendent of Mohammed, but will not bring about the end.  

The Sunni and Shia differ over the nature of the [[Mahdi]], a figure whom will return to bring about a perfect and just Islamic society. Most Shia hold this will be the [[12th Imam]], [[Mohammed Al Mahdi]], and will signal the beginning of the end of humankind. Sunnis believe it will be a bloodline descendant of Mohammed, but will not bring about the end.  

Shia religious practices includes many ceremonies and rituals equivalent to the Christian [[Passion Plays]] or Egyptian [[Mystery Rituals]], whereas Sunni practice tends to be more “grounded”, focusing on adherence to Islamic teachings.  

Shia religious practices includes many ceremonies and rituals equivalent to the Christian [[Passion Plays]] or Egyptian [[Mystery Rituals]], whereas Sunni practice tends to be more “grounded”, focusing on adherence to Islamic teachings.  

== Current Sunni – Shia Relations ==

== Current Sunni – Shia Relations ==

The sectarian bloodletting in Iraq that followed the invasion has greatly strained Sunni – Shia relations in general. However, for much of the 20th century, relations between the two were stable, as both Sunni states in the Middle East / North Africa and Shia Iran, but particularly Turkey, were undergoing rapid secularisation. Religious conservatives of both Sunni and Shia loyalties therefore had a “common enemy”, and many Sunnis celebrated the 1979 overthrow of the secular Shah of [[Iran]] by the religious establishment, and the founding of a Shia [[Islamic Republic]]. However, underlying tensions already existed.

The sectarian bloodletting in Iraq that followed the invasion has greatly strained Sunni – Shia relations in general. However, for much of the 20th century, relations between the two were stable, as both Sunni states in the Middle East / North Africa and Shia Iran, but particularly Turkey, were undergoing rapid secularization. Religious conservatives of both Sunni and Shia loyalties therefore had a “common enemy”, and many Sunnis celebrated the 1979 overthrow of the secular Shah of [[Iran]] by the religious establishment, and the founding of a Shia [[Islamic Republic]]. However, underlying tensions already existed.

Those strains exploded soon after when secular but Sunni led Iraq came into direct conflict with the new Iranian government, and as secular [[Arab nationalism]] waned in importance following the collapse of the [[United Arab Republic]].  

Those strains exploded soon after when secular but Sunni led Iraq came into direct conflict with the new Iranian government, and as secular [[Arab nationalism]] waned in importance following the collapse of the [[United Arab Republic]].