What is the difference between Shiites and Sunnis?
Shiites believe the Prophet Mohammed should have been succeeded by his son-in-law, Imam Ali, and leadership of the Muslim world should pass through the prophet’s descendants. Sunnis don’t believe the leadership of the Muslim world should necessarily pass through hereditary succession.
Who is the Imam of Islam?
imam, Arabic imām (“leader,” “model”), in a general sense, one who leads Muslim worshippers in prayer. In a global sense, imam is used to refer to the head of the Muslim community (ummah). The title is found in the Qurʾān several times to refer to leaders and to Abraham.
What does white string mean?
At some Thai funerals, the white thread may be circled three times around the crematorium to wish the deceased good luck and protection in the next life. At larger ceremonies there is often one big ball of string which is first tied around a Buddha image before being passed along to the monks in attendance.
What is an Alam Shia?
The ‘alam is a heavy metal object filled with intricate figurines and engravings, carried on the top of a flag in Shia Muslim ceremonies marking the martyrdom of Imam Husain and those who fought alongside him at the battle of Karbala in AD 680.
What is meant by democracy?
1a : government by the people especially : rule of the majority. b : a government in which the supreme power is vested in the people and exercised by them directly or indirectly through a system of representation usually involving periodically held free elections.
What are the basic features of a democracy?
While their opinions vary, a consensus of political scientists agree that most democracies are based on six foundational elements: Popular sovereignty: The principle that the government is created and maintained by the consent of the people through their elected representatives.
What are the cornerstones of democracy?
Cornerstones of democracy include freedom of assembly, association, property rights, freedom of religion and speech, inclusiveness and equality, citizenship, consent of the governed, voting rights, freedom from unwarranted governmental deprivation of the right to life and liberty, and minority rights .
What is the most common form of democracy today?
The most common form of democracy today is a representative democracy, where the people elect government officials to govern on their behalf such as in a parliamentary or presidential democracy. [2]