Learning about Islam
Islam does not have nearly as many sects and divisions as does Christianity, but there are a few and it is worth knowing something about them. The two biggest are the Sunnis and the Shi'ites, with the Sunnis being the largest of all and representing the vast majority of Muslims. Shi'ites are a minority everywhere except Iran.
After them, the two most influential sects are the Sufis and the Wahhabis. The Sufis represent a mystical tradition in Islam, whereas the Wahhabis are a strict traditionalist tradition which is dominant on the Arabian peninsula, but has little support elsewhere.
Unlike churches, mosques are not denominational. Despite the differences among Muslims, traditional Friday prayer services are largely similar and Muslims of any background are welcome to attend services at any mosque.
Who are the Baha'i?http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/islam/blfaq_islam_sects.htm
Other sites that might be useful:
A discussion between the differences between Wahabism and political radicalism in Islam that have followed the influence of Sayyid Qutb:
http://www.thewahhabimyth.com/
Wikipedia's article on the divisions of Islam:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Divisions_of_Islam
posted by Knitting a Conundrum at
5:02 AM
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