Describe the key characteristics of Islam and explain why distinctive Sunni and Shiite branches exist today

What will be an ideal response?


Islam originated in Southwest Asia in 622 CE. It is based on the teachings of the prophet Muhammad, who received these from Allah (God); they are contained in the Quran. All Muslims are expected to follow five essential activities: repeating the basic creed; praying facing Mecca five times daily; giving charitable contributions; fasting during the month of Ramadan; and making at least one pilgrimage (Hajj) to Muhammad's birthplace of Mecca. The two main divisions of Islam originated and followed the death of Muhammad; at issue was the question of who would inherit his religious power. The Shiites favored passing power within Muhammad's family while a second branch, the Sunnis, believed that power should be passed down through established clergy.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

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Frost wedging is the major weathering process contributing to the formation of which regolith material?

A) tropical soils B) soil horizons C) talus slopes D) clay minerals

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The current generation of ethanol as a biofuel requires

A) sugars and the process of fermentation. B) any plant material and the process of fermentation. C) manure, water, and aerobic bacteria. D) bioengineered bacteria and any form of cellulose.

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

In the United States, the percentage of married women working outside the home increased from __________ to ________ between the years 1900 and 2000

Fill in the blanks with correct word

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences

The highest natural increase rates are found in countries in which stage of the demographic transition?

A) Stage 1 B) Stage 2 C) Stage 3 D) Stage 4 E) Stage 5

Environmental & Atmospheric Sciences