Do Americans realize there are many types of Muslim faith?

Answer 1

I have seen some good and bad here. Someone made a good point, although several other not-so-good, that there may be one Islamic faith, but many denominations, more numerous than we know.
The difference between Sunni and Shi'ite is not political necessarily, but a matter of recognizing the true leader of the religion, elected or chosen officials such as the Caliphate of Damascus, or people in the line of Muhammed, which died out in Medieval times and is now seen in the hands of Ayatollahs and Mullahs. There are also Sufi's, some of whom claim descendants of their branch before Muhammed and are only became associated with Islam, and another extreme branch that originated in Iran and found a home in Saudi Arabia.
There are several recent books on the subject that I cannot remember off hand. Some of the divisions in Islam are reminiscent of divisions among Christians. Some of these divisions have resulted in economic divisions as well. My impression is that Sunnis are a bit more well off than Shi'ites, but there are no hard and fast rules. Some divisions in Islam also appear to be nationality based. For example, Hazaris are Shi'ites living in Afghanistan who historically were from invading Mongol tribes, so I have heard.
Why can't we just accept our differences and live together in peace, like a smorgasbord of peoples each learning from an exchange with another and growing stronger, healthier, and more spiritual together.

Answer 2

I'm American* and I do.

I think people are slowly starting to realize it, though I still know people who see Hindi people and assume that they are Muslims. Media isn't being good at conveying the facts. I wouldn't have known any better if I hadn't had friends from many faiths.



* The validity of this statement can be confirmed with a birth certificate and witness testimony despite reports of the contrary. So don't anger me, Monkey Boy!

Answer 3

I am not American and even I know that there are not 'many' types of Muslim faith. Islam is not split up like how Christianity is with Catholics and Protestants. In Islam there are so-called groups called 'Sunni' and 'Shi'ite' but these two different group are split up over political reasons. There is only one Quran.

Answer 4

More significantly...what difference is there?...a murderer is a murderer is a murderer whether you openly support the crazies in that wacked out 'religion' or not.As far as I can tell all are guilty by association.I was raised a catholic and when I was 10 I learned about the Spanish Inquisition and never went back to ANY man-made 'religion.My parents beat me to go to church but I swore no cult was going to tell me how to live my life.
Religion is for weak-minded mouth breathers.Live your own life without some mook in a robe telling you how he wants you to live it!

Answer 5

There are not.
You believe in allah.
You call Mohammed a prophet of allah.
You deny the power of Christ, who you believe to be one of your prophets.
You recognize Jews and Christians as enemies of your deity.
You may have many denominations, but you have only one faith.

This reveals a willingness to deceive in order to lead astray.

Answer 6

I have no problem with muslims as long as they are peaceful
and don,t want to kill.

Answer 7

There are many grains of sand on the "Beach"!
Yet the "Beach" remains the "Beach"!

Answer 8

I think they do. But the type most easily perceivable is the one which goes on exploding things...

Answer 9

Yes I do.

Answer 10

agree wiz Hope
ISLAM IS UNIQUE