How did Iran become a Shia Muslim country?

Shia Islam portal. The Safavid conversion of Iran to Shia Islam was a process that took place roughly over the 16th through 18th centuries and turned Iran, which previously had a Sunni majority, into the spiritual bastion of Shia Islam.

What was the Safavid conversion of Iran to Shia Islam?

The Safavid conversion of Iran to Shia Islam was a process that took place roughly over the 16th through 18th centuries and turned Iran, which previously had a Sunni majority, into the spiritual bastion of Shia Islam.

When did Islam become the official religion of Iran?

Islam in Iran can be categorised into two periods – Sunni Islam from the 7th century to the 15th century and then Shia Islam post 16th century. The Safavid dynasty made Shia Islam the official state religion in the early sixteenth century and aggressively proselytized the faith by forced conversion.

How did Muhammad Ali convert Iran to Shiism?

His methods of converting Iran included: Imposing Shiism as the state and mandatory religion for the whole nation and much forcible conversion of Iranian Sufi Sunnis to Shiism. He reintroduced the Sadr (Arabic, leader) – an office that was responsible for supervising religious institutions and endowments.

How many Shia Imams are buried in Iraq?

He and six more of the 12 Shia Imams are buried in the Shia areas of Iraq. Shia Islam always had been strong in Mesopotamia, and Iraqi Shia preachers converted the Persians. The Shia Safavid dynasty declared Shia Islam the official religion of Persia in 1501.

Did the Safavid Empire convert Sunnis to Shia Islam?

In 1500 the Safavid Shah Ismail I undertook the conquering of Iran and Azerbaijan and commenced a policy of forced conversion of Sunni Muslims to Shia Islam. Many Sunnis were murdered. When Shah Ismail I conquered Iraq, Dagestan, Eastern Anatolia, and Armenia he similarly forcefully converted or murdered Sunni Muslims.

What is the difference between Shia and Sunni Islam?

While Shia represent the majority of the population in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain and Azerbaijan and a plurality in Lebanon, Sunnis are the majority in more than 40 other countries, from Morocco to Indonesia. Despite their differences, Sunni and Shia have lived alongside each other in relative peace for most of history.

What would a Sunni-Shia war mean for the Middle East?

Sunni-Shia divisions would fuel a long-running civil war in Syria, fighting in Lebanon, Iran, Iraq, Yemen and elsewhere, and terrorist violence on both sides. A common thread in most of these conflicts is the ongoing battle between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shia Iran for influence in the oil-rich Middle East and surrounding regions.