Understanding Muslim theology is extremely helpful for recognizing the implications of the war against Iran (called Operation Epic Fury by the USA and Operation Roaring Lion by Israel). Sunni Muslims make up approximately 87% of the religion, and Shias around 13%. Iran’s leadership is made up of Shia Muslims, and significant populations of Shias are also found in Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan. Saudi Arabia champions the Sunni majority along with North Africa, Indonesia, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Turkey, and Morocco.

Sunni and Shia Islam differ in beliefs primarily surrounding the legitimate successors to their Prophet Muhammad after he died in 632 AD, as well as on the nature of religious authority. Sunnis believe leadership should be elected by consensus, which led to Abu Bakr being chosen as their leader after Muhammad. Shias believe leadership is divinely ordained to remain within the prophet’s family, starting with Ali bin Abi Talib (Muhammad’s cousin/son-in-law). Shia is short for Shiaat Ali (Party of Ali).

The split between the two factions of Shia and Sunni has led to over 1,400 years of conflict, and the religious clash is the underlying factor contributing to much of Islam’s sectarian violence. Political ambitions and regional rivalries have added to the explosive mix.

Shia theology hinges on the concept of “Imamate,” which holds that a succession of infallible, divinely appointed descendants of the Prophet Muhammad (Imams) interpret the Quran and Hadith. Sunnis believe leaders (Caliphs) are fallible; they are chosen by the community and focus on the consensus of scholars. Shias often combine the midday/afternoon and evening/night prayers, which results in three prayer sessions per day. Sunnis usually observe five distinct times of prayer.

Shias heavily venerate the family of the Prophet, particularly the Twelve Imams, who are considered spiritual and political leaders. Most Shias believe the twelfth Imam has been in “Occultation” (hiding) since the 10th century and will reappear at the end of time as the Mahdi (“the guided one”). They believe he will return to Mecca, emerging from hiding to establish global peace, justice, and Islamic rule. His reappearance is preceded by chaos, including “red death” (war) and “white death” (plague). He is expected to return alongside Jesus Christ to defeat evil before establishing global rule. Though there is no direct communication with him now, Shias believe they guide them inwardly.

One may wonder why Iran has not only attacked US bases and Israel but also the nations of Cyprus, Jordan, Iraq, UAE, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Syria, Kuwait, Qatar, Oman, and Azerbaijan. To quote a friend: “The jihadi leaders and generals of the Islamic Republic of Iran are going for broke on this one. They are prepared to pull the world into a Shi’ite Armageddon in pursuit of their Last Days dysphoric vision – think ‘Iranian kamikaze pilots with nuclear backpacks.’” In other words, Shiite eschatology holds that chaos is necessary to trigger the return of the hidden Mahdi, who will lead the armies of Muhammad to ultimate victory. It is an eschatology of dominance. That is why the Iranian leadership cannot be negotiated into peace, even if it costs them the death of many Iranians and loss of financial assets.

As we pray, let us understand the need for the hardline Islamic Shia rulers of Iran to be removed for peace to prevail in the Middle East, and let us pray to the One, true, all-powerful God– the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.