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WEEKLY NEWSLETTER
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Iran
Index
Sunni Muslims constitute approximately 8 percent of the Iranian
population. A majority of Kurds, virtually all Baluchis and
Turkomans, and a minority of Arabs are Sunnis, as are small
communities of Persians in southern Iran and Khorasan. The main
difference between Sunnis and Shias is that the former do not
accept the doctrine of the Imamate. Generally speaking, Iranian
Shias are inclined to recognize Sunnis as fellow Muslims, but as
those whose religion is incomplete. Shia clergy tend to view
missionary work among Sunnis to convert them to true Islam as a
worthwhile religious endeavor. Since the Sunnis generally live in
the border regions of the country, there has been no occasion for
Shia-Sunni conflict in most of Iran. In those towns with mixed
populations in West Azarbaijan, the Persian Gulf region, and
Baluchestan va Sistan, tensions between Shias and Sunnis existed
both before and after the Revolution. Religious tensions have been
highest during major Shia observances, especially Moharram.
Data as of December 1987
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