religion

THE LOOMING TOWER PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS Abu Hafs al-Masri: Former Egyptian policeman and member of al-Jihad who was one of al-Qaeda?s military commanders. One of bin Laden?s closest advisors. Killed in American air strike in Nov. 2001. Abu Hajer al-Iraqi: Former Iraqi military officer who joined the jihad in Afghanistan and was a close advisor of bin Laden?s in Sudan. Head of al-Qaeda fatwa committee and rendered 2 opinions that justified violence against US forces and killing innocent people. Currently in US prison. Abu Jandal: bin Laden?s chief bodyguard in Afghanistan. Became a source for the FBI, and currently is free and living in Yemen.

THE LOOMING TOWER AL- QAEDA AND THE ROAD TO 9/11 CHAPTER 2 Ayman al- Zawahiri Goal in life: to put Qutb?s vision into action At age 15, he formed an underground cell devoted to overthrowing the government and establishing an Islamist state. 1967 war with Israel Israel captured all of the Sinai, Jerusalem, the West Bank, and Golan Heights It crushed the forces of the frontline Arab states This was a psychological turning point in the history of the modern Middle East War continued? Muslims not only lost their armies and their territories, but also their faith in their leaders, their countries, and in themselves. They began to say that God had turned against the Muslims The only way back to Him was to return to the pure religion: Islam is the solution Zawahiri?s goals

Differences Between Sunni and Shia Muslims CJ 435 Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance. Where does it begin? The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation. Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job.