1. Sunni Islam vs. Shia Islam (Simple Explanation)
Sunni Islam
- Largest branch of Islam worldwide (±85% Muslims).
- Believe that the leaders after Prophet Muhammad (caliphs) were chosen by community consensus.
- Follow four main schools of law: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, Hanbali.
- Religious authority is decentralized (no single supreme leader).
- Ritual practices are mostly uniform; Ashura is commemorated but not central.
Shia Islam
- Minority globally (±15% Muslims).
- Believe that leadership after Prophet Muhammad should belong to Ali and his descendants (Ahlul Bayt).
- Most follow the Twelver Shia tradition (Ithna ‘Ashariyyah).
- Religious authority is more structured with high-ranking scholars (Ayatollah, Marja).
- Strong mourning rituals, especially Ashura (commemorating Imam Husayn in Karbala).
2. Indonesia vs. Iran (Religious Landscape)
🇮🇩 Indonesia
- Majority: Sunni Islam (≈99% of Muslims), mostly Shafi’i school.
- Islam is practiced with strong local culture (adat), making it more pluralistic and flexible.
- Religious authority is diverse: NU, Muhammadiyah, Islamic scholars in pesantren.
- Religious rituals are more moderate and culturally blended (tahlilan, maulid, yasinan).
🇮🇷 Iran
- Majority: Shia Islam (≈90–95%), specifically Twelver Shia.
- The government system is based on Wilayat al-Faqih (Rule of the Jurist).
- Ayatollahs have strong influence in social, political, and legal matters.
- Rituals like Ashura, Arba’een, mourning processions, and ziyarat (pilgrimage) to shrines are central.
3. Key Differences Indonesia vs. Iran
Aspect | Indonesia (Sunni) | Iran (Shia) |
Major sect | Sunni (Shafi’i) | Shia (Twelver) |
Religious leaders | Kiai, ulama, ustadz | Ayatollah, Hujjatul Islam |
Government role | Religion influences culture but state is secular-plural | Religion is deeply integrated into government |
Ritual style | Simpler, culturally mixed | More ceremonial, processions, passion plays |
Attitude toward Ahlul Bayt | Respected | Very central and foundational |
Religious diversity | Very high | Mostly Shia with respected Sunni minority |
4. Cultural Feel
Indonesia
Islam blends with archipelago traditions:
- Batik Muslim style
- Selametan
- Pesantren life
- Friendly Islamic pluralism
- Less political centralization of religion
Iran
Islam deeply shapes national identity:
- Persian culture mixed with Shia symbolism
- Ashura murals and black banners in Muharram
- Shrines of Imam Reza & Lady Fatimah Masumah
- Strong scholarly culture
