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Iran
Sunni Muslims
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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