The Shiite and Sunni Schism: An OM Perspective on Healing Divisions

The schism between Shiite and Sunni Islam is one of the oldest and most profound rifts within the Islamic world, shaping political, social, and religious landscapes for over a millennium. Yet, from the perspective of the Oneness Movement (OM), this division, like many in the human experience, can be understood as part of the broader challenge of navigating differences while striving toward the Oneness that underlies all existence.

Historical Roots of the Schism

The Sunni-Shiite split emerged shortly after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. The primary disagreement revolved around the question of succession: who should lead the Muslim community? Sunni Muslims believed that the leadership should be elected from among the Prophet’s closest companions, while Shiites maintained that leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, specifically passing to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.

From this initial disagreement over political leadership, a deeper spiritual and theological divide emerged. Sunnis emphasized a more collective leadership through consensus, while Shiites upheld the sanctity and divine guidance of the Imamate—a line of leaders descending from Ali whom they believe possess special spiritual authority.

The OM Perspective on Religious Schisms

From the OM framework, the division between Sunni and Shiite Islam represents a divergence in the expression of consciousness as it seeks to understand and experience the divine. In OM, Oneness is the foundation of all reality, and religious differences, while often framed in human history as sources of conflict, are seen as the result of fragmentation—individual and collective consciousness seeking to grasp ultimate truth from different perspectives.

The key lesson here is not that one side is inherently right or wrong but that both perspectives are valid expressions of the broader truth of Oneness. Sunni Islam’s focus on consensus reflects an emphasis on the collective wisdom of the community, while Shiite Islam’s devotion to the Imams points to a desire for direct spiritual guidance and deeper connection to the divine lineage.

CONAF and the Sunni-Shiite Division

Using the OM concept of CONAF (Core Needs, Affirmation, and Fulfillment), we can explore how the unfulfilled needs of safety, affirmation, and competence have fueled this division. Both Sunni and Shiite communities have historically sought safety and security within their respective interpretations of Islam. This often led to political and military struggles, furthering the divide.

Both groups also sought affirmation of their faith and identity, especially when feeling marginalized or persecuted by the other side. This quest for recognition of their spiritual and historical legitimacy has often heightened tension, with the unfulfilled need for competence in self-governance and self-determination further exacerbating the schism.

From the OM perspective, these struggles are understandable but represent lower consciousness behaviors driven by fear, insecurity, and the need to assert superiority. The challenge, then, is to elevate these communities to a higher consciousness where the focus is not on division but on unity in diversity.

The Path to Oneness

For the Oneness Movement, the path to healing the Sunni-Shiite divide lies in addressing the emotional and spiritual wounds at the heart of the schism. The emphasis must be on:

1. Compassionate Understanding: Recognizing that both Sunni and Shiite traditions are valid expressions of seeking truth and connection to the divine. Neither side is inherently "other" but rather two branches of the same tree.

2. Addressing Unfulfilled Needs: Both communities must address their safety, affirmation, and competence needs without resorting to violence or exclusion. OM advocates for open dialogues that affirm both identities while allowing space for healing and reconciliation.

3. Spiritual Growth: By transcending the ego-driven desire to be "right," both Sunnis and Shiites can find higher consciousness, which leads to a more profound understanding of the shared divine essence. The OM believes that when communities focus on their commonalities—their shared belief in the oneness of God, the value of justice, and the pursuit of a virtuous life—they can move beyond historical grievances and recognize the unity at the heart of their faiths.

OM’s Role in Bridging Divides

As the Oneness Movement grows, it will promote the idea that religious, political, and social divisions, such as those between Sunni and Shiite Muslims, are manifestations of lower consciousness. These divisions can be overcome by embracing the higher consciousness that recognizes the unity of all existence, including the unity within humanity’s diverse spiritual traditions.

By creating platforms for dialogue, understanding, and mutual respect, the OM aims to bridge not only the Sunni-Shiite divide but also all divisions within humanity. True peace and harmony can only emerge when all beings recognize their shared source and work together to raise collective consciousness.

Conclusion: A Vision for Healing

The Sunni-Shiite schism is not unique in its challenges, but it offers a powerful example of how human differences can lead to conflict when lower consciousness dominates. The OM’s approach is to acknowledge these differences, not to dismiss them, but to transcend them by focusing on the Oneness that connects all.

Through this lens, healing the Sunni-Shiite divide is not only possible but essential for humanity’s evolution. By recognizing the shared divinity in both traditions and working to fulfill the core needs of each community, the OM envisions a future where religious differences become a source of strength, not division, and humanity can move closer to realizing the ultimate truth of Oneness.