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Images
of SHI'A ISLAM |
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*SHI'AS-
SUNNIS*
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A map that locates Shi'a and
Sunni Muslims
around the world |
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A mihrab or prayer niche from
Isfahan (1354),
from the Met; Iran is the classic home of South Asian
Shi'ism |
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Some magnificent calligraphy
pieces invoked
the powerful name of 'Ali, and not always for Shi'a
patrons |
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A famous and spectacularly
gorgeous emerald,
from Aurangzeb's time (1695/6), carved with a Shi`ite
prayer; it may have
belonged to one of the Mughal imperial officers in the
Deccan. |
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Hazrat 'Ali, Hasan, and
Husain are shown
in paintings as specially honored by Divine favor |
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Imambarahs, also called
imambargahs, were
important centers of ritual activity, especially at
Muharram; *Lucknow*
had some famous ones |
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Some early drawings and
paintings of Muharram
rituals and processions |
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Mourning processions for
Muharram were common,
and often included participation by non-Shias, and
elements of street theater
as well |
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After the processions, the
special tabuts
were often cast into a river or the sea |
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Some finials from 'alams
(standards carried
in Muharram processions) |
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Protective amulets of the
"Hand of Fatimah,"
while not specifically Shi'a, are popularly used in many
parts of the Islamic
world to ward off the evil eye |
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Modern Shi'a calligraphic
designs, with
the names of the Five Pure Ones, or the name of 'Ali
alone. |
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