| Images of SHI'A ISLAM | |
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SUNNIS* |
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. |