Final answer:
The Sunni-Shi'ite conflict is indeed ingrained in political Islam. It has shaped political dynamics in the Muslim world, especially in countries like Iraq and Iran, since the early dispute over the Prophet Muhammad's succession.
This correct answer is a)
Step-by-step explanation:
The question asks whether the Sunni-Shi'ite conflict is ingrained in political Islam. The answer is yes, as this schism has had significant infuence on the politics and history of the Muslim world, particularly in regions like Iraq and Iran.
The division initially arose from a dispute over the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad, with Sunnis advocating for elected leaders and Shi'ites believing in a hereditary line through Muhammad's family.
In Iraq, the majority of Arabs are Shi'a, however, under Saddam Hussein's regime, the leadership identified as Sunni, which has been a source of conflict.
Additionally, there have been periods in history, such as the early 16th century under Shah Ismail of the Safavid Empire, where the imposition of Shi'ism as the state religion was a deliberate effort to create a distinct identity and unite the populace against Sunni neighbors and adversaries.
Throughout history, this conflict has shaped the political landscape in regions where Islam predominates. Even today, the legacy of these divisions continues to influence geopolitical alliances, internal political dynamics, and regional conflicts throughout the Islamic world.
This correct answer is a)