Effects of Sectarianism on Inter Religious Family Dynamics: Assessing Shia Sunni Families in District Kurram of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa

This study was conducted in District Kurram, Pakistan to assess Shia-Sunni families. A sample of 200 respondents, with equal numbers of Shia and Sunni, was surveyed using questionnaires. Data was analyzed using SPSS, focusing on the relationship between religious dynamics and family affiliation. Chi-Square test statistics were used for analysis. The study found that sectarian divisions among Muslims are harmful for Islam and unity. Sunni and Shia families have different structures in observing religious teachings. Both sects have their own religious institutions, and religious clerics play a significant role in the daily lives of people. Sunni scholars receive education in Sunni-majority countries, while Shia scholars’ study in Shia-majority countries. Iran supports Shia students with scholarships, while Saudi Arabia supports Sunni students. Sunni prefer Umrah over visiting shrines, while Shia prefer visiting shrines in Iraq and Iran. Both sects provide financial support to militants for community protection. Sunni residents of Parachinar celebrate Shab-i-barath after their repatriation in the area, while Shia families currently celebrate Moharammulhram with more religious zeal and enthusiasm after the last wave of sectarianism. None of the sects participate in religious rituals of the opponent after the last sectarian clash in the area. The study recommends that ideological differences advanced by Shia-Sunni Islamic Jurisprudences should be resolved in the light of Quran and Sunnah. Zakat and Hommas should be utilized for the welfare of the poor. The fatwa of the Iranian supreme leader and Imami Kaba could also help in harmony and change the sectarian pro-attitudes and behaviors of Shia-Sunni in the study universe.