Hosseini, Khaled: *1965
The Kite Runner, 2003 - Background
- Historical, Political, and Cultural Contexts
- Soviet invasion of Afghanistan, 1979. Britannica; May 27, 2024
- Audio (7:39)
Khaled Hosseini on Afghan's refugees. The World from PRX; May 18, 2011 - Who are the Pashtun?
- The Pashtun are one of the largest ethnic groups in Afghanistan and have played a major role in the country's history, culture, and politics. The vast majority are Sunni Muslims.
- Who are the Hazara?
- The Hazaras are one of Afghanistan’s major ethnic groups. They are known for having faced centuries of discrimination and persecution. Most are Shia Muslims.
- What is the difference between Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims?
- Sunni and Shia Muslims are the two largest branches of Islam. They share the same fundamental belief in one God (Allah), the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur’an, and many of the same religious practices. The main difference began with a disagreement over who should lead the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad died.
Sunni Muslims support the selection of Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad, as the first caliph (leader of the Muslim community).
- Shia Muslims believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, is the rightful successor and that leadership should remain with the Prophet’s family.
- Sunni and Shia Muslims are the two largest branches of Islam. They share the same fundamental belief in one God (Allah), the Prophet Muhammad, the Qur’an, and many of the same religious practices. The main difference began with a disagreement over who should lead the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad died.