Islam in Iran facts for kids
Iran is a country with a long and rich history. For many centuries, its main religion was Zoroastrianism. However, between the years 637 and 651, a major event called the Islamic conquest of Persia happened. This led to the end of the Sassanid Empire, which was the ruling power at the time. After this, Islam slowly became the main religion in Persia, which is now known as Iran.
The new Islamic rulers adopted many good ideas and achievements from the older Persian civilizations. Since then, Islam has been the official religion of Iran. There was a short period when the Mongols took over and set up the Ilkhanate, but Islam remained strong. In 1979, Iran became an Islamic Republic after a big change called the Islamic Revolution.
Religions Before Islam
Before Islam arrived, most people in Persia followed Zoroastrianism. But there were also many people who practiced Christianity and Judaism. In the eastern parts of Iran, which is now Afghanistan, many people were Buddhists.
How Islam Spread in Iran
When Islam first came to Iran, it was mostly the rich and important people in cities who converted first. It took more time for Islam to spread among farmers and the dihqans, who were landowners. By the late 1000s, most people in Persia had become Muslim, at least by name.
The Rise of Shia Islam
Today, Iran is mostly known for being a country where Shia Islam is the main religion. However, this was not always the case. For a long time, most Muslims in Iran were Sunni.
Shia Islam became the official state religion in Iran much later, around the 15th century. This happened when the Safavid dynasty came to power in the early 1500s. They strongly encouraged people to become Shia Muslims. By the mid-1600s, most people in Iran had become Shia, and this has continued ever since. Over time, Shia Islam and Persian culture blended together, making each one special.
Islam in Iran Today
Today, about 98% of people in Iran are Muslim. Most of these, about 90%, are Shia Muslims. The remaining 8% are Sunni Muslims. Sunni Muslims in Iran are mostly from groups like the Turkmen, some Arabs (especially in Hormozgan Province), Baluch, and Kurdish people. These groups live in different parts of Iran, like the south, southeast, northeast, and northwest. Almost all Shia Muslims in Iran follow a specific branch of Shia Islam called Twelvers.
