Question

What was unusual about Bashar al-Assad, the longtime president of Arab nation of Syria?

A. He was the son of the previous leader of his country?

B. He controlled a strong military?

C. His government controlled Syria’s natural resources, including rich oil fields?

D. He was a non-Muslim in a country which is three-quarters Sunni Muslim?

Answer 1

The correct answer is D) He was a non-Muslim in a country which is three-quarters Sunni Muslim

Step-by-step explanation:

Bashar Al-Assad is an Alawaite, an offshoot of Shia Islam which has a very different interpretation of Islam. This is unusual since a majority of Syria actually follows Sunni Islam.

The Quran, which is the holy book for Muslims, is considered just one of the holy texts by Alwaites.

Hence, they are very different from mainstream Islam. While Muslims are prohibited from drinking alcohol, the Alwaites are allowed to drink socially but only in moderation.

They also believe in reincarnation like the Hindus, something that is completely rejected in Islam.