Retrocop, Although there are slight differences between the various interpretations, there is only one Koran (Quran), but the Hadith and the Sunnah (collections of Mohammed’s alleged pronouncements, deeds, etc) heavily influence Islamic law.
Because it is deemed to be emulating Allah’s creation, representations of any living creature are forbidden – but the ruling has not always been strictly adhered to. I think in recent years Islam in general has become far more conservative than it ever was in the past.
Peter is right. The disagreement between Sunni and Shia results from the death of Mohammed around 1500 years ago when his successor became the subject of dispute.
I really wish people would stop comparing radical Islam to the IRA. Apart from imposing terrorism upon innocent people, something that many organisations do and have done, the two have nothing whatsoever in common. Islam embraces a mind-set like no other on earth – and that is what many in the west consistently fail to recognise.