Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most
fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of
faith and are the two main sub-groups in
Islam. They do differ, however, and that
separation stemmed initially, not from
spiritual distinctions, but political ones. Over
the centuries, these political differences
have spawned a number of varying
practices and positions which have come to
carry spiritual significance.
A Question of Leadership
The division between Shia and Sunni dates
back to the death of the Prophet
Muhammad in 632. This event raised the
question of who was to take over the
leadership of the Muslim nation.
Sunnism is the largest and most orthodox
branch of Islam. The word Sunn, in Arabic,
comes from a word meaning "one who
follows the traditions of the Prophet."
Sunni Muslims agree with many of the
Prophet's companions at the time of his
death: that the new leader should be
elected from among those capable of the
job. For example, following Prophet
Muhammad's death, his close friend and
adviser, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph
(successor or deputy of the Prophet) of the
Islamic nation.
On the other hand, some Muslims believe
that leadership should have stayed within
the Prophet's family, among those
specifically appointed by him, or among
Imams appointed by God Himself.
Shia Muslims believe that following the
Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership
should have passed directly to his cousin
and son-in-law, Ali bin Abu Talib.
Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not
recognized the authority of elected Muslim
leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of
Imams which they believe have been
appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or
God Himself.
The word Shia in Arabic means a group or
supportive party of people. The commonly-
known term is shortened from the
historical Shia't-Ali, or "the Party of Ali." This
group is also known as Shiites or followers
of Ahl al-Bayt or "People of the
Household" (of the Prophet).
Within the Sunni and Shia branches, you
can also find a number of sects. For
example, in Saudi Arabia, Sunni Wahhabism
is a prevalent and puritanical faction.
Similarly, in Shiitism, the Druze are a
somewhat eclectic sect residing in Lebanon,
Syria, and Israel.
Where Do Sunni and Shia Muslims
Live?
Sunni Muslims make up an 85 percent
majority of Muslims all over the world.
Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen,
Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Algeria,
Morocco, and Tunisia are predominantly
Sunni.
Significant populations of Shia Muslims can
be found in Iran and Iraq. Large Shiite
minority communities are also in Yemen,
Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon.
It is in areas of the world, where Sunni and
Shiite populations are in close proximity,
that conflict can arise. Coexistence in Iraq
and Lebanon, for example, is often difficult.
The religious differences are so embedded
in the culture that intolerance often leads to
violence.
Differences in Religious Practice
Stemming from the initial question of
political leadership, some aspects of
spiritual life now differ between the two
Muslim groups. This includes rituals of
prayer and marriage.
In this sense, many people compare the
two groups with Catholics and Protestants.
Fundamentally, they share some common
beliefs, but practice in different manners.
It is important to remember that despite
these differences in opinion and practice,
Shia and Sunni Muslims share the main
articles of Islamic belief and are considered
by most to be brethren in faith. In fact, most
Muslims do not distinguish themselves by
claiming membership in any particular
group, but prefer, simply, to call themselves
"Muslims."
Religious Leadership
Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is
sinless by nature and that his authority is
infallible because it comes directly from
God. Therefore, Shia Muslims often venerate
the Imams as saints. They perform
pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines in
the hopes of divine intercession.
This well-defined clerical hierarchy can play
a role in governmental matters as well. Iran
is a good example in which the Imam, and
not the state, is the ultimate authority.
Sunni Muslims counter that there is no basis
in Islam for a hereditary privileged class of
spiritual leaders, and certainly no basis for
the veneration or intercession of saints.
They contend that leadership of the
community is not a birthright, but rather a
trust that is earned and may be given or
taken away by the people.
Religious Texts and Practices
Sunni and Shia Muslims follow the Quran as
well as the Prophet's hadith (sayings)
and sunna (customs). These are
fundamental practices in the Islamic faith.
They also adhere to the five pillars of Islam:
shahada, salat, zakat, sawm, and hajj.
Shia Muslims tend to feel animosity towards
some of the companions of the Prophet
Muhammad. This is based on their positions
and actions during the early years of
discord about leadership in the community.
Many of these companions (Abu Bakr, Umar
ibn Al Khattab, Aisha, etc.) have narrated
traditions about the Prophet's life and
spiritual practice. Shia Muslims reject these
traditions and do not base any of their
religious practices on the testimony of
these individuals.
This naturally gives rise to some differences
in religious practice between the two
groups. These differences touch all detailed
aspects of religious life: prayer, fasting,
pilgrimage, and more.
