Shi'ite regards Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, as his true successor as leader of Islam.
Sunni more orthodox of the two main branches of the Islamic religion, which accepts the Sunna (A compilation of the sayings and deeds of Muhammad, which is a supplement to the Koran for the more orthodox Muslim) as authoritative.
The Difference Between Sunnîsm and Shî’asm
Allamah Khalid Mahmud, Director, Islamic Academy, Manchester, United Kingdom
Translated by Abdurrahmân Ishâq
http://www.jamiat.co.za/library/sunnism_and_shiism.html
Introduction
Many types of students are generally found studying in schools, colleges and universities and many a times the terms, Sunnî & Shî'ah, are also mentioned. Nowadays numerous types of assemblies are also being hosted by students of different thoughts. Therefore, it is essential for people, especially students to keep in mind the history and beliefs of these two groups.
The Link
The differences between the Sunnî and the Shî'ah are fundamental, not secondary, because the bridge which links each one of them to Rasûllullâh Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam is a different bridge. The Ahlus Sunnah, no matter how many internal differences they may have, but the linking bridge between all of them and the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam are the following books of Ahâdîth: Sahih Al Bukhâri, Sahih Al Muslim, Sunan Abi Dawud, Sharah Ma'âniul Âthâr, Sunan Nasaî, Muwattâ Imâm Mâlik, Muattâ Imâm Muhammad, Jâmi At Tirmidhi, Sunan Baihaqi, Musnad Imâm Ahmad, Musnad Abu Yâla etc. All the four Mathâhib namely, Hanafi, Shâfiî, Mâlikî and Hambalî, similarly the Ahlul Hadîth, the Deobandi and the Barelwi groups, all regard these to be the basis of Hadîth.
The Shî'ah have a different set of Hadîth books entitled the Usûlul Arba'ah which are:
1) Al Kâfi by Kulaini (died 328 Hijri)
2) Man Lâ Yahdhuruhul Faqîh by Ibnu Bâbuyah Al Tuqani (died 370 Hijri)
3) Tah-theebul Ahkâm and
4) Al Istibsâr by Muhammad bin Hasan Al Tusi, (died 460 Hijri)
Besides these, there are some other Hadîth books as well by the Ithnâ Ashâriyyah, such as Ma'âniyul Akhbâr by Shaykh Sadûq, similarly some books authored by Shaykh Mufîd and Shaykh Murtadâ.
From these two parallel bridges, only one can be a correct link to the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam. Therefore, the differences between the Ahlus Sunnah and Shî'ah are not merely differences of fiqh (jurisprudence) as is the case with the Hanafi and Shafiee differences, in fact they are fundamental differences. The differences which come about in jurisprudence are secondary, such as the differences of the four Madhâ-hib.
Qur'ânic Sequence
It is an accepted fact between the Ahlus Sunnah and the Shî’ah that the present Qur’ân is not written according to the sequence in which it was revealed. It is the belief of the Ahlus Sunnah that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam ordered the writing of the Qur’ân, in a sequence contrary to the one in which it was revealed, and this is that sequence in which it was protected in Al Lawhul Mahfooz. This sequence was transmitted into the heart of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam and it was transcribed according to this sequence. The sequence of revelation was a mere temporary necessity. The Ithnâ Ashariyyah do not believe the Qur’ân to be in the sequence of Al Lawhul Mahfûz, nor do they believe it to be according to the instruction of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, in fact they believe that Ali Radhiallahu anhu compiled the Qur’ân according to the sequence of revelation and presently that Qur’ân (the original script which was compiled by Ali Radhiallahu anhu) is in the possession of the awaited Mahdi.
This belief clearly indicates that the Shî’ah-Sunnî differences are not mere differences in Tafsîr (interpretation) or fiqh, in fact, they are differences on a fundamental level and such differences can never be referred to as ‘secondary’. When there exists a difference of opinion as far as the Qur'ân is concerned, then what other source of unity can there beRadhiallahu anhu
Successful Mission
There is a difference of opinion between the two whether the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was successful in his mission (as a prophet) and did he implement justice or notRadhiallahu anhu The Ahlus Sunnah believe that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was entirely successful in his mission and the following matters were in his full control till the time of his demise (in other words, the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was not compelled to do or not to do any of the following):
1) He approved of remaining in the house of Â'isha Siddîqah Radhiallahu anha in the period of his illness.
2) Abu Bakr Radhiallahu anhu had substituted the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam in leading the prayer under the Prophet's instruction and consent.
3) The Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, while on his death bed, intended writing the will of Khilâfah in favour of Abu Bakr Radhiallahu anhu but had not done so (with his pleasure) because of the divine assurity which he received.
4) The burial of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam took place with all respect and honour and was not a disgraceful burial in anyway whatsoever.
5) After the demise of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, the Qur'ân was compiled with due respect according to the sequence in which it was recited by the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam.
6) After the demise of Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, every movement which raised its head disclaiming Nabi Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam being the seal of prophethood was destroyed and the promise of the Almighty Allâh to his Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam, that he will be replaced by someone from this ummah and that Khilâfah will find root after his demise and that Islam will not be destroyed, was fulfilled and completed by the Khilâfah of Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman Radhiallahu anha.
Now let us view the Shi'i Ithnâ Ashari opinion (in the words of Khomeini) with regard to the mission of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam :
"The seal of prophethood Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam had come for the reformation of mankind but he was unsuccessful in his time."
(Ittihad wa yak Jihati, page 15, published: Farhang Jamhoori Islami Iran, Multan)
He also writes:
"The Imâm of the time (Mahdi) will come with the message of implementing justice in our lives and he will bring about a change in the entire universe. This is the obligation and duty in which even the messenger of Islam, Muhammed Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was not completely successful." (Tehran Times. 29 June 1980)
The Khilâfah
From the above extracts we can deduce the Shî'î belief that the recognized Shari Khilâfah was not established immediately after the demise of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam . People forcefully snatched away power. There had been conflict and rebellion against the mission of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam , so much so that Ali Radhiallahu anhu became the khalîfah only after 24 years. His Khilâfah was not an independent Khilâfah. In fact, his Khilâfah was based upon that of the first 3 khalîfahs and he had no right to say a word against them. Therefore, according to the Shî'ahs, the history of Islam was as follows:
Twenty three years of Risâlah (the period of the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam spent in Makkah or Madinah), 24 years of rebellion (the era of the first three khulafâ), and 6 years of Khilâfah (the Khilâfah of Ali Radhiallahu anhu).
According to the Ahlus Sunnah, the history of Islâm consisted of 23 years of Risâlah and thereafter 30 years of Khilâfah.
In the light of this conflict, we, the Ahlus Sunnah, believe that the Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa sallam was replaced by a khalîfah immediately after his demise and there had been no gap between Risâlah and Khilâfah. The Ahlus Sunnah also believe that Ali Radhiallahu anhu was the immediate successor of UthmanRadhiallahu anhu as he, (Uthman Radhiallahu anhu) was the successor of Umar Radhiallahu anhu , whilst according to the Shi'i belief, the correct Khilâfah (of AliRadhiallahu anhu) was only established after the duration of 26 years (after Risâlah). Therefore, historically also, the Shî'ah and Sunnî had differences.
Difference in Worship
The Shî'ah and Sunnî also differ in the manner of performing salâh and fasting:
1) The Ahlus Sunnah wash the feet in wudhu whilst the Shî'ah make masah only (pass the wet hand over the feet).
2) The Ahlus Sunnah perform the tarawîh salah in the musjid in the month of Ramadhân while the Shî'ah are not in favour of tarâwîh.
3) The Ahlus Sunnah fold the hands in salâh but the Shî'ah leave them on the side.
4) The Ahlus Sunnah perform the sajdah on the ground or musallâh but the Shî'ah Ithna Ashari use blocks of mud so that their sajdah may not be performed on the ground.
5) The Ahlus Sunnah break their fast immediately after sunset whilst the Shî'ah delay in this.
6) According to the Ahlus Sunnah, mourning over a deceased person is permissible for 3 days only but according to the Shî'ah, it is permissible forever.
7) As far as general and social life is concerned, it is not sunnah (in fact not permissible but haram) to speak lies. According to the Shî'ah, concealing the truth is a necessity of religion. Similarly, Mut'ah (temporary marriage) is accepted as a high form of worship according to them.
2006-07-18 17:02:25
·
answer #1
·
answered by Voltage Transformer 33kV 5
·
1⤊
0⤋
Shia and Shi'ite are the same thing, just a different translation.
The difference between Shia/Shi'ite and Sunni is very complicated and is to do with their interpretation of certain beliefs and teachings. 90% of Muslims are Sunni.
2006-07-18 15:55:55
·
answer #2
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
In Islam all over the world They agree about the oneness of God They follow the same book - Quran(same words and letters all over the world). They follow the same prophet Muhammad . offer their prayers five time a day. fast in the month of Ramadan.Give charity (Zakat) which is the poor-due on the wealth of the rich go for hajj, pilgrimage to Mecca ...but they may have differnt opinions not on the basics
Those who follow some sayings and views of Ali (one of the early muslims leaders), as the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad , are called Shia. Shia means a partisan (party of Ali) and it started more as a political party to help Ali in his conflict with his political adversaries.
About 90% of Muslims are Sunni, the word Sunni is based on the word Sunnah which is an Arabic word means the Prophet's Doctrine. Sunnis believe in (GOD) as the One Creator and Mohammad is His last and final Messenger.
but you have to know that the sects in islam not like the sects in other religions in other religions1- they can change in their books for example the Catholic Bible contain 73 books while the Protestant Bible has only 66 in Islam no one can change any thing There is not even one word of difference between two Arabic Qur'ans, anywhere in the world. There has been no disagreements in history among Muslims as to what should and should not be in the Qur'an
The Sunnah or Hadith consists of the teachings, sayings, and actions of Prophet Muhammad. This information was meticulously reported and collected by his Companions. It is essentially an elaboration of the Qur'anic verses that shows how they are to be implemented in one's daily life ALLthe true muslims agree about that
2006-07-18 17:31:29
·
answer #3
·
answered by BeHappy 5
·
0⤊
0⤋
They believe in the same god, Allah (the same god christians believe in) but they worship him differently. The Shiite and Shia have the women stay home and wear clothes that cover their intire bodys while the sunni muslim have women just wear a clothe over their hair. there are more differnences.. you can look them up on google. good luck!
I forgot to add, Shia and shi'ite are mainly in the middle eastern countries while sunni is more so in african countries.
2006-07-18 15:57:26
·
answer #4
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Shia believe that Ali (my son) should have been the head of Islam but he was deposed and died in battle. Shia have spiritual head's (Imams) that Sunni don't have. But they are all my children
2006-07-18 17:12:28
·
answer #5
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Shia and Sunnis are both Muslim Terrorists.While shias don't cut their dick,sunni cut their dick.
2006-07-18 16:59:04
·
answer #6
·
answered by leowin1948 7
·
0⤊
0⤋
there have been no Shia on the time of the prophet peace be upon him. The prophet and his companions have been all Muslims Ahl Sunnah Wal Jamaah. Shiism and all different sects have been made some years after the dying of the prophet peace be upon him. the final public of Muslims now are following the coaching of the prophet peace be upon him (majority are sunnis). all the different sects are minorities alongside with shia. Shia continuously communicate approximately Ali(r.a)/Hussein(r.a) and infrequently say Allah(s.w.t)/Mohamed(s.a.w), and wager what? the names Ali and Hussein are no longer even reported in the Quran. Islam is organic Monotheism. Muslims (Sunnis) ask for each factor directly to God in straightforward terms with out making all people middleman. Calling out, invoking, crying out, making duaa to are all MANIFESTATIONS of worship that would desire to in straightforward terms be directed in the direction of Allah. even nonetheless Shia call (invoke) besides Allah, it is polytheism. They ask Ali or Hussein for help rather than asking Allah. Sunni = monotheism = Islam Shiism = polytheism = no longer Islam The Prophet (Peace be upon him) reported, 'My Ummah gets divided into seventy 3 sects considered one of which would be in Paradise and seventy two would be in the hearth.” It became into reported, O Messenger of Allaah, who're they? He reported, “Al-Jamaa’ah.”' additionally in one Hadith he reported, 'they're those people who will persist with this direction which I and my Sahaba persist with in the present day.' .... in straightforward terms Ahlul Sunnah Wal Jamaah (aka Sunnis) are following the genuine direction.
2016-10-08 01:58:46
·
answer #7
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
don't listen to the first two, they're dumb, Sunni is kinda like catholic, and Shi'ite is kinda like protestant
2006-07-18 15:56:36
·
answer #8
·
answered by murat j 2
·
0⤊
0⤋
the world knows , you know it and I know it and everyone know it , whoever it is what ever it is all both this group or sect are sick, insane and have no brain . just look around the world so many humans are killed just because of these lunatics. God has closed the door to paradise for them. you want 72 virgins after you die, its a satanic thinking. ha ha ha ha ha
2006-07-18 18:06:15
·
answer #9
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
Ha, Ha, Ha;lol.
I think dukalink (1st answer) deserves the prize for the number one insightful answer.
2006-07-18 15:57:52
·
answer #10
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋
HA HA HA what answers you have got. what ever you want to term but the facts are we are all same in terms of religion. go on say what you like make no difference to us. ha ha ha.
2006-07-18 16:35:31
·
answer #11
·
answered by Anonymous
·
0⤊
0⤋