what is the difference between sunni and shiite muslims?

Answer 1

The Sunni branch believes that the first four caliphs--Mohammed's successors--rightfully took his place as the leaders of Muslims. They recognize the heirs of the four caliphs as legitimate religious leaders. These heirs ruled continuously in the Arab world until the break-up of the Ottoman Empire following the end of the First World War.

Shiites, in contrast, believe that only the heirs of the fourth caliph, Ali, are the legitimate successors of Mohammed. In 931 the Twelfth Imam disappeared. This was a seminal event in the history of Shiite Muslims. According to R. Scott Appleby, a professor of history at the University of Notre Dame, "Shiite Muslims, who are concentrated in Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon, [believe they] had suffered the loss of divinely guided political leadership" at the time of the Imam's disappearance. Not "until the ascendancy of Ayatollah Ruhollah Khomeini in 1978" did they believe that they had once again begun to live under the authority of a legitimate religious figure.

Answer 2

The basic difference is that Sunnis believe that the first several successors of Mohammed (called caliphs) were indeed the people that should have been the successors, whereas the Shiites believe that only the fourth (or fifth, I can't remember) caliph after Mohammed was the legitimate one. It's basically a difference in views of how leadership of Islam was or should have been transferred.

Answer 3

The biggest difference is the belief in who should've bcame caliph(a spiritual leader) after the prophet Mohammed died. Sunni muslims believe that the calphiate should be and was passed onto the best possible leader, while Shi'ite muslims think the caliph should have been kept in Mohammed's family and passed onto the closest male relative, Ali.

The female Shi'ite muslims also always wear a white under scarf beneath their regualr hijab, so that it peeks out a little, and some males wear turbans.

Answer 4

it all began with the death of the prophet Mohamed. there were two camps for his successor. 1 by blood meaning that the leader of the Muslims would have to be a descendant. 2 the most capable meaning that anyone (unless you're a woman, slave or not of the religion) could lead the Muslims. i forget which is which. i think shia Muslims believe succession by birth.

Answer 5

Sunni muslims also known as Salafi muslims adhere to or follow the Prophet Muhummad ( peace and blessing be upon him) teaching/traditions and the three generations following his death. Some might also call this orthodox meaning that nothing has been added to this religion / way of life called Islam. We only follow the Holy Qur'an which is the word of GOD and the way of life of our blessed Prophet( may GODS peace and blessing be upon him and his familiy). Since the Prophet (peaece and blessing be upon him) was sent to all of mankind as our model then when do try to do as he did since he was Allah's(GODS) Last messenger/Prophet sent to mankind followin Jesus ( Peace and blessing be upon him).

Now the shiite's believe in something different than the Salafi/ Sunni muslims. They incoporate new things into what was already sent down for us to follow, In islam Allah(GOD) says that you can not add too or take away from what the truth is, meanng what he (Allah/GOD) Has already said.

We as muslims are not supposed to innovate (start some thing new or add anything) Allah/GOD has already perfected our religion for us. Anything that is added will lead us( meaning muslims) astray and everything thats leads us astray will lead to the Hellfire, May Allah/God protect me from that amin. Allah/God is without flaws and he is perfect in everyway.

In closing I must testify that:

I bear witness that there is no GOD but Allah, and I bear witness that Muhummad (Peace and blessing be upon him) is his last messenger and servant.

Answer 6

I think its something like Catholics & Christians = Sunnis and Shi'ites.

Shiites are termed fundamenstalists by Sunnis (not sure what that means) and Cunnis claimed to me more moderate (not sure what that means either).

Both worship the God but I am still figuring out why they are still murdering each other. Just like the Catholics and Protestants in N. Ireland.

Answer 7

The first moron did a bad job of answering. The difference between sunni and shite muslims are the same as the difference sects of christianity. Sunni and Shite muslims are derived from islam, like evangelical and baptist and lutheran are derived from the base of christianity.

Answer 8

I can't remember exactly which one, but one believes in the 10 descendents of Muhommad and the other doesn't. Sorry I can't be more helpful; I had that history class 2 years ago.

Answer 9

I honestly don't know, but they do, which is why they take turns blowing each other up

(Go read in the paper. Some Sunnis attacked some Shi'ites or maybe it was the opposite. It's all so confusing)

Answer 10

W/e their parents tell them at birth is there difference with an exception of a few with open minds.