What's the difference between shia and sunni muslims?

Question

I understand that there is some dissagreement about the lineage. I never quite understood it though.

Answer 1

It is a question of inheritance after the death of muhammed.

Answer 2

Shi'a Muslims believe that Muhammad's family (the Imams) were the best source of knowledge about the Qur'an, Islam, and Emulation (the best-qualified teachers of Islam after Muhammad), and the most trusted carriers and protectors of Muhammad's Sunnah (traditions).

In particular, Shi'a Muslims recognize the succession of Ali (Muhammad's cousin, son-in-law, the first male to convert to Islam (second person only to Muhammad's wife Khadija) and the male head of the Ahl al-Bayt or "people of the [Prophet's] house") as opposed to that of the caliphate recognized by Sunni Muslims. Shi`a Muslims believe that Ali was appointed successor by Muhammad's direct order on many occasions, and that he is therefore the rightful leader of the Muslim faith pursuant to the Prophet's wishes.

Answer 3

They are basically two different denominations within Islam, like Catholics and Methodists are different denominations within Christianity. There are some other different Islamic factions but these are numerically insignificant compared to the two main ones. There are several traditional differences in opinions, religious practices and attitudes between shia and sunni but for the most part both groups are very similar in their general outlook and the core of their beliefs.

Answer 4

The Shia felt that a blood relative of Mohammad (Ali) should be "in charge" of Islam, as Mohammad's successor.

The Sunni think Mohammad's child bride (Aisha) and HER family should lead Islam, since Mohammad had sex with her, and she was supposedly his favorite wife.

Basically, it is a bitter bloody argument about who wants to be in charge. Sunnis and Shia both claim there is only one Islam, but they disagree over many areas such as Islamic law, customs, traditions, doctrines, how to interpret the Qur'an etc.

Peace!

Answer 5

They each believe in a different prophet.For the sunnis it's Mohamed,for the Shia it's Ali [who were cousins by the way]

Answer 6

There will be more learned answers than mine, but I believe it has to do with the lineage of the prophet. One believes that the prophets descend directly from Mohammed's bloodline, while the other believes that the prophet "chooses" his successor.

I think.

Answer 7

well basically.. sunni's believe the last prophet was muhammed (pbuh) and shia's believe god made a mistake and the last prophet should have been ali...i think?

Answer 8

I think it goes back to the Muslim prophet Muhammed, and which of his sons was the one to carry on in his footsteps.

Answer 9

I read about it recently, but I've forgotten already.
Funny ,though, how ,all these 'one true religions' have several versions ....

Answer 10

WHEN MOHAMMED DIED,HE HAD NO SONS,SO HIS SON-INLAW & BROTHER EACH CLAIMED TO BE THE SUCCESSOR I THINK.THUS THE SPLIT.