I tried looking up their difference of belief on the web, but really can't understand the violence behind it.
Why are they killing each other? Is it justified in their belief?
Do you believe they will ever be able to live in peace and accept each other?
2006-09-18 13:42:53 · 9 answers · asked by erinjanae 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
Ok, let me tell you... IN A NUTSHELL, they basically disagree with who should've succeeded the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) after his death as leader of the Muslims.
Sunnis say Abu Bakr RIGHTFULLY succeeded Muhammad (pbuh). Shi'ites (pronounced Shee'AH) say Ali (Muhammad's nephew) should've succeeded Muhammad (pbuh). Although Abu Bakr and Ali were cool with it (after all, three leaders later Ali became leader), a small group of people were not happy with it and resented it since then. These people also got really pissed when several years later, one of the later Muslim leaders killed the grandsons of the prophet Muhammad, Hussain and Hassan. So this group of people grew, developed some rituals, and are now called Shi'ites. Principally, Sunnis and Shiites follow the same religion, but there are some differences (mainly minor ritualistic differences).
I'm a Sunni. I can tell you for a fact IN BOTH SECTS, it is considered a sin to kill innocent civilians. I swear, the world would be SO PEACEFUL if people actually FOLLOWED their religion!
2006-09-18 14:07:03 · answer #1 · answered by Ibrahim 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
"The same as Protestants and Catholics who have been trying to kill each other in Ireland for centuries. They both believe in Jesus Christ as the messiah, heaven and hell. Resurrection.
Some find it difficult to tell the difference.
But to them there is a world of difference. In certain beliefs and philosophies. The same with Sunni & Shiites. They see a world of difference no outsider will ever see."
Perfect answer, Dawn.
2006-09-18 20:57:27 · answer #2 · answered by Link 5 · 1⤊ 0⤋
The same as Protestants and Catholics who have been trying to kill each other in Ireland for centuries. They both believe in Jesus Christ as the messiah, heaven and hell. Resurrection.
Some find it difficult to tell the difference.
But to them there is a world of difference. In certain beliefs and philosophies. The same with Sunni & Shiites. They see a world of difference no outsider will ever see.
2006-09-18 20:54:03 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
The third answer says it all. Additionally, sunnis believe that mourning should cease after a very limited period. The fact that shias mourn year after year as they have been for more than a 1000 years galls the sunnis. And the factthat shias blame the sunnis for the murder of their leader widens the rift. So where ever you see significant populations of shias and sunnis, you will see bloodbaths.
2006-09-18 20:52:30 · answer #4 · answered by noitall 5 · 0⤊ 2⤋
shiites like me believe that only muhammads relatives can be the leaders of islam, sunnis believe anybody can be leaders of islam
2006-09-18 21:10:42 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i think it's because sunnis killed some guy named hussein who was supposed to be a good guy. That's why they have that muharram thing and beat themselves for punishment. Don't know of any principle differences.
2006-09-18 20:47:17 · answer #6 · answered by Rajan S 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
apparently they originate from different tribes, or families. I didn't know Muslims needed a reason to kill anyone.
2006-09-18 20:47:25 · answer #7 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Their parents told them to hate eachother....So they believe it just like christians believe in jesus....because their parents told them to
2006-09-18 20:44:33 · answer #8 · answered by nicole 6 · 1⤊ 1⤋
No difference, both fell for a lie!
2006-09-18 20:45:04 · answer #9 · answered by Linn E 3 · 0⤊ 2⤋