What are the believes of Shias/Shitties???

Question

They are a bit different from the Sunnies. That much I know. But how are they different????

is there any website giving correct and unbiased information about Shias???

Answer 1

Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance.

The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation. Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet."

On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself.

The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali. 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." They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet).

From this initial question of political leadership, some aspects of spiritual life have been affected and now differ between the two groups of Muslims.

Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature, and that his authority is infallible as it comes directly from God. Therefore, Shia Muslims often venerate the Imams as saints and perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines in the hopes of divine intercession. 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. Sunni Muslims contend that leadership of the community is not a birthright, but a trust that is earned and which may be given or taken away by the people themselves.

Shia Muslims also feel animosity towards some of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, based on their positions and actions during the early years of discord about leadership in the community. Many of these companions (Abu Bakr, Umar, Aisha, etc.) have narrated traditions about the Prophet's life and spiritual practice. Shia Muslims reject these traditions (hadith) 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, etc.

Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the world. Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq, and large minority communities in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon.

It is important to remember that despite all of 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 to call themselves simply, "Muslims."

Answer 2

The split occured when Muhammad died. Most believed they should follow his right hand man who was most knowledgable about Islam but the others thought leadership should go by lineage. Shiites follow Ali who would have been next in line going by blood ties. But Sunnis follow (I always forget his name) because Islam was supposed to throw out the traditional ideals of Arab life before the revelation and succession by blood was the old way. This was to prevent any worship of Muhammad or his family. You are to only worship Allah. Many holidays celebrated by Shiites are not by Sunnis because they are ritualistic and place too much emphasis on men who are no more than human. There are more differences but that is the basics.

Answer 3

There are different kinds of Shi'a. The Imami's (aka Twelver Shi'a and the most popular) believe in 12 infallible imams starting with right after the Prophet(saws). Imam Ali etc.... This is the main difference. They also pray a bit differently - they put their heads on a turbah (a piece of earth, usually from Karbalah but it doesn't have to be) because it is believed that they are to pray on something God-made not something manmade. In their iqamah they add that Ali is the wali of Allah also. These are the main differences between the two sects. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Well, Shiia only accept Ali as or should have been the successor (Calipha) after the prophet Mohammed (pbuh). For Sunni, Abu Bakar was the Calipha. By the way, these two differences did not take a place at the time of the Prophet Muhammed (pbuh). But it was split in two after his death.

Answer 5

It's the Shiite, not "shitties" lol. Most shiite's live in Iran, they are much stricter muslims. I think it's something like they describe Ali, the son of Muhammed, as a succesor of Muhammed. And I think they also describe the three caliphs or whatever.

Answer 6

Although both Sunnis & Shiites have a deep & profound veneration for Muhammed & all the holy men & women of Islam, Shiite devotion to Islam's holy persons are like that of Catholic Christianity, in that they can call upon them or ask them to pray for them to God.

Sunnis are like Protestant Christians, in that they think the afore-mentioned practice amounts to idolotry.

Answer 7

I think they are the same thing. But anyway, Suni and Shiite or something. I think they differ on the method of choosing the person to lead all Muslims in their faith.