2006-11-08 23:06:05 · 6 answers · asked by amalatoo 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
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.
2006-11-08 23:15:23 · answer #1 · answered by Aby 3 · 3⤊ 0⤋
they don't agree on the leader after prophet Mohammad,the Shi'a said it should be Ali but the Sunni said it should be Abubakr. although the Sunni succeeded but the Shi'a thought he wasn't the right leader. Ali was the leader after Abubakr, Omar & Osman.
by the way that's just the basis. nowadays there are many more differences.
2006-11-08 23:35:55 · answer #2 · answered by bookend 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
WHat is a sona? Zoinc, 2 points . Never heard sona before. So you mean sunis?
2006-11-08 23:11:24 · answer #3 · answered by . 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Two different sect of Islam and the only difference is shia give more importance to Hazrat Ali son in law of Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) and suni give equal importance to all the other companions of the prophet.
2006-11-09 01:11:31 · answer #4 · answered by Eccentric 7 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They disagree on who came after Mohammed in the leadership.
It's a silly thing to kill each other over, isn't it?
2006-11-08 23:08:06 · answer #5 · answered by nondescript 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Nothing. Each one thinks the other group is wrong, and they kill each other over it, and then blame the USA for all their problems.
2006-11-08 23:09:38 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋