what is the diffrence between a shite muslim and a sunni muslim and why do they fight each other?

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."

For more detailed information about the historical context of the Shia/Sunni split, and modern-day interpretations and repercussions, please visit the links to the right.

http://clk.about.com/?zi=1/XJ&sdn=islam&zu=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.islamfortoday.com%2Fshia.htm

Answer 2

Shite Muslim

Answer 3

Basically, there are no difference between a Sh'ite and a Sunni.

So what are they fighting over?
The history of the conflict dated back 1400 years ago.
After the departure(death) of prophet Muhammad peace and blessing be upon him, they (the Muslims Community at that time) cannot reach an agreement about who should be the caliph (the leader). There are many nominee at that time. Among them are Saidina Ali bin Abu Thalib, Saidina Abu Bakar, Saidina Umar al-Khattab, Saidina Usman bin Affan. They are called Khulafa ar Rashiddin. So, they held a meeting. The meeting board was called Syura.

After much discussions, they appointed Saidina Abu Bakar as their 1st leader after the prophet. Among their reason is they have heard a hadith that saying the prophet prefered Saidina Abu Bakar to be the leader of the Muslim's community.

The appointment cause anger to the followers of Saidina Abu Bakar. They said Saidina Abu is far more qualified that Saidina Abu Bakar because he is the 1st children to believe in the teachings of the prophet. (At that time, most Arabians are either Jews, Christians or Pagan). Furthermore, he is the son-in-law of the prophet. And they also remembered that the prophet has once said that, "If I (the prophet) are the library to the knowledge, then Ali is the key of the door of the library". In addition, Saidina Ali has saved the prophet once from his enemy. So, basing on those point, thet believed that Saidina Ali should be the leader.

But the Syura (the meeting board) didn't want to back off. They also have their reasons. they said, Saidina Abu Bakar also has family relationship with the prophet. Saidina Abu Bakar is the prophet's father-in-law (the prophet married to his daughter, A'isha). And Saidina Abu Bakar also one of the 1st group to believe in the prophet. Saidina Abu Bakar also have contribute to the growth of Islam by donating all his equity to support Muslim community.( At that time, the Meccan oppress the Muslims by boycotting the trade. Muslims cannot buy or sell anything)

At that time, the term Sunni and Sh'ite appeared. Sunni comes word Arabic word, sunnah, means 'following the lifestyle of the prophet', because they followed the hadith that state that the prophet wanted Saidina Abu Bakar to be the leader. The followers of the Saidina Ali are called Sh'ite. (I don't know the reason)

Despite the heat and tension between the followers of both side, there are actually no problem between Saidina Ali and Saidina Abu. They both didn't hate each other. Saidina Ali accept the appointment of the Saidina Abu, but the die-hard fans of the Saidina Ali, never!

So basically, Sh'ite and Sunni are not the sects of Islam. Because they agreed in all part of the prophet Muhammads' (peace and bleassing be upon him) teaching. They just dont agree on the topic, "who should be the caliph".

Differ from the Christian's sects. The Protestant believe in the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, while the Catholic believe in the Father, the Son, and the Mother. Catholic confess to priest while Prost didn't. Why I include this infos? Not to hurt my fellow Christians nor to put a bad name on the Christians, but i just want to make it clear that Shi'te and Sunni are not sects. They believe in all principles and tenets of Islam. Just on that part (the appointment), they disagree. The disagreement finally led to a fight over each others as we see today. On other aspects, they didn't differ (as far as i'm concerned)

Answer 4

Sunni

The Sunni are the largest group in Islam. In Arabic, as-Sunnah literally means "principle" or "path." Sunnis and Shi'a believe that Muhammad is a perfect example to follow, and that they must imitate the words and acts of Muhammad as accurately as possible. Because of this reason, the sunnah (practices which Muhammad established in the community) is described as a main pillar of Sunni doctrine, with the place of hadith having been argued by scholars as part of the sunnah.

Sunnis recognize four major legal traditions (madhhabs): Maliki, Shafi'i, Hanafi, and Hanbali. All four accept the validity of the others and a Muslim might choose any one that he/she finds agreeable to his/her ideas. There are also several orthodox theological or philosophical traditions (kalam). The more recent Salafi movement among Sunnis, adherents of which often refuse to categorize themselves under any single legal tradition, sees itself as restorationist and claims to derive its teachings from the original sources of Islam.


Shi'a

Shi'a Muslims, the second-largest branch, differ from the Sunni in rejecting the authority of the first three caliphs. They honor different accounts of Muhammad (hadith) and have their own legal traditions. The concept of Imamah (leadership) plays a central role in Shi'a doctrine. Shi'a Muslims hold that leadership should not be passed down through a system such as the caliphate, but rather, descendants of Muhammad should be given this right as Imams. Furthermore, they believe that the first Imam, Ali ibn Abu Talib, was explicitly appointed by Muhammad to be his successor.

Answer 5

There are theological, and geographical transformations nonetheless the main chop up got here approximately after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH for our Muslim friends) while it got here time to make your recommendations up on his successor. the gang that became the Shiia favored the hereditary succession and subsequently, his son in regulation Ali. the gang that could grow to be the Sunni popular his usual, Abu Bakr. As I suggested, there are theological transformations even with the undeniable fact that it may get slightly extreme, academically.

Answer 6

Traditions, faqat.
Tradtitions, only.

They disagreed on who was to be the new muslim leader, the Shia(Shiite) candidate was killed, and many others were also killed, so now some people don't like each other.

Personally, I think it's stupid. It's kind of like trying to blame Jews for the crucifixtion. (Jesus was a Jew.)

At a certain point in prayer, Sunnis stand up, looking down, with their hands crossed over their belly (holding their own hand), and Shia (Shiites) Stand up, looking down, with their hands by their side.
Whenever I pray with a mixed group (Sunnis and Shias together) I pray with one of my hands by my side and one of my hands on my belly. :)

Peace, shalom, salam, paz, nabad

Answer 7

When Muhammad died, some Muslims believed Ali was the rightful successor (Shi'a) and some believed Abu Bakr was (Sunni).

Answer 8

As I understand it shites revere a class of individual whose heritage comes from Mohammed and are more corrupted with regards to adultery and the like. Sunnis are very strict, rigid and do not have the family lineage to Mohammed.

Answer 9

There is no difference there are both the shitslime on the bottom of every decent man and womans foot.

Pisslam will be the end of the world!!!

Answer 10

sunni are modernistic, shia are not and want the sharia law to be the national law. in short, the shiite want a theocracy, and the sunnis want a secular law.

Answer 11

the difference is that sunnis wanted a certain person to be caliph after caliph ali died, and shiites wanted another person to be caliph. they mistrusted each other and still do to this day.