What is the primary difference between Sunni and Shiite Muslems that cause so much hatred?

Answer 1

Might not be a good idea to put the hatred in all of them as a lable.

The primary difference is that the Sunni don't believe that you have to be a descendant of Mohammed to be the supreme leader.

They also have differences in terms of how you conduct worship.
For example, some Sunni consider some Shite shrines to be idol woship.

To the Islamist, all people who disagree with him are either Infidel (thats us) or apostates.

Answer 2

This isn't about their theological differences.

Saddam Hussein was a Sunni (which is numerically a minority in Iraq), and favored the Sunnis.

The Shiite are the majority, and feel they were oppressed (well, they were) under Saddam.

The Sunni believe they are the numerical majority, and don't like giving up power to the Shiite.

A lot of their dispute has to do with who controls the oil, and how strong the central govenment is (and whether the regions with oil have to pay into the central goverment or not, in which case the Sunni in the oil-less area would be SOL).

Answer 3

When people start looking at the greed in this world and forget what the real teaching of a religion is, conflict begins. More, and worst hatred and war begin to open their ways through to people's hearts.

That's why I see that it is best for those who chose a religion such as Islam, to just simply call themselves Muslims, follow the orders in the Quran, and follow the teachings of the final prophet.

That's a proper Muslim. Giving his life to God... and not giving any room for politics and greed.

Salam.