Who can explain in lay terms the key differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims?

Answer 1

The major split in Islam is that between the majority Sunnis and the minority Shiites. The split goes back to events in the 7th century:

After Mohammed’s death, leadership of the Islamic community passed to Abu Bakr, one of Mohammed’s closest companions. Some in the community felt that this succession was not legitimate, and that the title of caliph really belonged to Ali. Ali’s claim was supported by the fact that he was Mohammed’s cousin, his adopted son, his first convert (at the age of nine), and husband of his daughter Fatima. Both sides believe that Mohammed specifically designated their man: Supporters of Abu became the Sunnis, those of Ali the Shiites.

The Caliphate passed from Abu Bakr to Umar, and from Umar to Ulthman. Ulthman at last passed the torch to Ali. When Ali was murdered in 661, the Caliphate passed to Muawiya, who would found the famous Umayyid Caliphate. Ali was buried in Najaf in what is now Iraq, and the site remains a major Shiite holy site.

Sunni refers to the sunnas, or oral traditions and interpretations of the Koran -- a body of work similar to the Jewish Talmud. Sunnis believe that the position of Caliph should be a position to which one is elected by the religious leaders of the Islamic community, and not dependent on direct lineage from Mohammed.

Shiite comes from the word shia, which means “the party (of Ali). They are mostly found in Iran and Iraq, and among the Palestinians. They consider certain direct descendants of Ali -- the Imams -- infallible and the true inheritors of Mohammed. Ali was the first Imam, his son Hassan the second, his second son Hussein the third. Ali’s sons were killed in the conflict with Caliph Muawiya. However, their succession ended with the 12th Imam, who went into hiding in 940. Most Shiites believe that the 12th Imam will reemerge someday as the Mahdi or Messiah, and reassert his leadership of the Islamic world. In the meantime, ayatollahs are elected to serve as caretakers of the faith.

Answer 2

salaam the two Sunni and Shia Muslims proportion the main regularly occurring Islamic ideals and articles of religion. the variations between those 2 substantial sub-communities interior of Islam initially stemmed no longer from non secular variations, yet political ones. Over the centuries, although, those political variations have spawned various various practices and positions that have come to hold a non secular value. The branch between Shia and Sunni dates decrease back to the dying of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who exchange into to take over the management of the Muslim u . s . a .. Sunni Muslims consider the region taken by most of the Prophet's companions, that the recent chief could be elected from between those able to the job. that's what exchange into completed, and the Prophet Muhammad's close chum and consultant, Abu Bakr, grew to become the 1st Caliph of the Islamic u . s . a .. with a bit of luck this helped the entire cut up is all politics as your chum suggested that the shias have confidence that the caliphate could descend throught the prophets blood jointly as sunnis dont thats particularly it peace outzz

Answer 3

The main difference is that the Shi'i believe that Islam should be one with the state while the Sunni believe that religion is personal and should not be involved in government...

- Atmadeepo Bhava -

Answer 4

'God hates Liberals'... let me guess... your a redneck.

The first post summed it up very well. I would add that Sunnis follow the practice and sayings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad in addition to the teachings of the Holy Quran.

Answer 5

There both wrong / easy enough for ya

Answer 6

They are both going straight to HELL! That is all that matters!