2006-12-13 14:30:41 · 10 answers · asked by blovdubb 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
A. 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(pbuh), 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 (pbuh) close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr (R.A), 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(pbuh) 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(pbuh) 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(pbuh) 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).
2006-12-13 14:35:31 · answer #1 · answered by Proud Muslim 3 · 5⤊ 0⤋
Shia accept Md. Ali as a Prophet and the Sunnies got him and his entire family including the grand child who was hardly six months old, butchered in the most merciless manner. Sunni are the killers and Shia are on self-defense.
2006-12-13 18:59:08 · answer #2 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Shia Muslims have self belief in the right of succession equipment of the chief i.e. an instantaneous descendant of the prophet Mohammad Sunni Muslims have self belief in the electoral equipment of the chief
2016-10-18 06:32:37 · answer #3 · answered by mathison 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
They are just two different sects of the muslim religion. They both belong to Islam and read the Koran (Quran). They just interpret it differently. Much like the christian religion types (baptist, protestant, etc)
2006-12-13 14:34:58 · answer #4 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 0⤋
there is no significant difference. unfortunately, any slight possibility of difference, is not only lighting a match, its dipping the match in gasoline. Two groups branch off, under the same religion. i don't know what causes each other to be harmful.
2006-12-13 14:38:17 · answer #5 · answered by callmesquid 2 · 0⤊ 1⤋
one side kills the shia's and the other the sunni's.
2006-12-13 14:35:00 · answer #6 · answered by Danny P 1 · 0⤊ 2⤋
Just two diff sects of Islam...
2006-12-13 14:34:14 · answer #7 · answered by DON 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
None. They all kill each other.
2006-12-13 14:34:07 · answer #8 · answered by PragmaticAlien 5 · 0⤊ 3⤋
Don't know!
2006-12-13 14:34:10 · answer #9 · answered by Soul saviour 4 · 0⤊ 2⤋
same As catholic & protestant
2006-12-13 14:33:09 · answer #10 · answered by pkstn_proud 1 · 1⤊ 3⤋