Differences Sunni/Shiite?

Question

is it the same say as Catholic and Protestant?

Answer 1

Muhammad’s Death Leads to Division

17 The prophet’s death provoked a crisis. He died without any male progeny and without a clearly designated successor. As Philip Hitti states: “The caliphate [office of caliph] is therefore the oldest problem Islam had to face. It is still a living issue. . . . In the words of Muslim historian al-Shahrastani [1086-1153]: ‘Never was there an Islamic issue which brought about more bloodshed than the caliphate (imamah).’” How was the problem solved back there in 632 C.E.? “Abu-Bakr . . . was designated (June 8, 632) Muhammad’s successor by some form of election in which those leaders present at the capital, al-Madinah, took part.”—History of the Arabs.

18 The successor to the prophet would be a ruler, a khalifah, or caliph. However, the question of the true successors to Muhammad became a cause for divisions in the ranks of Islam. The Sunni Muslims accept the principle of elective office rather than blood descent from the prophet. Therefore they believe that the first three caliphs, Abu Bakr (Muhammad’s father-in-law), `Umar (the prophet’s adviser), and `Uthman (the prophet’s son-in-law), were the legitimate successors to Muhammad.

19 That claim is contested by the Shi`ite Muslims, who say that the true leadership comes through the prophet’s blood line and through his cousin and son-in-law, `Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first imam (leader and successor), who married Muhammad’s favorite daughter, Fatimah. Their marriage produced Muhammad’s grandsons Hasan and Husayn. The Shi`ites also claim “that from the beginning Allah and His Prophet had clearly designated `Ali as the only legitimate successor but that the first three caliphs had cheated him out of his rightful office.” (History of the Arabs) Of course, the Sunni Muslims view that differently.

20 What happened to `Ali? During his rule as the fourth caliph (656-661 C.E.), a struggle over leadership arose between him and the governor of Syria, Mu`awiyah. They joined battle, and then to spare further Muslim bloodshed, they threw their dispute open to arbitration. `Ali’s acceptance of arbitration weakened his case and alienated many of his followers, including the Khawarij (Seceders), who became his deadly foes. In the year 661 C.E., `Ali was murdered with a poisoned sabre by a Khariji zealot. The two groups (the Sunni and the Shi`ah) were at loggerheads. The Sunni branch of Islam then chose a leader from the Umayyads, wealthy Meccan chiefs, who were outside of the prophet’s family.

21 For the Shi`ah, `Ali’s firstborn, Hasan, the prophet’s grandson, was the true successor. However, he resigned and was murdered. His brother Husayn became the new imam, but he too was killed, by Umayyad troops on October 10, 680 C.E. His death or martyrdom, as the Shi`ah view it, has had a significant effect on the Shi`at `Ali, the party of `Ali, down to this day. They believe that `Ali was the true successor to Muhammad and the first “imam [leader] divinely protected against error and sin.” `Ali and his successors were considered by the Shi`ah to be infallible teachers with “the divine gift of impeccability.” The largest segment of the Shi`ah believe that there have been only 12 true imams, and the last of these, Muhammad al-Muntazar, disappeared (878 C.E.) “in the cave of the great mosque at Samarra without leaving offspring.” Thus “he became ‘the hidden (mustatir)’ or ‘the expected (muntazar) imam.’ . . . In due time he will appear as the Mahdi (divinely guided one) to restore true Islam, conquer the whole world and usher in a short millennium before the end of all things.”—History of the Arabs.

22 Every year, the Shi`ah commemorate the martyrdom of Imam Husayn. They have processions in which some cut themselves with knives and swords and otherwise inflict suffering on themselves. In more modern times, Shi`ite Muslims have received much publicity because of their zeal for Islamic causes. However, they represent only about 20 percent of the world’s Muslims, the majority being Sunni Muslims. But now, let us turn to some of the teachings of Islam and note how the Islamic faith affects the daily conduct of Muslims.

Answer 2

Sunnies believe that the law of Islam stopped when Muhammad died. Shiets believe that Mohammad's family continuly improved the law to make it up to date. Shiets accept 12 Imams who were the decendents of Muhammad who watched over the Laws of Muhammad, but sunnies reject these 12 people. For shiets the 12th Imam (the twelveth decendent of Muhammad) is still alive and watches over the laws, they also believe that he will come to earth standing beside Jesus at the end. The twelvth Imam is going to fight with the army that is made to destroy Jesus (this is also mentioned in the bible).

Answer 3

Sunni are the majority (90%) who follow the original teachings of the Quran and the prophet Mohammad PBUH, Shiite came latter and invented many new things and follow their religious leaders more than they follow the original teachings bought by the holy Quran and Mohammad PBUH.

Answer 4

Shiites have USA backing, weapons, money and training. The Sunni don't.

Answer 5

Sunnis:
Follow the Qur'an and the Sunnahs. Also believe that Prophet Muhammad pbuh was the last messenger. They also follow the companions of Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him.

Shiites:
Believe that the final message was accidentally given to Prophet Muhammad pbuh and should've been given to his cousin Ali (pbuh).
They disapprove of prophet muhammad pbuh's companions and wife, ayesha!

Answer 6

From what I understand, one group believes that Mohummad's son carries his message, another believes one of his disciples does.

I'm not Muslim though, so I may be misinformed. But yeah, its like differences in Christianity. Different philosophies within the same religion.

Answer 7

I think it has something to do with which apostle of Mohamed to follow-a pretty silly thing to kill each other about.