2006-12-31 23:25:31 · 7 answers · asked by number 1 2 in Society & Culture ➔ Cultures & Groups ➔ Other - Cultures & Groups
The Islam religion was founded by Mohammed in the seventh century. In 622 he founded the first Islamic state, a theocracy in Medina, a city in western Saudi Arabia located north of Mecca. There are two branches of the religion he founded.
The Sunni branch believes that the first four caliphs--Mohammed's successors--rightfully took his place as the leaders of Muslims. They recognize the heirs of the four caliphs as legitimate religious leaders. These heirs ruled continuously in the Arab world until the break-up of the Ottoman Empire following the end of the First World War.
Shiites, in contrast, believe that only the heirs of the fourth caliph, Ali, are the legitimate successors of Mohammed. In 931 the Twelfth Imam disappeared. This was a seminal event in the history of Shiite
1. Sunni Also called Sunnite. a member of one of the two great religious divisions of Islam, regarding the first four caliphs as legitimate successors of Muhammad and stressing the importance of Sunna as a basis for law.
2. Shiite A member of one of the two great religious divisions of Islam that regards Ali, the son-in-law of Muhammad, as the legitimate successor of Muhammad, and disregards the three caliphs who succeeded him.
2006-12-31 23:47:22 · answer #1 · answered by Sameer 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
Shiites came after. And it's pronounced Shia. They believed that Muhammad (PBUH) was not suppose to tbe the last prophet and their prayer is a bit different. Other wise the beliefs are the same. Out of the world's 1.5 billion Musilm population (1 out of 4 people are Muslim), the Shias are less than 9%.
2006-12-31 23:36:25 · answer #2 · answered by Mercyfull 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
It's like a family or clan, you are born into. One is related to their prophet and rules by divine right. The other isn't and wants elections I think. I can't remember which is which.
2006-12-31 23:33:12 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
No difference they are the same.except shiates love Mohammad's decendents.
2006-12-31 23:41:59 · answer #4 · answered by Sadegh B 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
shi'ite = sunni = middle eastern = terrorist?
2006-12-31 23:49:25 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Who gives a damn. Bring our troops home.
2007-01-01 04:14:08 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
One is pissed today and the other is having a party!
2006-12-31 23:31:19 · answer #7 · answered by Sheryl 4 · 1⤊ 1⤋