What is the differance between a Sunni muslim and a shiitite muslum?

Answer 1

With the death of the Prophet (pbuh) there was a void as to who would now lead the faithful and be head of state. This would lead to Islamic political theories of the Khilafat and Imamat. The Khalafat is the term or title for the Islamic leader of the Ummah, or community of Islam, to mean successor to the prophet Muhammad (pbuh). It is believed that when the Prophet died he did not leave instructions as to how the Muslim community should be governed after his death. This raised the question as to who would be the successor and how much power he would have. The clan and tribal leaders thought is would be best if the new leader would be chosen by election as leaders had been in their past, they became known as Sunni, or orthodox. This caused a rift in the Islamic community, Imamat, with those who though only the blood relatives of the Prophet should lead the faithful. These followers are called the Shii, or supporters, for they are the supporters of Ali (pbuh) the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet. The first of the Khalafat was Abu Bakr (pbuh) 632-634 CE; he had been one of Muhammad’s father-n-laws. With his guidance the Quran was placed into text. He moved the Islamic influence into Syria and established a council to elect future leaders before he died of old age. Abu Bakr (pbuh) was followed by Omar (pbuh), 634-644 CE, who was able to gain full control of Syria. BY 640 CE he was able to defeat the Persian army in Iran and Iraq. He would be assonated in 644. He was succeeded by Othman (pbuh), 644-656 CE. Othman (pbuh) standardized the Quran and distributed it throughout the growing Islamic empire. He was also able to move influence into Egypt before he too was assonated by rebellious soldiers. He was followed by Ali (pbuh) 656-661; whom the Shii believed to be the true leader of the faithful. He was married to Muhammad’s (pbuh) daughter Fathama. Many believed that he should have done more to find the men who had assonated Othman (pbuh). Throughout his rule there was civil unrest. This would lead to his death. When Ali (pbuh) was able to make a truce rather then win against the governor of Syria, Mu’awiya, some of his supporters left him. This group would be called the Kharijites. He would be later assonated by a member of this group while praying for peace. After the death of his father Hasan ibn Ali tried to gain control. But after being defeated by Mu’awiya he retired to Medina to live as an Imam. This left way for Mu’awiya to create the first dynasty of Umayyad 661-750 CE, followed by the Abbasides 750-1248 CE, and the Ottomans 1453-1921 CE. Although the Prophet did not leave a guide as to how to select leaders for the faithful there were laws handed down by God and the Sunnah to show the faithful the straight path.

Answer 2

The initial difference was a political one, look up Abdullah Ibn Saba, among the political mayhem he tried to preach the divinity of Ali(ra) and some people started believing him. Though the earlier division did not put them out of the pale of Islam, but the current ones do. Many of their teachings go directly against the Qur'an, and they make it part of their religion to curse Muhammad's(pbuh) friends, who are all well-intentioned people.
Look at this website, it cites references from Shia books:
http://www.islamawareness.net/Deviant/Shia/

Answer 3

It has to do with who they believe took over after Muhammad died. Like his brother in law or father in law or some other relation. It split up the religion with people loyal to both sides.

Answer 4

Two extra stick of dynomite strapped the the sunni.

Answer 5

Hello =)

Sunni muslims have a "sunni" outlook on life, while shiite Muslims have a "shiitie" outlook......

Ideologically they are very similar, really......It's sad that their clergy get them so enraged at each other......

Namaste,

--Tom

Answer 6

ive never heard of a shi'ite muslum..

Answer 7

It's pretty simple:

Sunnis are the ones that kill Shiites.
Shiites are the ones that kill Sunnis.

Answer 8

Who they beleive is "in charge" nothing more than that.

Failure to believe, either day, subjects you to death.