If the Quran is perfect for all Muslims then why the schism between the Shia and Sunni?

Question

Is it religious differences? Different interpretations? Political differences?

What caused the two groups to split in the first place?

Answer 1

It basically boils down to who was the successor to the prophet. Shiites believed it to be his grandson, Ali, while Sunnis felt otherwise. I'm not exactly familiar with the names, but this constitutes the crux of the frictions between Sunnis and Shiites, leading to discrimination in some countries and enraging the two communities. Kinda like Europe in the 16th and 17th century when Protestant and Catholic countries were pitched in bloody feuds with each other.

Answer 2

I do not know the exact reason for the split between the Sunni and Shia as I am not Muslim nor very knowledgeable about the faith. But I would assume it is no different then the split that happened to Christianity during the Protestant Reformation and other events within Chrisianity. Different people interpret their faiths in different ways. When a group begins to grow that has viewpoints different from the mainstream, a schism happens and a new sect is created. It has happened in nearly all of the world's religions at some point in time.

Answer 3

salaam 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, 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 close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. hopefully this helped the entire split is all politics as your friend said that the shias believe that the caliphate should descend throught the prophets blood while sunnis dont thats basically it peace outzz

Answer 4

When the prophet Mohammed died, there was discussion about whether his successor should be someone directly from his bloodline (a cousin I believe it was) or if it should be a close friend and advisor. Shia said it should be a bloodline, whilst Sunni said it should be a close friend that took over. They split, each following who they believed was the right successor.

Answer 5

I agree with the 1st answer. It is mostly from politics now that the Shia and Sunni are at each other's throats.

As-Salamu Alaykum - Peace be upon you

Answer 6

The difference is as to who followed Muhammad (PBUH) as the Leader of the Faithful (Caliph) Sunni's (the majority) followed a local elder named Abu Bakr whom they elected to be the first successor, the Shi'ias followed Mohammed's (PBUH) son in law, Ali.

Answer 7

I don't really know but I would imagine it's like the Bible not being OK for all Christians.....otherwise we wouldn't have different religions such as Catholics, Baptists, Methodists, Episcopalians, Jerry Falwell, etc.

We just don't have physical fights.

Answer 8

Don't stir things up >> as long as they are killing each other >> the less we will have to deal with later.
quran 33.36 They have no choice but to follow their imams.

If islam ever takes over> > you and I are dead anyway.

Politics --- Sharia law

And what ever started the rift --- why should we care.

If they can't settle it ;;; then the koran and all of islam will prove it is nonsense and the evil we see on TV .

Answer 9

It was just a political differance and later it was deepen into a idealogical differances

Answer 10

they are mainly political. Shia believe that caliphs after the prophet (sas) should have been from among his descendant.