What is the difference between Sunii & Shia Muslims?

Question

Why is there so much animosity between the groups?

Answer 1

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. The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet."

the rest.......... http://islam.about.com/cs/divisions/f/shia_sunni.htm

Answer 2

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 3

Shia consider the household of the prophet who should rule the Islamic world as in Jordan the king is a decedent of the prophet and the shia says that Ali should have been the prophet and the Sunni disagree in all of that

Answer 4

The Sunnis and the Shi'ites disagree on who should succeed Muhammad. It is my understanding that the Sunnis believe that the Profit Muhammad was the last profit and the Shi'ites believe there are more to come and are considered more mystics.

If I do not have this fully correct I apologize and I did not mean any offense to the Muslim religion.

Answer 5

some Shia' believe that there is going to be a prophet after Muhammad (SAW) and Sunni believe that he was the last prophet...that's not the only difference....but yah....all muslims who haven't read the Bible...or the Torah....read it....its just like the Quran

Answer 6

I also starred this question, in the hope that maybe someone might know.
I keep hearing about Shiite law, and how we do NOT want this law in America. Evidently, according to what little I can figure out, and I might be wrong, it is Shiite law that is responsible for such things as honor killings, and other horrors perpetrated on women, especially. Sunnis, at least, according to Sunnis, are the "peaceful Muslims" you hear about.
I got a free copy of the Koran, by contacting CAIR and asking for one...you ought to read that thing. Islam is NOT a "religion of peace"...at least, not if they follow their holy book. Don't take my word for it...get a copy, and read that thing.
And prepare to have nightmares.....
EDIT:
ahh, no, Mysteriosa...the Bible is not quite like the Koran. Admittedly, there are bits of the OT that are violent...but, have you read the NT? Do you know that Jesus told His followers to love even their enemies? Compare, please, to Mohammed's recommendations as to how to deal with "infidels".
What is so ironic is that Muslims have managed to convince thousands of angry black youth (justifiably angry, granted) that Christianity is a "white" religion, while Islam is the religion of the black man. It is laughable, when you realize that Abraham was neither white nor black. Islam is properly an Arabian religion. If these black children bothered to learn the truth, they would realize that one of the very first non-Jewish converts to Christianity was an Ethiopian...
Yes, kids, I'm afraid it is true. Christianity was in Africa long before any black man had ever heard of Mohammad. But, hey, don't let it upset you. After all, Mohammad did own black slaves, and he did teach his followers that Allah created the black race for that purpose...so it is not surprising that they would lie to black folks. Heck, in their Koran, it's quite alright to lie...after all, Allah Himself perpetrated a lie in the case of Jesus...Allah never allowed Him to be crucified, but whisked Him out of danger to Heaven, where they both sat and laughed at the poor fool who took Jesus' place during the passion....
Seriously, you need to get a copy and read that thing...and you need to investigate the other "holy books" about the prophet and his life.
Open your pretty eyes, child...please...

Answer 7

They disagree about who should have led the religion after the death of Mohammad. I forget which is which, but one side thought that leadership should go to Mohammad's friend, and the other thought that it should be in his family.

Answer 8

The difference is just polictal on who should succeed after the prophet. should it be his companions or the decendants of the prophet

Answer 9

I'm super-curious about this myself. No real answer, but I gave a star so maybe someone who knows better will find it for us.

Answer 10

Who cares?? They are all gonna die when Jesus returns!!!