Can one simply be a Muslim, without being either Sunni or Shi'ite?

Question

Also, if you are a Muslim, please identify yourself as either Sunni or Shi'ite (if possible). Thanks!

Answer 1

I don't like labels. I am a Muslim thats it. Thats one of the reason Muslim are so divided. I follow the Quran and the ways of the Prophet(peace be upon him), thats it I carry no label outside of being a Muslim.

Answer 2

Sunni and Shiites are two schools of thought inside Islam.

They arent denominations.

For example, they dont have their own mosques. and either can enter the others mosque to pray. (Although in some parts of the world they may keep separate to avoid clashing)

However, there are some slight differences in praying and so forth.

Now the reason such a division exists primarily in the Middle East is due to the way history has affected them emotionally. Their culture is interwoven with their religion. And at times they cant make the distinction between the two.

Any muslim knows that being a muslim involves following the life structures of Quran and the Prophets Hadeeth (sayings). Shiites do however go a little further and add the Prophets Son in Laws sayings in there as well. Theres no harm in doing this. Because Ali was an exemplary man and the only man who fathered the Prophets grandchildren.

The current division as the media suggests, is nothing more than ignorance and lack of perspective on the common muslim. I as a Muslim can be both Sunni and Shiite. Because I love Ali and anyone who read his life would love him too. But as with all things, the love of a human being, should never overshadow the love we have for our Creator. And moderation in all things, is emphasized many times in Islam.

Answer 3

The world would be a better place for everyone without fanatics and intolerant dimwits of ANY ilk. I've always thought that the cure for the ills of the world was "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you." I'm not sure it needs to be any more complicated than that. You can't really equate the "fundamentalism" of Christians and Muslims, though. The level of intolerance, violence, grief, poverty, and death on the Muslim side of the equation FAR outweighs that of the Christian side. That's just a plain, simple fact, and facts don't pick sides.

Answer 4

If you knew what the word sunni means you wouldn't ask that quesions,sunni means someone who follows the sunna (way of the prophet pbuh) so a Muslim is basically a sunni,shi'te was started because of politics,a group of men who wanted "Ali" to be the khalifa,and separated themselves from other Muslims...hope i've answered your question.

Answer 5

This is simply the same idea as me calling my self a Baptist, which is just one of many denominations claiming to be Christians. In Islam, a distinct religion, like Christianity, there are many 'denominations' within it, like Sunni & Shi'te etc. Just like there are Southern Baptists, so there are Sunni & Shi'te Muslims.

Answer 6

my boyfriend is a Muslim, he doesn't claim to be a Sunni or Shi'ite, he is just Muslim.

Answer 7

You can but it is a dangerous position to take in much of the Islamic world, at least in Arabia.

Answer 8

im sunni.. and i guess you can.
but there are some differences, like in prayer, and your going to have to follow one of them so... idk i guess you dont have to identify yourself as either if someone asks

Answer 9

sorry but im not going to take medications for the rest of my life

Answer 10

yes. I just believe god and all prophets. I don't care any sect and religious leaders