Whats the difference between Shea and Sunni Muslims? Do they not like each other?

Question

THIS QUESTION WAS REMOVED SO I LOST ALL YOUR ANSWERS I hope you can answer again so I can learn something about the Muslim Religion Thanks

(1) I am Jewish but my family is not very religious so as far as Muslims, I dont know much. I really dont know the difference between the two and if there are other versions of Muslim Religion please tell me.
(2) As far as "do they not like each other" I have fuzzy information about Shea & Sunni fighting each other in Iraq?? I do not mean to be critical or anti-Muslim by asking this.

Thank You!!

Answer 1

It's Shi'a, not "Shea". And yes, they're not exactly fond of each other. That's not to say that many, if not most of them, can get along just fine; but in places where there are already lots of other tensions, centuries-old animosity between the two once again arise, such as what we've seen in Iraq.

The Shi'a and the Sunnis split when the two groups could not agree on who would inherit Muhammad's legacy and lead the new religion. The Shi'a wanted the son of Muhammad's daughter to inherit his legacy and leadership (Muhammad had no surviving sons, which would have nipped this problem in the bud). The Sunnis didn't feel it was proper for his daughter's child to inherit, due to much of their patriarchal culture and upbringing, and instead wanted non-related leadership to take the mantle of leadership--in the form of Caliphs. The Sunnis have always greatly outnumbered the Shi'a, and have been fighting and killing each other ever since--the Sunnis generally have had more victories. The Shi'a have some practices and beliefs the Sunnis do not have, and vice versa, but on a basic level they believe the same things.

Answer 2

This is a very long story.

Basically, the Shia consider that the descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his grandson Husain are the ones who have the right to lead the Muslim world, both religiously and politically. Most of the Shia believe that there was a chain of 12 "Imams", starting with Ali who was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, then Hasan the son of Ali, then Husain, then the rest are descendants of Husain. Number 12 is believed by the Shia to have "disappeared" in a place underground, and is expected to return some day and restore his rule etc etc. The Shia believe that these 12 imams are "infallible" and as if they almost received divine revelation!

The sunnis do not agree with these Shia opinions, but rather believe that all Muslims can be religious or political leaders as long as they have the sufficient knowledge and integrity.

You would see among the Shia a lot of attention given to the family of the Prophet Muhammad, especially to the figure of Husain. While the Sunnis respect the family of Prophet Muhammad, they do not have them present in their life and practice of Islam everyday and everywhere!

These are the main differences, among many. However, I must point out that there are extremists among the Shia as well as among the sunnis. Other than the presence of these extremists, many Sunnis and Shia have lived side by side without any trouble. In fact, Iraq was a very good example of coexistence among Shia and sunna. There were many families composed of a Shia mother and a Sunni father, and vice versa. What happened recently is that the extremists on both sides were armed by external forces and used to attack each other and cause instability in the country. Sane people from both sides are totally against it.

Hope this makes things clear. Thanks for your interest.

Salaam/shalom/peace.

Answer 3

Sunni and Shiia nothing but a political division. When Muhammad (pbuh) died .. there was a argument between companions of Him about who was going to be the ruler (Khalifa). Some of them said Muhammad blood line would took over and some said Senior of them would be the next Khalifa.
So .. whoever supports Muhammad's blood line .. they are called Shiia and whoever supports Seniority .. they are called Sunni.
All the main doctorines are same between Sunni and Shiia.
It's not a main fact at all.
Be a Muslim. Don't be Shiia or Sunni. Allah does not like them who makes division in the religion.

Answer 4

sunni are real follower of prophet Muhammad, (pbuh) i do not belive are have a faith that islam is family religion,it is because of sunni, followers islam spread through out the world,there were no shea until 3rd caliph Ushman,hazrat ali is most respectable/hounourable,to all muslims,but to say he was the only one,or his sons. fail to understand.

Answer 5

The origin of the problem had to do with the death of Mohamed and a disagreement over who should succeed him. I guess things just digressed from there. See the following website.

Answer 6

only see the opposing differences instead of the common ground?