Sunni and Shiite Islam are the two major branches of Islam. Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, with over 1 billion followers worldwide. Shiite Islam is the second largest branch of Islam, with about 200 million followers worldwide. The two branches differ in some key beliefs and practices.
What is Sunni ?
Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, followed by approximately 85% of Muslims worldwide. Sunni Muslims are referred to as Ahl as-Sunnah wa’l-Jamaa’h “people of the tradition of Muhammad and the consensus of the Ummah” or simply as Ahl as-Sunnah. The word Sunni comes from the phrase “Ahl as-Sunnah”, which refers to people who follow the sunnah (traditions) of Muhammad.
The Sunni branch of Islam is comprised of four major legal schools, Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. These legal schools developed in different regions and they differ somewhat in their views on jurisprudence. Sunnis also have a strong tradition of Sufism (mystical Islamic practice).
What is Shiite Islam?
Shiite Islam is one of the two main branches of Islam. It originated in the 7th century in what is now Iraq and represents about 10-15% of Muslims worldwide. The word “Shiite” comes from the Arabic word “shi’a,” which means “party” or “faction.”
Shiites believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, was his rightful successor. They consider Ali and his descendants, known as Imams, to be infallible leaders who have a special relationship with God.
The largest Shiite grouping is known as Twelvers, who believe there were 12 Imams. The last Imam, Muhammad al-Mahdi, is believed to have been hidden by God and will return at the end of time to defeat evil and establish justice on Earth.
Main differences between Sunni and Shiite Islam
There are two major sects of Islam: Sunni and Shiite. Though both believe in the Quran and follow the Five Pillars of Islam, there are several key ways in which they differ.
Sunni Muslims make up the majority of Muslims worldwide, and they derive their name from the word “sunnah,” which means “tradition.” They believe that the first four caliphs were rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad, and they place great importance on consensus. Shiites, on the other hand, get their name from the word “shi’a,” which means “faction.” They believe that only Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, was the rightful successor to the Prophet. This disagreement over succession has led to much tension between Sunnis and Shiites throughout history.
Similar Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What are the main differences between Sunni and Shiite Islam?
Sunni and Shiite Islam are the two largest sects of the Muslim religion. Though they share many of the same beliefs, there are some key differences between them.
Sunnis make up the majority of Muslims worldwide, and believe that anyone can interpret the Quran for themselves. They also believe that Muhammad’s rightful successor was his close friend and father-in-law Abu Bakr. Shiites, on the other hand, believe that only certain individuals can interpret the Quran and that Muhammad’s rightful successor was his son-in-law Ali.
Sunnis and Shiites also differ in their views on religious law. Sunni Muslims follow the Hanafi school of thought, which is more flexible in its interpretation of Islamic law than other schools. Shiites, meanwhile, tend to follow the stricter Jafari school of thought.
In conclusion,it is clear that there are significant differences between Sunni and Shiite Islam. While they share many commonalities, including the belief in one God and the Prophet Muhammad, they differ in key areas, such as the role of leaders and the importance of family lineage. These differences have led to centuries of conflict between the two groups. Today, nearly one-third of the world’s Muslim population is Shiite, while the majority of Muslims are Sunni.
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