Muslims are one of the most commonly talked about religions in the world. Though there are many different sects within Islam, the two most talked about are Sunni and Shiite Muslims. Though they share some similarities, there are also many key differences between these two sects of the Muslim religion. In this blog post, we will explore some of those differences.
Who is a Sunni Muslim?
Sunni Muslims are a religious group within the Islamic faith that adhere to the Sunni branch of Sunni Islam. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of all Muslims worldwide, and Sunni theology is considered to be the orthodox or “rightly-guided” path of Islam. Sunni beliefs include many common aspects with other branches of Islam, such as reverence for the Quran and adherence to Islamic principles like prayer, fasting, and charity. However, Sunni Muslims also place extra emphasis on particular religious practices and values, such as following Islamic law and a strict moral code that regulates personal behavior and actions. Thus, Sunni Muslims are an important part of the broader Muslim community, both in terms of their size and their commitment to orthodox Islamic teachings.
Who is Shiite Muslim?
Shiite Muslims are a minority sect of Islam, comprising around 10-15% of the Muslim population worldwide. Shiite Muslims hold that the Islamic prophet Muhammad’s family, the Ahl al-Bayt (the “People of the House”), especially Ali ibn Abi Talib, his cousin, and son-in-law, were the rightful successors to Muhammad. They maintain that Ali and his descendants—known as Imams—were divinely chosen and are infallible. Shiite Islam is divided into many different branches, with the largest being the Twelvers, who believe in twelve Imams. Shiite Muslims are found mainly in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain, as well as in Lebanon, Pakistan, and India. Sunni Muslims, who make up the vast majority of Muslims worldwide, do not share these beliefs and consider Ali to be the fourth caliph after Muhammad’s death. Shiite Muslims have often been persecuted by Sunni rulers throughout history. In recent years, Shiite Muslims have also been targeted by terrorist groups such as ISIS, who view them as heretics.
Difference between Sunni and Shiite Muslim
Sunni and Shiite Muslims are two different sects within the Islamic faith, representing the two largest branches of Islam. Sunni Muslims make up the majority of the global Muslim population, while Shiites are mainly concentrated in Iran and other parts of the Middle East. In general, Sunni Muslims tend to be more conservative in their teachings and practices. They are guided by a series of traditional key texts such as the Quran and Sunnah, and they typically emphasize strict adherence to these sources with little room for interpretation. In contrast, Shiite Muslims place more emphasis on individual interpretation and thinking, which often leads them to divergent views from Sunni traditions. Despite their differences, Sunni and Shiite Muslims both share a deep reverence for Allah and seek to emulate his teachings through righteous living. Thus, Sunni and Shiite Islam offer contrasting yet meaningful paths toward spiritual growth and understanding within the larger Islamic faith.
Conclusion
Sunni and Shiite Muslims have some theological differences, but they share the same fundamental beliefs. The two sects have coexisted for centuries and will continue to do so.
