• Welcome to Religious Forums, a friendly forum to discuss all religions in a friendly surrounding.

    Your voice is missing! You will need to register to get access to the following site features:
    • Reply to discussions and create your own threads.
    • Our modern chat room. No add-ons or extensions required, just login and start chatting!
    • Access to private conversations with other members.

    We hope to see you as a part of our community soon!

What is the difference between Sunni and Shi’a Islam?

Green Gaia

Veteran Member
What is the difference between Sunni and Shi’a Islam?
by: Sa'dullah Khan

The fundamentals of the Islamic faith are agreed upon by all Muslims. These fundamentals include the belief in the oneness of God, the role of the Prophet Muhammad as his final messenger, prayer, the requirement to perform Hajj once in one’s lifetime, and the requirement to give to charity.

Sunnis and Shi’is do not disagree on these issues. The rift between the two, rather, developed along historical and political lines, on the question of who was to be the legitimate leader of the Muslim community after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad.

The passing on of Prophet Muhammad in 632 C.E. thrust the nascent Muslim community into a protracted debate over who would be their next leader. Some companions felt that the Prophet had designated his nephew and beloved son-in-law ’Ali as his political and religious successor, and thus the Imam (leader) of the Muslim community. The majority, however, opted for the procedure of choosing from among a group of elders, and thus an old friend of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, was elected as the first Caliph. The group that historically held to the view that ’Ali and the descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima (who was also ’Ali’s wife) are the legitimate successors of the Prophet’s mantle of leadership are referred to as Shi’ati ’Ali (the supporters of ’Ali).

This issue has led to the development of the largest institutional division within the Muslim community, without any drastic variation in fundamental beliefs or practices.

Political machinations often deepened the wounds of division, and the historical Sunni-Shi’a differences are still passionately employed by people with vested interests for political or “religious” hegemony.

Groups with extremist beliefs have emerged from both sides. Among those who claim to be Sunni Muslims are the Qadianies, who believe that a person by the name of Mirza Ghulam Ahmed appeared in the Indo-Pak subcontinent over a hundred years ago, and that he was a prophet of Allah who received divine revelation. Among the Shi’a there are the Abadiyyahs, who believe that ’Ali was partly divine; the ’Alawies, who consider ’Ali virtually a prophet; and the Druze, who consider an 11th-century descendant of ’Ali, al-Hakim, to have been the embodiment of God. All groups that hold such views are diametrically opposed to the agreed-upon fundamentals of Islam and are not considered within the fold of Islam by the mainstream Shi’as and Sunnis who constitute more than 90% of those who claim to be Muslim.

Complete aritcle here.
 
Yah unfortunately shia developed for political reasons which I find ridiculous, no offense. An innovation in Islam. They still believe the basics, however have different views on other matters. Again if you read the history you will see that it was a political party and based on politics.
 

croak

Trickster
Did you know that Shi'a say 'Ali's name in the Adhan (call to prayer)? Muhammed (saas) never said to do that, it was just an addition. So, Shi'a are adding things to Islam, which is forbidden, so they are not true followers of Islam.
 

ahreka

New Member
First of all the true Shia should be identified. There are different groups called shia. True shia is called Jafari Shia who believe in 12 imams after prophet . the first one is imam Ali (as) and the last one who is alive and will appear when God wants and will make a justice universal government. Except this group the others are not real shia. Shia is not a political group. It was named at the time of prophet. They believe that Imam should be appointed by god. People are not capable to elect a person as imam. By the order of God in Quran prophet in his last journey to Mecca he introduced imam Ali (as) as his khalif and successor. But most people disobeyed the prophet and forgot Ghadir day and they rejected Imam Ali (as) and elected Abubekr as the first successor of the prophet. The first shia people at that time were a few like Salman . Abazar And few others. But sonni people say that election of the successor of the prophet can be done by referendum. If just the majority people accept a person as a successor that’s enough whereas shia says only god should choose god not people.
 

croak

Trickster
By the order of God in Quran prophet in his last journey to Mecca he introduced imam Ali (as) as his khalif and successor. But most people disobeyed the prophet and forgot Ghadir day and they rejected Imam Ali (as) and elected Abubekr as the first successor of the prophet.
Muhammed (saas) never said who would be his successor.
And if I'm not msitaken, the last Imam is called the Mehdi? He should have been here in 2000. And now it's nearly 2005.

Also, you do believe that instead of making Hajj to the Ka'ba, making a pilgrimage to one of the Imam (or Prophet) 's graves can also count? Well, it doesn't. And since when did the Prophet (saas) talk about 12 Imams? There has been a lot more than 12 Imams in history. And what makes these Imams special?
 

croak

Trickster
I think that's a good idea. We have to wait for a moderator or administrator to do that, though.
 

anders

Well-Known Member
Salâm, yâ a.sdiqâ'î!

Moved or not, I will feel free to comment or ask you for explanations when following this thread, in spite of me being a kâfir.

Two questions while still here: How do Jafarîs (Twelvers) and Sunnites respectively regard the Isma`ilî (Seveners)? Is the description of the hierarchy of Shi`a leadership on http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/world/iraq/religion-shia2.htm correct, are the requirements for the different titles formal, and is there anything like it in Sunni Islam?
 

croak

Trickster
Well, as far as I know, there are over 70 sects, so I think it possible that somewhere along the line, there would be people claiming to be Sunni, but differing greatly. Most Sunnis, including myself, believe in the Qur'an and the Sunnah. I don't approve of innovations, but some other Sunnis do such things as celebrating the Prophet's (saas) birthday.
 

john313

warrior-poet
RearingArabian said:
And if I'm not msitaken, the last Imam is called the Mehdi? He should have been here in 2000. And now it's nearly 2005.
Who says he is not here? He may already be here, but not yet known to most.
 

john313

warrior-poet
RearingArabian said:
Did you know that Shi'a say 'Ali's name in the Adhan (call to prayer)? Muhammed (saas) never said to do that, it was just an addition. So, Shi'a are adding things to Islam, which is forbidden, so they are not true followers of Islam.
Not all Shi'a do this. It was originally done to make a point of saying Ali is supposed to be the successor to the Prophet(saas). I know many Shi'a who do not do this.
 

croak

Trickster
It was originally done to make a point of saying Ali is supposed to be the successor to the Prophet(saas).
Where's your proof? Muhammed (as) never appointed a successor.
 

john313

warrior-poet
RearingArabian said:
Where's your proof? Muhammed (as) never appointed a successor.
[font=Arial, helvetica, verdana]Allah has said: “You are only a Warner, and [there is] a Guide for every people.” Al-Qur’an, Surah 13:7[/font]
[font=Arial, helvetica, verdana]It is stated that when this verse was revealed, the Messenger of Allah placing his hand on his chest said: "I am the Warner, and for every people there is a Guide. Then pointing towards Imam `Ali (as), he said: You are the Guide, `Ali, by you the Mu’minin will be Guided after me.”[/font]
[font=Arial, helvetica, verdana]*'Mustadrak al-Sahihayan', vol.3, p. 129., 'Kanz al-Umal', vol.6 p. 157. Besides, Tabari in his Tafsir, Fakhruddin in his 'Tafsir al-Kabir' and Suyuti in his 'Dur al-Manthur' have also given a similar narration in their interpretation of the said verse.[/font]

[font=Arial, helvetica, verdana]“(As for) those who believe and do good, surely they are the best of men.” Al-Qur’an, Surah 98:7[/font]
[font=Arial, helvetica, verdana]On the revelation of this Ayah, the Rasul Allah (sal) said: [/font][font=Arial, helvetica, verdana]"Ya `Ali, these are you and your Shi’a.”[/font]

[font=Arial, helvetica, verdana]*Narrated by Ibn Jarir Tabari, in his Tafsir, Suyuti in 'Dur al-Manthur' adds that whenever Ali came across the Prophet's companions, they used to say 'the best of men has come', also in 'al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqa', p.96, and by Shablanji in 'Nur al-Absar', p.77&101.[/font]
 

_salam_

Member
RearingArabian said:
And if I'm not msitaken, the last Imam is called the Mehdi? He should have been here in 2000. And now it's nearly 2005.
I'm just wondering where you got the year 2000 from, I have never heard a specific year mentioned.
 

john313

warrior-poet
_salam_ said:
I'm just wondering where you got the year 2000 from, I have never heard a specific year mentioned.
I don't recall hearing a specific year, but I have heard that some think things are going to happen around 2012, the end of the Mayan calendar. If this is true, then the Mahdi would already be among us, as well as the Messiah. I remember reading something like--Verily, there are signs all around for those who can see.
Let me know if you spot either of them.
P.S. That would also mean the anti christ is here.:eek:
 

_salam_

Member
john313 said:
I don't recall hearing a specific year, but I have heard that some think things are going to happen around 2012, the end of the Mayan calendar. If this is true, then the Mahdi would already be among us, as well as the Messiah. I remember reading something like--Verily, there are signs all around for those who can see.
Let me know if you spot either of them.
P.S. That would also mean the anti christ is here.:eek:
Personally I think that the whole 2012 thing is a load of crap. As far as I know there is nothing within Islam that gives mention to any specific date of when this stuff is supposed to happen, just signs that will come before hand. Seriously though, about the whole 2012 thing, every single wack job out there that has some huge event thats suppose to come or some end of the world scheme is placing it at 2012.
 

john313

warrior-poet
_salam_ said:
Personally I think that the whole 2012 thing is a load of crap. As far as I know there is nothing within Islam that gives mention to any specific date of when this stuff is supposed to happen, just signs that will come before hand. Seriously though, about the whole 2012 thing, every single wack job out there that has some huge event thats suppose to come or some end of the world scheme is placing it at 2012.
If there is nothing in Islam about 2012, it does not mean it is not going to happen. The Mayans had their prophet(s) as well. Each group of people had their prophet from among the 124,000. I am not familiar with Mayan prophecies, so I cannot say what was revealed to them. I have seen some of the Islamic prophecies for the end times and many have come to pass it seems. Insha'Allah we will be on the side of the Mahdi and the Messiah.
 

AbuQuteiba

Active Member
john313 said:
[FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]Allah has said: “You are only a Warner, and [there is] a Guide for every people.” Al-Qur’an, Surah 13:7[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]It is stated that when this verse was revealed, the Messenger of Allah placing his hand on his chest said: "I am the Warner, and for every people there is a Guide. Then pointing towards Imam `Ali (as), he said: You are the Guide, `Ali, by you the Mu’minin will be Guided after me.”[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]*'Mustadrak al-Sahihayan', vol.3, p. 129., 'Kanz al-Umal', vol.6 p. 157. Besides, Tabari in his Tafsir, Fakhruddin in his 'Tafsir al-Kabir' and Suyuti in his 'Dur al-Manthur' have also given a similar narration in their interpretation of the said verse.[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]“(As for) those who believe and do good, surely they are the best of men.” Al-Qur’an, Surah 98:7[/FONT]
[FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]On the revelation of this Ayah, the Rasul Allah (sal) said: [/FONT][FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]"Ya `Ali, these are you and your Shi’a.”[/FONT]

[FONT=Arial, helvetica, verdana]*Narrated by Ibn Jarir Tabari, in his Tafsir, Suyuti in 'Dur al-Manthur' adds that whenever Ali came across the Prophet's companions, they used to say 'the best of men has come', also in 'al-Sawa'iq al-Muhriqa', p.96, and by Shablanji in 'Nur al-Absar', p.77&101.[/FONT]

As for the first hadeeth you brought up, was Ali not a Khalifa (caliphate) after the prophet? He was, whether he was the first or the fourth has no relevance what so ever. Ali did become Khalifa, and the muslims did appoint him. As to AbuBakr being the Khalifa, the people chose him , thats how we do it in Islam. EVEN ALI WAS THERE, TWICE! But when you tell shi'a that they'll say he was doing that out of tagiya, and that he was scared of death. Walla Allathy Laa ilaaha illa huwa (I swear by God) that if Allah wanted Ali to be the next Khalifa after Muhammed he would have been. There are many hadiths where the people asked the prophet who to go to after his death, and he pointed to AbuBakr.

As for the second and third hadeeth, they have nothing to do with the Khilafa (Caliphate) what so ever. They are just hadeeths showing how righteous Ali was, and the how righteous the people who follow him will be. The shi'a say they follow Ali, but they do not. They make Ali better than AbuBakr and Umar, when Ali himself used to beat and burn those who say that.
 
What is the difference between Sunni and Shi’a Islam?
by: Sa'dullah Khan

The fundamentals of the Islamic faith are agreed upon by all Muslims. These fundamentals include the belief in the oneness of God, the role of the Prophet Muhammad as his final messenger, prayer, the requirement to perform Hajj once in one’s lifetime, and the requirement to give to charity.

Sunnis and Shi’is do not disagree on these issues. The rift between the two, rather, developed along historical and political lines, on the question of who was to be the legitimate leader of the Muslim community after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad.

The passing on of Prophet Muhammad in 632 C.E. thrust the nascent Muslim community into a protracted debate over who would be their next leader. Some companions felt that the Prophet had designated his nephew and beloved son-in-law ’Ali as his political and religious successor, and thus the Imam (leader) of the Muslim community. The majority, however, opted for the procedure of choosing from among a group of elders, and thus an old friend of Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, was elected as the first Caliph. The group that historically held to the view that ’Ali and the descendants of Prophet Muhammad through his daughter Fatima (who was also ’Ali’s wife) are the legitimate successors of the Prophet’s mantle of leadership are referred to as Shi’ati ’Ali (the supporters of ’Ali).

This issue has led to the development of the largest institutional division within the Muslim community, without any drastic variation in fundamental beliefs or practices.

Political machinations often deepened the wounds of division, and the historical Sunni-Shi’a differences are still passionately employed by people with vested interests for political or “religious” hegemony.

Groups with extremist beliefs have emerged from both sides. Among those who claim to be Sunni Muslims are the Qadianies, who believe that a person by the name of Mirza Ghulam Ahmed appeared in the Indo-Pak subcontinent over a hundred years ago, and that he was a prophet of Allah who received divine revelation. Among the Shi’a there are the Abadiyyahs, who believe that ’Ali was partly divine; the ’Alawies, who consider ’Ali virtually a prophet; and the Druze, who consider an 11th-century descendant of ’Ali, al-Hakim, to have been the embodiment of God. All groups that hold such views are diametrically opposed to the agreed-upon fundamentals of Islam and are not considered within the fold of Islam by the mainstream Shi’as and Sunnis who constitute more than 90% of those who claim to be Muslim.

Complete aritcle here.
Since Muslims are murdering one another by the thousands right now I don't think it matters what they believe. Hate is what fuels them. It is because thier differences are so great and UNMANAGEABLE by themselves that they hate one another. They call each other brother or sister but they don't know what brotherly love is. Loving each otherr is not one of the teachings of thier holy book. I believe that if they are allowed to massacre one another eventually there will be only one sect left. That sect will be the one which managed to kill of all other sects. I think we in the West must let them settle their own petty feuds without trying to stop them murdering one another. Looks like thier god is powerless to stop Muslims murdering Muslims. Of course murdering NON-Muslims is kosher in the book. Since their god is NOT ABLE to handle this infighting while calling himself a god of power over human beings, then why should the Western powers try to bring peace among them. I am happy that Syria is no more a power to annihilate Israel. Saddam Hussain and Gadafi who vowed to annihilate the Jews are both gone for ever never to return except on the Day of Judgment to face the Judge of all judges.

The God of the Bible predicted this scenario between 2000 and 3000 yrs ago thru' His prophets. And here it is in Genesis 16:12: And he (i.e., Ishmael, son of Hagar) will be a wild man; his hand will be against every man, and every man's hand against him; and he shall dwell in the presence of all his brethren. (The brethren include the sons of Isaac--the Jews. Isaac and Ishmael being "seed" of the same father Abraham). Maybe the whole of Genesis chap. 16 should be read to get a good idea
 
Last edited:
Top