What is the Difference Between Shia and Sunni?

The main difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims revolves around their beliefs regarding the succession of leadership after the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims believe that the Prophet publicly designated his cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali, as the first in a line of hereditary Imams from the Prophet's family to lead the community after him. On the other hand, Sunni Muslims believe that the Prophet did not explicitly declare a successor, and they consider the caliphs as the immediate successors of the Prophet.

Some other differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims include:

• Religious Authority: Shia Muslims focus on the lineage of Muhammad's family through a series of Imams, while Sunni Muslims focus on following the Prophet's example.
• Caliphs: Sunnis view the caliphs as having both religious and political authority, while Shias view the Imams as having spiritual authority.
• Prayer Rituals: There are slight variations in prayer rituals between the two sects. For example, Shiites stand with their hands at their sides, while Sunnis put their hands on their stomachs.
• Religious Hierarchy: Sunnis have a less elaborate religious hierarchy than Shiites.

Despite these differences, both Shia and Sunni Muslims share core beliefs and practices, such as faith in a monotheistic God, Mohammed as his messenger, conducting daily prayers, giving money to the poor, fasting during Ramadan, and performing the pilgrimage to Mecca. In many countries, they have lived peacefully together for centuries, intermarrying and praying at the same mosques.

Comparative Table: Shia vs Sunni

The main differences between Shia and Sunni Islam are related to questions of religious authority and the leadership of the Islamic community. Here is a table summarizing the key differences:

Despite these differences, both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the same fundamental views of Islam, worshipping Allah as God and accepting Muhammad as the final prophet.