What is the Difference Between Sunni and Shia in Islam?

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with just over 2 billion followers spread across the globe. Though Muslims share the same belief in the oneness of God (Allah), and the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) as the final Messenger, within Islam there are two sects: the Sunni Muslims and the Shia Muslims.

Both of these groups follow the Quran and share the main teachings within Islam. However, the difference arises when it comes to some religious practices and historical views.

Orphans in Need takes a deeper look into outlining the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims to help appreciate the diversity within the Islamic faith.

The Origin of the Split

The separation between the Sunni and Shia Muslims originated in 632 CE after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). The key subject at the time was about leadership and who had the responsibility to guide the Muslim society after the passing of the Prophet.

The Sunni sect believed that the leader of Islam, known as the Caliph, should be among the Prophet’s companions. The notion was pointed in the direction of Abu Bakr as becoming the first Caliph as he was one of the Prophet’s closest friends.

Shia Muslims, on the other hand, opposed this idea, believing that the leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family. They argued that Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the Prophet’s paternal cousin and son in law was the right person to be appointed.

The disagreement over succession was the root cause of the separation that then formed the two branches in Islam. Though the difference in both of these groups arose from political disagreements, over time, there was an establishment of distinct traditions and practices between the two groups.

Sunni Muslim Beliefs

Almost 90% of Muslims around the world are Sunni. The term Sunni derives from Ahl as Sunnah, which means “the people of the Prophet’s tradition.” Sunni Muslims focus more on the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him), all of which are recorded by his companions.

Sunni Muslim beliefs pay attention to the importance of the Quran and the Hadith, which are the recorded actions of the Prophet. The Five Pillars of Islam are a key aspect within the Sunni community, with faith, prayer, fasting, charity and pilgrimage being the foundation of a Muslim’s life.

Within Sunni theology, scholars interpret Islamic Law (sharia) through four main school of thoughts known as Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi, and Hanbali. Each school provides vague interpretations of Islamic practices, but all of them are recognised within the Sunni tradition.

Shia Muslim Beliefs

Shia Muslims make up for 10% of the Muslim population, sharing the main belief that there is one God and that Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) is the last Messenger of Allah. However, the Shia Muslim beliefs differ through the understanding of religious authority.

What do Shia Muslim believe that the Sunni Muslims don’t?

Shia Muslims believe that Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet, was appointed as the first spiritual leader of Islam. The belief is held that Prophet Muhammad declared Ali as his rightful successor at an event known as Ghadir Khumm. Through this, Shia Muslims see that the direct descendants of Ali are chosen leaders who have spiritual insight and moral guidance.

The Shia belief is that there are twelve Imams in total, with the last of them known as Mahdi, who is destined to return as a liberator, bringing peace to the world. The concept of spiritual leadership is core to the Shia practice, forming the main division between the Sunni and Shia understandings of Islam.

Practices and Worship

Though both sects share the same daily prayers and practices, such as fasting in Ramadan and performing the pilgrimage in Mecca, there is a small difference in how these practices are performed.

Sunni Muslim Prayer

The Sunni Muslim prayer takes place five times a day, at dawn, noon, afternoon, sunset, and night. Sunni Muslims pray with their arms folded during the standing position and follow the Sunnah of the Prophet when it comes to the order of prayer. They pray the Friday prayer in a mosque, which begins with the sermon led by the imam. The shared worship within the Sunni sect are important aspects of faith in itself.

Shia Muslim Prayer

The Shia Muslim prayer also takes place five times a day. However, Shia Muslims often combine their prayers. An example of this would be that they may choose to pray the noon and afternoon prayer together, and the evening and night prayer together, making this into three prayer times instead of five separate ones. During the prayer, Shia Muslims place a small clay tablet on the ground on which they rest their forehead upon prostration, signifying the remembrance of earth’s purity.

Shia Muslims pray with their hands by their side as opposed to Sunni Muslims, reflecting on their own understanding of the Prophet’s tradition. All Muslims recite the same verses of the Quran and praise Allah in the same ways, though again, small differences arise depending on the variations of interpretations and traditions.

Religious Observances and Commemorations

Sunni and Shia Muslims both celebrate the same Islamic holidays, such as Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha. Shia Muslims however observe additional events that are further significant to their identity.

One of the key events for Shia Muslims is the day of Ashura, which marks the killing of Imam Hussain, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad and the son of Ali. Hussain was murdered in the Battle of Karbala in the year 680 CE while standing against injustice. His sacrifice stands as a great spiritual value for Shia Muslims, symbolising the acts of faith and courage.

Sunni Muslims also acknowledge the day of Ashura as a period of fasting and reflection, remembering the day on which Allah saved Prophet Musa and his followers against Pharaoh through the parting of the Red Sea. For Shia Muslims however, this day carries a much more emotional and historical connection. The remembrance of the battle of Karbala continues to inspire Shia arts and literature around the world.

Religious Leadership and Authority

Scholars in Sunni traditions, known as ulama’s guide, lead communities through their knowledge of Islamic law but are in no means seen as divinely chosen. Authority and leadership can be held by anyone with a grasp of scholarly learning and moral integrity.

In contrast, Shia Muslims hold a more structured system of authority. The Shia hierarchy includes scholars known as ayatollah’s, who interpret Islamic law and provide spiritual guidance.

Millions of Shia Muslims around the world follow the most senior Ayatollah’s for religious rulings. This importance of guidance from pious scholars reflects the Shia belief in the importance of leadership.

Unity and Common Ground

Both the Sunni and Shia groups strive to live respectable lives, helping each other and worshipping Allah sincerely, following the message of Islam which is to live in peace and justice.

Conclusion

The difference between Sunni and Shia sits in their understanding of leadership following the passing of Prophet Muhammad. While Sunni Muslim beliefs emphasise the authority of community and scholarly interpretation, Shia Muslim beliefs focus on the guidance of the Imams who have descended from the Prophet’s family. The Shia Muslim prayer and Sunni Muslim prayer differ slightly. However, both forms of prayer express devotion to the same God.

Understanding what is the difference between Sunni and Shia in Islam is not just about comparing beliefs, but more about recognising the different historical journeys of faith that have derived from diversity. Islam pushes for unity and respect amongst all who follow its teachings. Whether it be Sunni or Shia, they all share the same mission; to live in peace and righteousness, bound by their love for Allah.