What is the Difference Between Shia and Sunni in Islam?



Introduction

Islam is a religion that unites over 1.9 billion people worldwide under the belief in one God (Allah) and the final prophet, Muhammad (peace be upon him - PBUH). However, within Islam, there are different sects, the two largest being Sunni and Shia. Many people, both Muslims and non-Muslims, wonder: What is the difference between Sunni and Shia?

While both sects share the same core beliefs—faith in Allah, the Qur’an, and Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)—they differ in certain historical perspectives, leadership views, and religious practices. This article explores these differences according to Islamic teachings while emphasizing the importance of unity and respect among Muslims.

1. The Origin of Sunni and Shia Differences

The division between Sunnis and Shias did not originate from religious disagreements but rather from a political dispute over leadership after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in the year 632 CE.

The Sunni Perspective

  • Sunnis believe that after Prophet Muhammad’s death, the community should elect the most qualified leader (Caliph) to rule the Muslim Ummah.
  • The majority of the Prophet’s companions (Sahabah) chose Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA), the Prophet’s closest companion, as the first Caliph.
  • Sunnis follow the leadership of the first four caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all), known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs (Al-Khulafa’ Ar-Rashidun).

The Shia Perspective

  • Shias believe that leadership should remain within the Prophet’s family (Ahlul Bayt), specifically through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA).
  • They believe that Ali (RA) was divinely appointed as the rightful successor, but his leadership was unjustly denied.
  • The term "Shia" means "followers" or "partisans" of Ali", emphasizing their belief in his leadership and his descendants as rightful rulers.

This historical difference in leadership interpretation created the Sunni-Shia divide, which later evolved into differences in theology, law, and religious practices.

2. Differences in Beliefs and Practices

Although both sects follow the Qur’an and Hadith, their interpretations and religious practices have slight variations.

A. Leadership (Imamate vs. Caliphate)

  • Sunnis believe that the leader of the Muslim community (Caliph) is chosen by the people and should be the most qualified.
  • Shias believe in a divinely appointed line of leaders known as Imams, starting from Ali (RA) and continuing through his descendants.

B. The Concept of Imams

  • Sunnis view an imam as a knowledgeable person who leads prayer in the mosque.
  • Shias believe that Imams (descendants of Ali) are divinely guided leaders who possess infallible wisdom and spiritual authority.

Shias believe in Twelve Imams, the last of whom, Imam Mahdi, is said to be in occultation and will return as a savior.

C. Hadith Collections

Both sects follow the Hadith (sayings and actions of Prophet Muhammad PBUH), but they rely on different collections:

  • Sunni Hadith books: Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Sunan At-Tirmidhi, Sunan An-Nasa’i, and Sunan Ibn Majah.
  • Shia Hadith books: Al-Kafi, Man La Yahduruhu Al-Faqih, Tahdhib Al-Ahkam, and Al-Istibsar.

Shias give special importance to hadiths narrated by Ali (RA) and his descendants, while Sunnis accept hadiths from all trustworthy companions of the Prophet.

D. Rituals and Practices

Here are some of the major differences in religious practices:

  1. Prayer (Salah)

    • Sunnis pray five times a day separately.
    • Shias often combine Dhuhr and Asr, and Maghrib and Isha, effectively praying three times a day.
    • Shias place a small clay tablet (Turbah) on their forehead during prostration, usually made from the soil of Karbala, as a sign of devotion to Imam Hussein.

  2. Ashura and Mourning for Imam Hussein

    • Sunni Muslims observe the 10th of Muharram (Ashura) as a day of fasting, following the practice of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
    • Shia Muslims commemorate Ashura as a day of mourning for Imam Hussein (RA), who was killed in the Battle of Karbala (680 CE). Many Shias engage in public mourning rituals and recitations.

  3. Temporary Marriage (Mut’ah)

    • Sunnis forbid Mut’ah (temporary marriage), as it was prohibited by Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) during his lifetime.
    • Shias allow Mut’ah, viewing it as a legitimate form of contract marriage under certain conditions.

3. Common Misconceptions and the Importance of Unity

Misconception 1: Shias and Sunnis are Enemies

Many people mistakenly believe that Shias and Sunnis hate each other. While political conflicts have sometimes fueled divisions, Islam emphasizes brotherhood among all Muslims.

Allah says in the Qur’an:

“Indeed, this nation of yours is one nation, and I am your Lord, so worship Me.” (Qur’an 21:92)

Misconception 2: Shias Have a Different Qur’an

Some claim that Shias use a different Qur’an, but this is false. Both Sunnis and Shias follow the exact same Qur’an, as preserved since the time of the Prophet (PBUH).

Allah promises:

“Indeed, We have sent down the Reminder (Qur’an), and We will surely preserve it.” (Qur’an 15:9)

Misconception 3: Sunnis and Shias Are Two Different Religions

Sunnis and Shias are both Muslims who believe in the Oneness of Allah and the Prophethood of Muhammad (PBUH). While they have differences, they share the same core faith and are part of the same Ummah (Muslim community).

4. Lessons from the Prophet (PBUH) on Unity

The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) warned against division in Islam:

“Do not differ, for indeed those before you differed and were destroyed.” (Sahih al-Bukhari, 2410)

He also said:

“A Muslim is the brother of another Muslim. He does not oppress him, nor does he abandon him, nor does he look down upon him.” (Sahih Muslim, 2564)

Despite differences, Muslims must focus on unity, love, and mutual respect.

Conclusion: Focus on What Unites Us

While Sunnis and Shias have historical and theological differences, they share the same fundamental beliefs in Allah, the Qur’an, and the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). Islam teaches brotherhood, peace, and mutual respect, and any divisions should not lead to hatred.

Allah reminds us:

“And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” (Qur’an 3:103)

The best approach is to respect each other’s beliefs, focus on common values, and work together for the benefit of the Muslim Ummah. May Allah unite our hearts and guide us to the straight path. Ameen.

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