The Difference Between Sunni and Shiite Islam

Islam is the second largest religion in the world, with over 2 billion followers, and has two major sects- the Sunnis and the Shiites. Both groups believe in the 5 Pillars of Islam and practice the same principles of the religion but have many differences, from the rightful leader of Islam to the form of Allah's(God's) body.



Today Sunni Muslims make up about 89% of all Muslims with about 940 million followers while the Shiites have only around 120 Million followers. The Shiite population makes up nearly all of Iran and close to half of Iraq. The following map shows the distribution of the Muslim population in Europe, Asia and Africa. The dark green represents the Shiites and the light green represents the Sunnis.










The split between the two groups formed in the years after Muhammad's death. The Sunni's believed that Muhammad's successor should be the most qualified leader and voted on by the people. The Shiites, however, believed that only direct descendants of Muhammad should be allowed to succeed his throne. The Shiites selected Ali, Muhammad's son-in-law, to be their leader but he Sunni Muslims, the majority, voted Abur Bakr as the first Caliph. Ali eventually became the fourth Caliph but was assassinated. The two branches have been in constant conflict ever since the disagreement over the first successor of Muhammad.



While the two branches of Islam both use the same teachings they have many conflicts in belief. Both groups believe in the Mahdi, or "rightfully guided one." The Mahdi is the global Caliph of all Islam. The Sunnis believe the Mahdi has not been born yet and has not come to Earth, but the Shiites believe he is already here on Earth and can feel his presence. The Sunnis believe Allah has a body and can be seen on Earth and in the afterlife. The Shiites believe Allah does not have a body and can never be seen. Sunnis believe anything Allah commands is a good thing, even if it is to murder someone. Sunnis also believe that Allah controls every person's acts while the Shiites believe that Allah know what we will do but does not control it.



Overall, the two branches have the same basic beliefs and teachings but that is where any similarities end. Shiite and Sunni Islam are almost two different religions rather than two different sects of the same religion.

Information was taken from the following websites:
http://www.differencebetween.net/miscellaneous/difference-between-sunni-and-shiite-islam/
http://www.hyperhistory.net/apwh/essays/comp/cw11sunnishiitesplit.htm