What are the relationships between the two branches of Islam?

Answer 1

There are more than 72 groups among Muslims having very minor differences among them. The major groups are;

1. Ahl--i-Sunnat wal jama'at commonly known as Sunnis

2. Shias
Sunni & Shi-ite.

Answer 2

Answer 1

The followers of both branches (Sunnis and Shiites) are Muslims who believe in same God, same holy book Quran, and same Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him). Refer to question below.

Answer 2

There is no enmity between Sunni and Shiite theologians and both recognize the "Islamic-ness" of the others' beliefs. However, there are numerous conflicts between the adherents of Sunni and Shiite Islam who use the religious labels as identifiers. An identifier is something that allows for an "us-them" dynamic, like race, ethnicity, socio-economic status, sex, sexual-orientation, etc. (This is roughly the same as the conflict between Catholics and Protestants in Northern Ireland, which has nothing to do with the theological differences between the Roman Catholic and Anglican Churches, but with followers who use the religious names as identifiers.)