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The majority of beliefs are shared between the two groups (the role of Mohammed, the holiness of the Qur'an, the Unity of God, fasting, hajj, shahada, almsgiving etc.), but there are some critical differences between Sunni and Shiite Islam. Some differences include
Imamat or Leadership: Shia and Sunni mainly have a conflict on Imamat (leadership).
The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 C.E., and the question of who was to take over the Imamat (leadership) of the Muslim nation. Sunnis, the majority, believe that the first four caliphs, Mohammed's successors, rightfully took his place as the leaders of Islam. They recognize the heirs of the four caliphs as legitimate religious leaders. These heirs ruled continuously in the Arab world until the break-up of the Ottoman Empire following the end of the First World War.
The Shia say the Imamat is one of the 5 pillars of Islam and only God can select leader for people whereas the Sunnis say Imamat is not part of Islam and the leader can be selected by people by any method like Shura (for example for Abu Bakr) or by will of previous leader (for example for Omar) or by people (for example for Ali) provided he is capable of performing the job. Shia believe after death of the Prophet (Mohammed), God selected the prophet's successor who should be the political leader of Muslim community and people cannot and do not the right to select such an individual.
Self-Identification: Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader of the Umma (Islamic Community) should be elected from among those capable of the job. This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions [of the Prophet]."
The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical "Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali." They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet).
Prayer Styles: Shia pray 5 times a day just like Sunnis but usually do the second and third prayers and fourth and fifth prayers together. Thus, it may seem they do only 3 prayers a day. There are some differences in details of prayer like genuflecting (for Shia should be on a stone or part of earth and for the Sunnis it should be on carpet or floor ).
Doctrines of Karbala: Shia doctrines have their roots in Battle Karbala.
When tragedy of Karbala happened most of Iranians understood that there were two different interpretations of Islam that could not both be true. So, most of Iranians became shia and followers of "Ahl al-Bayt" and forgive their lives for them like what they did in Iranian Revolution and Iran-Iraq War.
Hadith Collections: Shia Muslims have at least 120,000 Hadith (sayings) from The Fourteen Infallibles that is the base of Shia Islam along with Qur'an. Sunni Hadith collections are much smaller as they do not contain volumes from people who lived after the Prophet. Sunni collections also differ based on the School of Sunni Islam. Abu-Hanifa, Ibn Hanbal, Ash-Shafi'i, and Ibn Annas of the Hanafi, Hanbali, Shafi'i, and Maliki Schools each have their own collections.
The Imams and Infallibles: Sunnis do not believe in any of this. However, Shia believe according to "Hadith of the two weighty things" The Fourteen Infallibles are the only valid interpreters of Quran and sayings of them are from God because they are Representatives of God in earth and they have inherited divine knowledge of prophet. Theses individuals are the 12 Imams, the Prophet and his daughter Fatimah Zahra (sa). All of them are without impurity and have no mistake and have the knowledge of everything. (This knowledge is from God according to His will and is not absolute knowledge. Absolute knowledge is only for God and they still do not know many things, but they know anything human may need to know.) They never die and they hear all sayings and even thoughts of all humans after their death by permission of God. They are intermediates between God and human.
Shi'ites do not accept that the Imam is to be only a political leader but they believe that they are literally 'manifestations of God', they are sinless, infallible and the bringers of true understanding to all humanity. They are referred to within the Shi'ite tradition as being masum, that is, free from error or sin.
Shia believe that the 12th Imam (Imam Mahdi S.A.) is alive and because people have killed all 11 Imams before him. He is in hiding like Jesus S.A. and will rise with Jesus S.A. when people become ready and want to accept his leadership. All 11 Imams have been killed and during their life they all have been in prison or under hard control of government to avoid them having any political activity.
They never had enough serious followers to allow them to attain political power. Among them only the sixth Imam Ja'far al-Sadiq was relatively free on account of the freedom afforded during the transition of power between the Umayyads and Abbassids. He is primarily known in the West to have taken part in scientific activities, established a university, and had students from all over the world. Westerners know him as a polymath: an astronomer, alchemist, Imam, Islamic scholar, Islamic theologian, writer, philosopher, physician, physicist and scientist. He was also the teacher of the famous chemist, Jābir ibn Hayyān (Geber), and of Abū Ḥanīfa, the founder of the Hanafi school of Sunni Islamic jurisprudence. He never wanted be a famous man and only shared his knowledge with those who sought knowledge. Some researchers consider his teachings the root cause of the Renaissance.
Positions on the Mahdi: The Mahdi, according to Shia, will bring about the Kingdom of God on Earth after an apocalyptic battle between the forces of Islam (those who believe in God) and enemies of Islam (mostly Jews) and will be united with Christians by coming of Jesus. Sunni Muslims also accept Mahdi and his worldwide leadership as Caliph of God on Earth at end of world, but do not accept the Shia teaching that this person is the twelfth Imam. There is a famous Hadith from prophet Muhammad (PBUH) that Mahdi in hiding is like sun behind cloud, he is hidden from people but people receive his benefits.
Shia Muslims say some faithful believers have connection with Mahdi and use his knowledge and at least 1000 persons have had a connection and conversation with Mahdi during his period of hiding but anyone who may have a relation with Mahdi S.A. should keep it secret and not declare it in public until death.
Seafood Consumption: Most schools of Sunni Islam permit the eating of any form of seafood. Shiites and Hanafi Sunnis prohibit the consumption of any seafood which does not accord with the Old Testament requirement of having "fins and scales".
What else can I help you with?
What beliefs do Sunnis and Shiites share which beliefs?
Sunnis and Shiites share fundamental beliefs in the oneness of God (Tawhid), the prophethood of Muhammad, and the importance of the Quran as the holy scripture. Both groups adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which include faith, prayer, almsgiving, fasting, and pilgrimage. Despite differences in leadership and certain practices, they both strive to follow Islamic teachings and uphold the core tenets of their faith. Additionally, both sects emphasize the importance of community and moral conduct in their religious lives.
Do the Sunnis and Shiites share the same or different political views?
In different places, yes. And they fight each other for more power. They have been fighting such the death of Muhammad, peace be upon Him.
What are the two main branches of Islam in Iraq?
The two main branches of Islam in Iraq are Sunnis and Shiites. However, both branches share many common Islam principles and rules. Refer to related question below.
Did Shiites reject aspects of Islam?
No. Shiite Islam is another sect with as much legitimacy as Sunni Islam. There just happen to be fewer Shiite Muslims. The initial separation was over political successorship to Mohammed, but over time smaller differences developed as the two theological communities remained separate. However, these differences do not compromise the core teachings of Islam that Sunnis, Shiites, Ibadis, and Kharijites share. Addtionally, please see the Related Link below.
What are two of the largest Muslim sects?
They are Sunnis and Shiites. However, they are two religious schools or groups rather than real two different sects. They, both, share all basic principles of Islam. They differ only in minor details. Refer to the related question below for more information.
What do cultural region share in common?
they share the same beliefs,history,and languge
Did all the mayflower's passengers share the religious beliefs?
No, they did not share the same beiges
What does society share?
Similiar Values and Beliefs
What does a society share?
Similiar Values and Beliefs
Why do all Catholics in the world share the same beliefs?
Unlike Protestants, Catholics have a central leadership - the Pope and bishops - who assure we are all share the same beliefs.
Which beliefs does Sikhism share with hinduism?
karma and reincarnation
How are the cultures in the Middle East alike?
share the same beliefs
