For example, in Saudi Arabia, Sunni Wahhabism is a prevalent and puritanical faction. It is important to remember that despite these differences in opinion and practice, Shia and Sunni Muslims share the main articles of Islamic belief and are considered by most to be brethren in faith. Countries Of Dominance Coexistence in Iraq and Lebanon, for example, is often difficult. Approximately 15% (250 million) of Muslims around the world come from Shia heritage. Fundamentally, they share some common beliefs but practice in different manners.It is important to remember that despite these differences in opinion and practice, Shia and Sunni Muslims share the main articles of Islamic belief and are considered by most to be brethren in faith. The word Sunni Muslims agree with many of the Prophet's companions at the time of his death: that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. Sunnis believed that Muhammed's successor should be Abu Bakr and Oma… Iran is a good example in which the Imam, and not the state, is the ultimate authority.Sunni Muslims counter that there is no basis in Islam for a hereditary privileged class of spiritual leaders, and certainly no basis for the veneration or intercession of saints. Shia and Sunni Islam are the two major denominations of Islam. • Sunni Islam can be found in countries like Africa, China, Southeast Asia, South Asia and some of the Arab world. Countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia are predominantly Sunni.Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq. On the matter of prayer, Shia Muslims pray a little bit differently than Sunni Muslims. Huda is an educator, school administrator, and author who has more than two decades of experience researching and writing about Islam online. Shia Muslims believe in a temporary marriage where a marriage is set for a prefixed period of time. In fact, most Muslims do not distinguish themselves by claiming membership in any particular group, but prefer, simply, to call themselves "Muslims."
Shia Muslims reject these traditions and do not base any of their religious practices on the testimony of these individuals.This naturally gives rise to some differences in religious practice between the two groups. They perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines in the hopes of divine intercession.This well-defined clerical hierarchy can play a role in governmental matters as well. • Sunni Muslims believe that the Al Mahdi is yet to come whereas Shia Muslims believe that he is already on earth. "Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature and that his authority is infallible because it comes directly from God. They provide a structure or framework for a Muslim's life, just as pillars do for buildings.The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Sunnism is the largest and most orthodox branch of Islam. So what’s the difference between Sunni and Shia? have narrated traditions about the Prophet's life and spiritual practice. A dispute over succession to Islamic prophet Muhammad as a caliph of the Islamic community spread across various parts of the world, which led to the Battle of Jamal and Battle of Siffin. This includes rituals of prayer and marriage.In this sense, many people compare the two groups with Catholics and Protestants. Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams which they believe have been appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God Himself.Within the Sunni and Shia branches, you can also find a number of sects. In fact, most Muslims do not distinguish themselves by claiming membership in any particular group, but prefer, simply, to call themselves "Muslims. The major portion of the Muslim community is called the Sunni Muslims.They cover almost 1.5 billion people in this world. Learn Religions uses cookies to provide you with a great user experience. The division among Muslims is rooted from differences in political beliefs.