Shiite and Sunni Islam Ever since the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 A.D. there has been a divide in the Islam religion. Many debated on who the rightful successor was, causing a rivalry. This rivalry has created two separate branches of Islam: the Sunnis and the Shiites. Of the 1.6 billion Muslims in the world, eighty-five to ninety percent of them are Sunnis. Sunnis believe that the rightful successor to Muhammad is Abu Bakr. Since none of Muhammad’s sons survived into adulthood, genetic male succession was not a viable option. So Umar ibn al-Khattab, a well-known friend of Muhammad’s nominated Abu Bakr. The Muslim community gave their support and he was elected the first caliph. The first four caliphs are:
•Abu Bakr.
•Umar …show more content…
Shiites abbreviated the five prayer session into just three, whereas the Sunnis take part in five daily sessions. The Shiites keep their arms by their sides while they pray, while the Sunni’s cross theirs. Another difference is in the way that they follow the religion.
Sunni Islam – There are three areas to this hierarchy which included ‘Six Pillars of Iman’, ‘the Schools of Law’ and ‘the Six Books’. They act as the base and the backbone for the Sunni religious hierarchy. They are centered on the Hadith, traditions of Muhammad and of course the Quran. The six pillars are: belief in God (Allah), existence of Angels, Prophets, in Gods revelations, judgement day and Divine destiny.
Shia Islam- There are five principals: One God, Justice, Prophet hood (way in which God send people to guide mankind) Leadership, (way in which leaders are chosen) and Judgement day. Both groups agree that Muhammad is God's messenger; that they fast during Ramadan, recite five daily prayers, and make a pilmage to Mecca each year. They also agree that the holy book is the Quran. The biggest difference is Sunni’s rely on the teachings of Muhammad to steer their religion, and Shiites on their rulers, Ayatollahs, to lead
•Abu Bakr.
•Umar …show more content…
Shiites abbreviated the five prayer session into just three, whereas the Sunnis take part in five daily sessions. The Shiites keep their arms by their sides while they pray, while the Sunni’s cross theirs. Another difference is in the way that they follow the religion.
Sunni Islam – There are three areas to this hierarchy which included ‘Six Pillars of Iman’, ‘the Schools of Law’ and ‘the Six Books’. They act as the base and the backbone for the Sunni religious hierarchy. They are centered on the Hadith, traditions of Muhammad and of course the Quran. The six pillars are: belief in God (Allah), existence of Angels, Prophets, in Gods revelations, judgement day and Divine destiny.
Shia Islam- There are five principals: One God, Justice, Prophet hood (way in which God send people to guide mankind) Leadership, (way in which leaders are chosen) and Judgement day. Both groups agree that Muhammad is God's messenger; that they fast during Ramadan, recite five daily prayers, and make a pilmage to Mecca each year. They also agree that the holy book is the Quran. The biggest difference is Sunni’s rely on the teachings of Muhammad to steer their religion, and Shiites on their rulers, Ayatollahs, to lead