2.1.2 Difference Between Sunnii & Shi'a Core Beliefs

Sunni Muslims

Consequently, they accepted Abu Bakr, a close friend and advisor of Muhammad, as the first Caliph. This led to the establishment of the Rashidun (Rightly Guided) Caliphs, which includes Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. Sunni Muslims respect all the companions of Muhammad and emphasize the importance of community consensus (Ijma) and analogical reasoning (Qiyas) in interpreting Islamic law.

Shi'a Muslims

Ali was considered the first Imam, and his sons Hassan and Hussein followed him. The martyrdom of Hussein at the Battle of Karbala in 680 CE is a pivotal event in Shi'a history, deeply influencing their religious practices and identity. The Imams are seen as infallible and divinely appointed leaders who provide spiritual and temporal guidance.

Divergence

The Sunni caliphates, including the Umayyad and Abbasid dynasties, expanded Islam through military conquests and established extensive empires.

Shi'a Muslims, on the other hand, faced persecution and marginalization under Sunni rule. Despite this, they developed their own rich theological and legal traditions. The largest branch of Shi'a Islam, known as Twelvers, believes in a line of twelve Imams, the last of whom is in occultation and will reappear as the Mahdi (guided one) to bring justice to the world.

Table of Differences in Beliefs and Practices

Aspect	Sunni Muslims	Shi'a Muslims
Leadership	Leadership chosen by consensus; Caliph is a political and military leader.	Leadership is based on the line of Imams; Imams are seen as spiritual and political leaders with divine insight.
Key Figures	Respect all companions of Prophet Muhammad; the first four caliphs: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.	Particularly revere Ali, Hassan, Hussein, and the line of Imams; emphasis on the martyrdom of Hussein.
Prayer Practices	Pray five times a day: Fajr, Dhuhr, Asr, Maghrib, and Isha.	Often combine prayers, resulting in three prayer times a day.
Religious Holidays	Celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha.	Celebrate Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha, with special emphasis on Ashura, commemorating the martyrdom of Hussein.
Legal Schools	Follow four main schools of law (Madhhab): Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali.	Significant divisions within Shi'a Islam: Twelvers (12 Imams), Ismailis, and Zaidis.
Population	Majority of Muslims globally, about 85-90%.	Minority within the Muslim world, about 10-15%.
Geographical Distribution	Predominant in countries like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Turkey, and Indonesia.	Predominant in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and significant communities in Lebanon, Pakistan, and India.
Commemoration	Do not place as much emphasis on martyrdom; historical events celebrated less intensively.	Commemorate Ashura with mourning and processions, remembering the martyrdom of Hussein at Karbala.
Worship	Led by an Imam in mosques; Friday communal prayer (Jumu'ah) is particularly important.	Similar mosque worship, but Imams have a more central and revered role.