Islam of today is has two major branches; the Sunni Muslims and the Shia Muslims. This massive split between the sects & laws is not just between the people, but also endeavors’ politics. These differences have developed into a burden over the years. They argue about many different things but it all starts with, “who should have succeeded the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) after his death?” The conflicts between these two sects are very similar to those that had, at one time, existed between the Protestants & Catholics.
However, let’s compare some basic differences. Let us begin with the number of followers.
Meaning:
Shia: Party or Followers of Ali ibn Talib (RA).
Sunni: Well tread path or tradition.
Population:
Shia: 200 Million & growing.
Sunni: 1.2 Billion & growing.
Image Source: CFR – Percentage of Shias and Sunnis in respective countries.
Believe the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) nominated a Successor:
Shia: They believe that His cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib, should have been the successor.
Sunni: Believe that any practicing Muslim can be the chosen by the agreement of the authorities of the Muslim people.
The Rulers or Successors after the Prophet (PBUH):
Shia: They believe that the 12 Imams were the only ones that were allowed to become Muslim rulers namely, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), Imam Hassan (RA), Imam Hussein (RA), Imam Ali Zain ul Abideen (RA), Imam Muhammad Al Baqir,Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq, Imam Musa Al Kazim, Imam Ali Al Raza, Imam Muhammad Al Taqi, Imam Ali Al Naqi, Imam Hasan Al Askari, Imam Muhammad Al Mahdi (hidden from the world).
Sunni: The 4 Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr (RA), Omar bin Al Khattab (RA), Usman bin Affan (RA) & Ali bin Abi Talib (RA).
Views about Ali bin Abi Talib (RA):
Shia: Believe Ali ibn Talib to be divine, and at times consider Ali ibn Talib above the Prophet (PBUH) the head of the religion in many authorities and aspects.
Sunni: They consider Ali ibn Talib (RA) as a ‘Lion of God’ – a title he got during one of the battles. However, they also consider him to be the first child to convert to Islam and a great warrior of the faith.
Respective Views of the Imams accordingly:
Shia: They consider them to be divinely guided, and consider as the only legitimate interpreters of the Quran.
Sunni: This sect believes the Imams to be close to Allah, or saints or people with strong faith in the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah (ways of the Prophet (PBUH)).
Passing Authoritative Revelation of Hadiths:
Shia: Somewhat true, Imams are considered guided directly by God. The reason being is to safeguard the current faith and its esoteric meaning.
Sunni: Anyone can pass down a Hadith – as long as it is in connection to the Prophet (PBUH) himself i.e. I heard this Hadith from X, who heard it from Y, who heard it from Z and Z finally heard it from the Prophet (PBUH) himself (this chain consists hundreds of people).
Image Source: CFR – Branches of Islam.
Self Beating or Flagellation (Matam):
Shia: They beat themselves to recall and show respect to the martyrdom of Imam Hussein – marching in great groups on the tenth of Muharram (1st Islamic month of lunar calendar) which also includes beating oneself with knives, blades, chains with sharp ends or even the use of hands on chest. This is also permitted by some Shia scholars.
Sunni: Beating oneself in Sunnis is a major sin, also many Sunni scholars’ quote that the Quran speaks of literally harming oneself with their own hands is not allowed.
Building and Visiting Shrines:
Shia: Shia scholars allow building and constructing shrines.
Sunni: Sunnis do not.
Views on Angels:
Shia: They obey God and His commandments. They have limited free will but never towards sinning.
Sunni: God created Angels from light; they only obey God commandments and do not have a will of their own.
Place of Worship (Muslims can also pray at home – if they for some reason cannot visit the respective worship place):
Shia: Imam Bargah, Ashur Khana, Mosque, Eidgah.
Sunni: Mosque.
Use of Statues and Pictures:
Shia: Only pictures are allowed by some scholars.
Sunni: Not allowed at all.
Image Source: Google Image – An imam leading prayers in Cairo, Egypt, in 1865.
Clergy:
Shia: Imam (divinely guided), Ayatullah, Allama, Maulana.
Sunni: Caliph (not self declared), Imam (Saint), Allama, Maulana.
Marriage:
Shia: Man may marry up to four women and can do Mut’ah. Mut’ah is a type of marriage where the duration of the marriage and the dowry must be specified and agreed upon in advance. It is a private contract made in a verbal or written format. A declaration of the intent to marry and an acceptance of the terms are required. Zaidi Shia, Ismaili Shia and Sunni Muslims do not practice Nikah Mut’ah. The practice is often viewed as a cover for promiscuity or prostitution.
Sunni: Man may marry up to four women – which is announced and is registered.
Other Branches:
Shia: Baha’i – a separate religion.
Sunni: Non Muqallideen – a sect of Islam.
Belief in God:
Shia: One God.
Sunni: One God.
Foundation Languages:
Shia: Farsi & Arabic.
Sunni: Arabic.
Views on Jesus or Prophet Isa (AS):
Shia: Believe that Jesus did not die on the cross but will come back down from heaven in the future to fight Dajjal, False Messiah or the Anti-Christ.
Sunni: Believe that Jesus did not die on the cross but will come back down from heaven in the future to fight Dajjal, False Messiah or the Anti-Christ.
Special or Holy Days:
Shia: Ashura (ten days of Muharram), Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha, Eid al Ghadeer.
Sunni: Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha & Ramadan.
Places Associated with Religion:
Shia: Karbala & Kufa.
Sunni: Makkah & Medina.
Other Names:
Shia: Shiites, Shia, Shii & Ahle Eh Tashi.
Sunni: Sunni & Ahle Eh Sunnat
Major Population by Country:
Shia: The majority are in Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and Lebanon. Minority spread across the world.
Sunni: Majority are in most Muslim countries. Minority spread across the world.
Foundations of Belief:
Shia: One God, Angels, Revealed Books of God including the Quran, Messengers, Day of Judgment, Prophet hood & Imamah.
Sunni: One God, Angels, All the Books Revealed by God including the Torah, Psalms, Gospel or Bible and the Quran, Messengers, Day of Judgment & Prophet hood.
Image Source: Google Image – Millions of muslims from around the world come and performing Hajj in Makkah.
The Pillars of Faith:
Shia:
1. Prayer.
2. Fasting.
3. Pilgrimage.
4. Mandatory alms, 20% for Imam and the needy (khums).
5. Promotion of good.
6. Dissuasion from bad.
7. Re-Affirmation 8 Disassociation from the enemies of Islam starting from first Caliph.
8. Jihad
Sunni:
1. Testament of Faith
2. Prayers 5 times a day.
3. Mandatory alms, 2.5% for needy (Zakat)
4. Fasting in the Month of Ramadan
5. Pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime for those who are able.
Passing of the Religious Narrations:
Shia: Nahjul Balagha, Kitab Al Kafi, Man la Yahduruhu Al Faqih, Tahdhib Al Ahkam, Al Istibsar.
Sunni: Muwatta Malik, Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami Al Tirmidhi, Sunan Nasai.
Branches of their Status:
Shia: Ithna Ashariyya (Believers of Twelve Imams), Ismailis (Believers of Seven Imams) and Zaidi (Believers of Five Imams). The ones before them do not agree to infallibility of Imams’ or even the coming of Imam Mahdi (AS).
Sunni: Four contributing schools of Law: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali. These branches count each other on right path with different way of thinking.
Special Day of worship:
Shia: Friday
Sunni: Friday
Temporary or Unannounced Marriage:
Shia: Yes, earlier discussed as Mut’ah.
Sunni: Not allowed and deemed as adultery.
Current Leaders:
Shia: Mujtahids
Sunni: Ulama also known as Alim Eh Deen
Intercession Permitted or Asking from Prophets, Angels, Saints or Wali a part God:
Shia: Yes, fourteen Infallibles only; from Prophet until the Mahdi, including Fatima, daughter of the Prophet and wife of Ali (AS).
Sunni: No, not allowed, directly from God Himself.
Public Affirmation of the Faith & Propagation of Teachings:
Shia: The Shia allows ‘Taqiyya’: which is to be able to deny faith when under grave danger. This extends to the belief that true meaning of faith is hidden until the coming of twelfth Imam.
Sunni: Little stress on esoteric meaning or Taqiyya. While ‘inner meaning’ of Quran is accepted as existing, stress is on a literal rather than mystic interpretation. Notable exceptions are Sufi schools.
Did Islam achieve its Ultimate Glory:
Shia: No, it was hijacked by hypocrites, especially the first three Caliphs.
Sunni: Yes, mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) achieved its glory at the time of first 3 Caliphs and sustained by next three Caliphs including Ali bin Abi Talib.
In some nations the tension between the two has taken physical turn which is common between the Shia and Sunnis and especially around the religious holidays for instance the day of Ashura or some political campaign. Below are some conflicts:
Iraq 2014: Shia militias killing Sunnis in reprisal attacks. (Read Here)
Iraq 2014: Iraqis fear sectarian violence in Baghdad and flee the country. (Read Here)
Pakistan 2014: Bus bombing kills at least 22 people on their way home from religious pilgrimage in Iran. (Read Here)
Bahrain 2013: Sectarian tensions rise in Bahrain amid mosque attacks. (Read Here)
Iraq 2012: Bomb attacks around Iraq target Shiites, killing dozens. (Read Here)
You want to support Anonymous Independent & Investigative News? Please, follow us on Twitter: Follow @AnonymousNewsHQ
SOURCES:
http://www.pewforum.org/2009/10/07/mapping-the-global-muslim-population/
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia-Sunni_Relations
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shia_Islam
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunni_Islam
http://www.answers.com/topic/sunni
http://lcweb2.loc.gov/cgi-bin/query/r?frd/cstdy:@field(DOCID+af0060)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Library_of_Congress_Country_Studies
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/sunna
http://lexicorient.com/e.o/ali.htm
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Quran
http://www.pewforum.org/2011/01/27/future-of-the-global-muslim-population-regional-middle-east/
http://books.google.co.uk/books?
https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/fields/2122.html
http://books.google.co.uk/books?
http://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-16047709
http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/news/religion/2007-09-24-muslim-tension_N.htm
http://books.google.co.uk/books?id=D5_N97bAiJ0C&lpg=PP1&pg=PA3#v=onepage&q&f=false
http://www.al-monitor.com/pulse/security/2013/07/bahrain-sectarian-crisis-mosque-attacks.html#
http://www.cfr.org/peace-conflict-and-human-rights/sunni-shia-divide/p33176#!/
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This is actually a really good differentiation between Sunnis and Shias
This article is based on salafis Sunnis who aren’t the majority. Shias consider Mecca and Mediana as holy lands, also majority of Sunnis allow for shrines to be built.
In addition, Sunnis can pray at home as well as mosque.
Usually I like your content, but maybe you should have asked a real shia and a real Sunni questions to base the articles on rather than some unreliable sources that you have posted. A lot of iffy material here.
Also I’d like to add that Shias don’t consider Imama Ali (peace be upon him) to be higher in stature or in any manner higher than the prophet Muhammad Peace be upon him.
The article is mostly based on the salafi/wahabbi Sunni point of view, which the majority of Sunnis dont agree with.
In addition, Sunnis can pray at home, they also believe in the building shrines for holy personnel.
Shias don’t consider imam Ali(peace be upon him) to be higher than the prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in any way.
I usually like your articles, but you should have got a real Sunni person and a shia person to answer the questions in the article, rather than some unreliable sources.
I dont know what branch of Sunni you believe in, but building shrines is considered Haraam in all Sunni sects, since You are to ask from God Himself only, not an intercessor in between. All men and women are equal, no one above the other and that will stay the same until the last day. Prophets were men. You are to only ask God for what you want, by having an intercessor through a shrine you are condemning that dead person to hell along with yourself.
Building Shrines is not permitted in Islam, not in any sect. A dead man is only worth dua nothing else.
It all started with a political disput ,that turned into a difference in religions
Are non-muslims (Christians and jews) to be made second calls and killed?
SHIA:yes
SUNNI:yes
we are all Muslims , there should be neither Sunni nor Shiaa , allah said not to split
وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا ۚ وَاذْكُرُوا نِعْمَتَ اللَّهِ عَلَيْكُمْ إِذْ كُنتُمْ أَعْدَاءً فَأَلَّفَ بَيْنَ قُلُوبِكُمْ فَأَصْبَحْتُم بِنِعْمَتِهِ إِخْوَانًا وَكُنتُمْ عَلَىٰ شَفَا حُفْرَةٍ مِّنَ النَّارِ فَأَنقَذَكُم مِّنْهَا ۗ كَذَٰلِكَ يُبَيِّنُ اللَّهُ لَكُمْ آيَاتِهِ لَعَلَّكُمْ تَهْتَدُونَ
إِنَّ الَّذِينَ فَرَّقُوا دِينَهُمْ وَكَانُوا شِيَعًا لَّسْتَ مِنْهُمْ فِي شَيْءٍ ۚ إِنَّمَا أَمْرُهُمْ إِلَى اللَّهِ ثُمَّ يُنَبِّئُهُم بِمَا كَانُوا يَفْعَلُونَ (159) مَن جَاءَ بِالْحَسَنَةِ فَلَهُ عَشْرُ أَمْثَالِهَا ۖ وَمَن جَاءَ بِالسَّيِّئَةِ فَلَا يُجْزَىٰ إِلَّا مِثْلَهَا وَهُمْ لَا يُظْلَمُونَ (160) قُلْ إِنَّنِي هَدَانِي رَبِّي إِلَىٰ صِرَاطٍ مُّسْتَقِيمٍ دِينًا قِيَمًا مِّلَّةَ إِبْرَاهِيمَ حَنِيفًا ۚ وَمَا كَانَ مِنَ الْمُشْرِكِينَ (161) قُلْ إِنَّ صَلَاتِي وَنُسُكِي وَمَحْيَايَ وَمَمَاتِي لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ (162) لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ ۖ وَبِذَٰلِكَ أُمِرْتُ وَأَنَا أَوَّلُ الْمُسْلِمِينَ
Haha, 14% Sunna in Iraq and 41% in Tunisia.
I can’t take this numbers seriously…
Should you kill people if they draw pictures of your prophet (children be below him):
Shia: Yes.
Sunni: Yes.
Does Allah send non-believers and people who think for themselves in Hell for eternal torture:
Shia: Yes.
Sunni: Yes.
Did Virtus study any religion whatsoever?
Shia: No
Sunni: No
Virtus: ?
Is Virtus afraid of something that he doesn’t believe in; like eternal torture or hell?
Shia: Yes
Sunni: Yes
Virtus: ?
I had the courtesy of letting you answer for yourself so show some of it in return, and thanks for your comment, approved as usual.
Did Virtus study religion?
Virtus: No, not in the University. However, Virtus did study it. Virtus tried to be provocative.
Is Virtus afraid of something he doesn’t believe in?
Virtus: No. However, Virtus tries to illuminate a particular (harmful in his opinion) religious belief people hold. Religion is people.
Is Virtus right about Islam condemning non-believers to hell (therefore people threatening him with the same):
Virtus: Most certainly Yes. This creates animosity. Does this make God omnibenevolent? No, it’s illogical that it does. Virtus sometimes tries to point to this logical fallacy…
Virtus tries his best to show courtesy. Virtus is direct and honest, and appreciates Anon response. Virtus is Anon.
Islam is the only religion accepted by god, Islam means submission to god and his commands, His commands are written in the Quran, If you learn and follow his commands you go to heaven, It’s that simple, so keep it that way! thanks for your comment.
“Islam is the only religion accepted by god” — One cannot start with premise “There is a god” – that’s a foul move. What makes you think there is a god in the first place?
“Islam means submission to god and his commands” — Virtus knows this.
“His commands are written in the Quran” — How do you know?
“If you learn and follow his commands you go to heaven” — You’re doing it again! One cannot start by premise: “there is a Heaven”. First, how do you know there is a Heaven?
Virtus is surprised by AnonVoid claims. Anon should know better than to claim things one cannot prove…
Anon should be impartial and not take sides on religions, because Anon is Anonymous. Establishing, spreading and claiming the “right” and “only” religious belief can divide Anonymous.
I cannot treat the misguided, only god can, without god everything will fall into chaos, without someone superior enough to rule this universe, sustain it and maintain the order, if you can’t see that, then I don’t see any reason for further discussing this with you, if i didn’t know more i would say you have problem with your girlfriend/wife maybe not believing in god because you can’t be one in your house, or maybe god is punishing you, but who am i to judge, I should be impartial and not take sides. Be good Virtus.
There are some incorrect statements though. Firstly the Shia believe the prophet Mohammed was the greatest and perfected human being above Imam Ali. Not the other way around.
@Anon
Virtus is agnostic atheist because Virtus didn’t find sufficient evidence that there is a specific type of God among 4000+ proposed today in the world. No home problem, just skepticism and honesty in Virtus’ mind.
“without god everything will fall into chaos” — Virtus doesn’t think so. Your beliefs are your own, but don’t argue with a skeptic ever – your logic is flawed. And your arguments have flawed premises. Be scientific. Be honest. Logic.
–farewell
I’m! just don’t turn against your own argument which is what usually people like you do, start by accepting some ideas, until next time Virtus 😉
Islam of today is has two major branches; the Sunni Muslims and the Shia Muslims. ”The conflicts between these two sects are very similar to those that had, at one time, existed between the Protestants & Catholics.
Names of shia sunni also called:
Shia: Shiites, Shia, Shii & Ahle Eh Tashi.
Sunni: Sunni & Ahle Eh Sunnat
Meaning:
Shia: after prophet shia Follows one calipha of islam that is Ali ibn Talib (A.S) and after Ali a.s his sons. total 12 imams a.s…..each imam is son of previous imam and goes on 12th imam name Mehdi A.S.
Sunni: after prophet followers of 3 calipha Umar ra, Abubakar ra, Usman RA.
The Pillars of Faith:
Shia: 10 acts + 5 faith (or 5 believe)
1. Prayer.
2. Fasting in ramazan.
3. Going to Hajj (Pilgrimage to Makkah)
4. zakaat (Charity) (Mandatory 2.5% for the needy peoples.
5. khums (tax) “20%
6. Struggle ( jihad,,, to stop himself from bad deeds and wrong wishes )
7. Enjoying doing good deeds.
8. Forbidding or stop the evil.
9. Association with good.
10. Disassociation from evil.
Shia : 5 faiths
1. Tawhid ( allah is one )
2. prophethood
3. Belive on Quran law Divine Justice ( or Justice in things, in rights, bussiness, care )
4. Believe on 12 imams
5. Believe one the day of Judgement.
Sunni: only 6 faiths
1. Testament of Faith
2. Prayers 5 times a day.
3. Mandatory alms, 2.5% for needy (Zakat)
4. Fasting in the Month of Ramadan
5. Pilgrimage to Makkah once in a lifetime for those who are able.
6. Jihad (killing of non muslims).
Belief in God and Prophet:
Shia: One God and Prophet Muhmmad PBUH and all prophets 1 lack 25 thousand prophets
Sunni: One God and Prophet Muhmmad PBUH and all prophets 1 lack 25 thousand prophets
Views on Jesus or Prophet Isa (AS):
Shia: Believe that Jesus did not die on the cross but will come back down from heaven in the future to fight Dajjal, False Messiah or the Anti-Christ.
Sunni: Believe that Jesus did not die on the cross but will come back down from heaven in the future to fight Dajjal, False Messiah or the Anti-Christ.
Foundations of Belief:
Shia: One God, Angels, Belive on Books Revealed by God Torah, Psalms, Gospel or Bible and the Quran, Messengers, Day of Judgment, Prophets& 12 Imam’s A.S.
Sunni: One God, Angels, Belive on Books Revealed by God Torah, Psalms, Gospel or Bible and the Quran, Messengers, Day of Judgment & Prophets.
Special Day of worship:
Shia: Friday
Sunni: Friday
Foundation Languages:
Shia: Farsi & Arabic.
Sunni: Arabic
Places Associated with Religion:
Shia: Makkah, medina, Karbala. iran, syria. place where our imams grave are present.
Sunni: Makkah & Medina.
Major Population by Country:
Shia: The majority are in Iran, Iraq, Yemen, Bahrain, Azerbaijan, and Lebanon. Minority spread across the world.
Sunni: Majority are saudia arab, turkey, libia in most Muslim countries. Minority spread across the world.
Special or Holy Days:
Shia: Ashura (ten days of Muharram), Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha, Ramadan. Eid al Ghadeer.
Sunni: Eid al Fitr, Eid al Adha & Ramadan.
Place of Worship (Muslims can also pray at home – if they for some reason cannot visit the respective worship place):
Shia: Imam Bargah, Mosque, Eidgah.
Sunni: Mosque.
Clergy:
Shia: Imam (divinely guided, similarly like prophets connected to allah directly.), Ayatullah, Allama, Maulana.
Sunni: Caliph (guided by people ,not self declared), Imam (Saint), Allama, Maulana.
Building and Visiting Shrines:
Shia: Shia scholars allow building and constructing shrines.
Sunni: some Sunnis build shrine and some do not.
Views on Angels:
Shia: They obey God and His commandments. They have limited free will but never towards sinning.
Sunni: God created Angels from light; they only obey God commandments and do not have a will of their own.
Books of the Religious Narrations:
Shia: Nahjul Balagha, Kitab Al Kafi, Man la Yahduruhu Al Faqih, Tahdhib Al Ahkam, Al Istibsar.
Sunni: Muwatta Malik, Musnad Ahmad, Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, Sunan Abu Dawood, Jami Al Tirmidhi, Sunan Nasai.
Branches of their Status:
Shia: Ithna Ashariyya (Believers of Twelve Imams, The Main ~Shia),
Sunni: Four contributing schools of Law: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i and Hanbali. These branches count each other on right path with different way of thinking.
Population:
Shia: 900 Million & growing.
Sunni: 2.2 Billion & growing.
Current Leaders:
Shia: Mujtahids ( just a word used for a Special leader that is one in all over the world in one time )
Sunni: Ulama also known as Alim Eh Deen ( normally used for every general islamic scholar )
Muharam):
Shia: The month of mourn to recall and show respect to the martyrdom of Imam Hussein – marching in great groups on the tenth of Muharram (1st Islamic month of lunar calendar) . This is also permitted by some Shia scholars but doing good deeds are 20 times more beneficial than self blood shade for imam a.s.
Sunni: they know the importance of muhamram some weeps some are confused what to do or what not to do. some fast,
Marriage:
Shia: Man may marry up to four women and can do Mut’ah. Mut’ah is a type of marriage where the duration of the marriage and the dowry must be specified and agreed upon in advance between man and women. It is a private contract made in a verbal or written format. A declaration of the intent to marry and an acceptance of the terms are required with witness similarly as normal marriage only time frame is here.. The practice was allowed by our prophet Muhmmad PBUH in his life. and kept continue till know and after.
Sunni: Man may marry up to four women – which is announced and is registered. by sunni consider mutah was allowed first and than stoped by prophet Muhmmad PBUH. not its not allowed.
Believe the Prophet (Peace Be Upon Him) nominated a Successor:
Shia: They believe that His cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib A.S, nominated as (successor) or clipha by Prophet Muhmmad PBUH in his life infront of one lack people in place named ghadeer khum.
Sunni: Believe that any practicing Muslim can be the chosen by the agreement of the authorities of the Muslim people.
The Rulers or Successors after the Prophet (PBUH):
Shia: They believe that the 12 Imams were the only ones that were allowed to become Muslim rulers namely, Ali ibn Abi Talib ( A.S), Imam Hassan ( A.S), Imam Hussein ( A.S), Imam Ali Zain ul Abideen ( A.S), Imam Muhammad Al Baqir A.S,Imam Ja’far Al Sadiq A.S, Imam Musa Al Kazim A.S, Imam Ali Al Raza A.S, Imam Muhammad Al Taqi A.S, Imam Ali Al Naqi A.S, Imam Hasan Al Askari A.S, Imam Muhammad Al Mahdi A.S (hidden from the world).
Sunni: The 4 Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu Bakr (RA), Omar bin Al Khattab (RA), Usman bin Affan (RA) & Ali bin Abi Talib ( A.S).
where A.S stands for ale salam,( to be greeting on him). RA stands for (may god beocme happy from him)
Views about Ali bin Abi Talib (RA):
Shia: Believe Ali bin Abi Talib ( A.S). to be divine(Lion of God best worrior in islam, world of knowledge, Best honesty, best in purity, best in justice, best in every quailty, and at times consider Ali ibn Abi Talib ( A.S) the spiritual brother the Prophet (PBUH) also said by Prophet Muhmmad PBUH himself, the head of the religion in many authorities and aspects but always after Prophet Muhmmad PBUH. shia consider Ali ibn Abi Talib ( A.S) family and and himself already a muslim by birth spiritually.
Sunni: They consider Ali ibn Talib (RA) as a ‘Lion of God’ – a title he got during one of the battles. However, they also consider him to be the first child to convert to Islam and a great warrior of the faith.
Respective Views of the Imams accordingly:
Shia: They consider 12 imam A.S to be divinely guided, and consider as the only legitimate interpreters of the Quran.
Sunni: This sect believes the Imams normal human guided, or saints or people with strong faith in the teachings of the Quran and Sunnah (ways of the Prophet (PBUH)) in sunni they call imam to every person giving pray in every mosque which means they have million of namely imams but 12 shia imam are more respected by all their highly accepted books.
Passing Authoritative Revelation of Hadiths:
Shia: , 14 masoomeens are safed from any kind of sin that are one is Prophet Muhmmad PBUH and one is Fatima zahra S.A , daughter of the Prophet and wife of Ali (AS) and the leader of all ladies of all times in the world and 12 Imams A.S are considered guided directly by God. now after them current leader mujtaid that can only explains .
Sunni: Anyone can pass down a Hadith – as long as it is in connection to the Prophet (PBUH) himself i.e. I heard this Hadith from X, who heard it from Y, who heard it from Z and Z finally heard it from the Prophet (PBUH) himself (this chain consists hundreds of people).
Sunni: No, not allowed, directly from God Himself.
Did Islam achieve its Ultimate Glory:
Shia: No, it was hijacked by hypocrites, especially the first three Caliphs.
Sunni: Yes, mission of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) achieved its glory at the time of first 3 Caliphs and sustained by next three Caliphs including Ali bin Abi Talib.
In some nations the tension between the two has taken physical turn which is common between the Shia and Sunnis and especially around the religious holidays for instance the day of Ashura