what the difference between shia and sonni in islam?????
363726
One worships one man, the other another.
839541
they dont....because sunnis dont take the shia hadiths....but  its really strange.....that when shia and sunni compromise,, the shia try to persuade  sunnies from their books (EG: muslim and Bukhari).....yet they are still stubborn. and dont want to beleive shias...ans how the sunnis try to interpret according to how they want it....they dont intrepret the whole thing.
898580
All Muslims go to Mecca.  It is one of the main teachings in Islam to go on a pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime.  \n\nThe main difference between the two has to do with who should succeed Mohammed.\n\nThe Sunni believe it would be a man who was capable of doing the job.  Abu Bakr was the first chosen. They believe that leadership was not a common birthright but rather a privilege.\n\nThe Shia believe that the Imam (religious teachers) are sinless by nature. They become saints capable of divine intervention.  Shia make pilgrimages to the tombs of the saints.\n\nThe Sunni do not believe there is any basis for the existence of saints in Islam.\n\nThe Shia reject the Hadith(traditions).  These were written by the friends and relatives of Mohammed and have to do with the life and practices of Mohammed.\n\nThere are many more differences, but these are the main ones. \n\nThe Shia believe the leadership should remain within Mohammed's family.  They believe the true successor  was Ali, who was the cousin and son-in-law of Mohammed.  They believe that the Sunni assassinated Ali.\n\nSunni
971550
Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance.\nThe division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation. Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader 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."\n\nOn the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself.\n\nThe Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali. 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. 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).\n\nFrom this initial question of political leadership, some aspects of spiritual life have been affected and now differ between the two groups of Muslims.\n\nShia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature, and that his authority is infallible as it comes directly from God. Therefore, Shia Muslims often venerate the Imams as saints and perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines in the hopes of divine intercession. 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. Sunni Muslims contend that leadership of the community is not a birthright, but a trust that is earned and which may be given or taken away by the people themselves.\n\nShia Muslims also feel animosity towards some of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, based on their positions and actions during the early years of discord about leadership in the community. Many of these companions (Abu Bakr, Umar, Aisha, etc.) have narrated traditions about the Prophet's life and spiritual practice. Shia Muslims reject these traditions (hadith) 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. These differences touch all detailed aspects of religious life: prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, etc.\n\nSunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the world. Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq, and large minority communities in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon.\n\nIt is important to remember that despite all of 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. In fact, most Muslims do not distinguish themselves by claiming membership in any particular group, but prefer to call themselves simply, "Muslims."\n\nFor more detailed information about the historical context of the Shia/Sunni split, and modern-day interpretations and repe
999540
Mainstream Islam is Sunni, Salahfi's are otherwise known as Wahhabis (Saudis).  Salahfi's believe there is a great deal of bida (innovation) are are trying to return to Islam the way it was during the time of the Prophet (S).  This sect is extremely strict...\n\nSufis, on the other hand, are "in the pursuit of a direct perception of spiritual truth, through mystic practices based on divine love."  Sufis therefore are more spiritual in nature..\n\nNonetheless, Prophet (S) has said the proper path is what the majority of my people will follow... and that is mainstream Islam (Sunnis)...
235048
The split between the Shiite and the Sunni Muslims occured when Ali, leader of the Arab Empire was assasinated in 661 AD.\n\nThe Shiite believe that when Ali was killed he was the last true caliph (ruler) and everybody after him weren't true leaders because they weren't his descendants.  Shiite are the majority in Iraq and Iran.\n\nThe Sunni Muslims accepted the Umayyad rule after Ali and make up thr overall majority of thr Middle East. \n\nNow they aren't fighting as much over the rightful kings, but fighting because they were brought up as rivals.  Its like Yankee fans vs Red Sox fans.  They are just rivals and it isn't as much about the cause of the rivalry anymore.
550182
First of all followers of God's messenger Mohammed peace and blessings be upon him are called Muslims (submitters to God) and not Mohammedans. Secondly, Mohammed peace be upon him is only a human being and not the son of God. God Almighty is above having a partner or a son.\n\nFollowing is a translation of Ch.112 of the Noble Quran\n112.001. Say: He is Allah, the One!\n112.002. Allah, the eternally Besought of all!\n112.003. He begetteth not nor was begotten.\n112.004. And there is none comparable unto Him.\n\nAs for our relationship with God, it does not have to be through anyone, it is direct, for He is the All-Hearing, All-Knowing, and He's closer to us than our jugular veins.
600609
In Qoran all prophets are named and accepted especially Jesus. There is a big section hailing Virgin Marie. All Muslims accept Jesus as a holy prophet & in no way detest or deny christianity.\n\nIn Islam they believe prophets are normal people gifted to guide people through. Therefore there is no son of god thing. Even Muhammad lived & died like a noble man. He was famous before becoming a prophet for his truthfulness & honesty & he was of a royal Arab family just like Jesus himself.\n\nWhat is it with which prophet is better or worse? We all worship the same god through different channels! With or without religion. Isn't the main aim of each religion love towards humanity???
845558
The major split in Islam is that between the majority Sunnis and the minority Shiites.  The split goes back to events in the 7th century:\n\nAfter Mohammed’s death,  leadership of the Islamic community passed to Abu Bakr, one of Mohammed’s closest companions.  Some in the community felt that this succession was not legitimate, and that the title of caliph really belonged to Ali.  Ali’s claim was supported by the fact that he was Mohammed’s cousin, his adopted son, his first convert (at the age of nine), and husband of his daughter Fatima.  Both sides believe that Mohammed specifically designated their man:  Supporters of Abu became the Sunnis, those of Ali the Shiites.\n\nThe  Caliphate passed from Abu Bakr to Umar, and from Umar to Ulthman.  Ulthman at last passed the torch to Ali.  When Ali was murdered in 661, the Caliphate passed to Muawiya, who would found the famous Umayyid Caliphate.  Ali was buried in Najaf in what is now Iraq, and the site remains a major Shiite holy site. \n\nSunni refers to the sunnas, or oral traditions and interpretations of the Koran -- a body of work similar to the Jewish Talmud.  Sunnis believe that the position of Caliph should be a position to which one is elected by the religious leaders of the Islamic community, and not dependent on direct lineage from Mohammed.\n\nShiite comes from the word shia, which means “the party (of Ali).  They are mostly found in Iran and Iraq, and among the Palestinians.  They consider certain direct descendants of Ali -- the Imams -- infallible and the true inheritors of Mohammed.  Ali was the first Imam, his son Hassan the second, his second son Hussein the third.   Ali’s sons were killed in the conflict with Caliph Muawiya.  However, their succession ended with the 12th Imam, who went into hiding in 940.  Most Shiites believe that the 12th Imam will reemerge someday as the Mahdi or Messiah, and reassert his leadership of the Islamic world.  In the meantime, ayatollahs are elected to serve as caretakers of the faith.
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Ali is the central figure at the origin of the Shia / Sunni split which occurred in the decades immediately following the death of the Prophet in 632. Sunnis regard Ali as the fourth and last of the "rightly guided caliphs" (successors to Mohammed (pbuh) as leader of the Muslims) following on from Abu Bakr 632-634, Umar 634-644 and Uthman 644-656. Shias feel that Ali should have been the first caliph and that the caliphate should pass down only to direct descendants of Mohammed (pbuh) via Ali and Fatima, They often refer to themselves as ahl al bayt or "people of the house" [of the prophet].\n\nWhen Uthman was murdered while at prayer, Ali finally succeeded to the caliphate. Ali was, however, opposed by Aisha, wife of the Prophet (pbuh) and daughter of Abu Bakr, who accused him of being lax in bringing Uthman's killers to justice. After Ali's army defeated Aisha's forces at the Battle of the Camel in 656, she apologized to Ali and was allowed to return to her home in Madinah where she withdrew from public life.\n\nHowever, Ali was not able to overcome the forces of Mu'awiya Ummayad, Uthman's cousin and governor of Damascus, who also refused to recognize him until Uthman's killers had been apprehended. At the Battle of Suffin Mu'awiya's soldiers stuck verses of the Quran onto the ends of their spears with the result that Ali's pious supporters refused to fight them. Ali was forced to seek a compromise with Mu'awiya, but this so shocked some of his die-hard supporters who regarded it as a betrayal that he was struck down by one of his own men in 661.\n\nMu'awiya declared himself caliph. Ali's elder son Hassan accepted a pension in return for not pursuing his claim to the caliphate. He died within a year, allegedly poisoned. Ali's younger son Hussein agreed to put his claim to the caliphate on hold until Mu'awiya's death. However, when Mu'awiya finally died in 680, his son Yazid usurped the caliphate. Hussein led an army against Yazid but, hopelessly outnumbered, he and his men were slaughtered at the Battle of Karbala (in modern day Iraq). Hussein's infant son, Ali, survived so the line continued. Yazid formed the hereditary Ummayad dynasty. The division between the Shia and what came to be known as the Sunni was set.
214270
i think one of the main difference is that in Christianity Jesus is the son of God ,, but in Holy Quran God has no sons and Jesus is a prophet of God, and Muslims do beleive in Jesus and all the other prophets.\n\n"Islam means Peace.According to the "Holy Quran", the book from Allah for Muslims, Islam is the complete code of life. \n Islam is peace.Islam teaches muslims to be truthful, to be kind to weak and suffering people.Islam says dont go to bed, having your neighbours hungry.Islam says dont cheat people...........And a lot.If you really want to about Islam try collecting history books.May be u wonder, if Islam means peace, then why are muslims bombing in cities, attacking and killing peoples! My answer is Muslims are attacked, so they r protesting.But some are trying to kill innocent peoples, dont count them as Muslims, they are just spys, trying to worse the image of muslims, and want to destroy them.Its really hard to take their mask off". from one of yahoo answers
82923
I don't believe in Mohammed anymore... and I think Mohammed just misunderstood the facts about Jesus, this is clear in quran. cuz it said in that book that Jesus is the soul of God and the word of God... then it says in another that Jesus is not son of God and God doesn't make son!!! and say those who believe in three are infidels!!! this contradict the New Testemony. Mohammed misunderstood that 3 does not means three Gods... and Son does not mean like life son.. it is like the result, the outcome of the God.. I mean like I made something, this thing would be called my son.  Light is the son of the Sun!!  Mohammed clearly contradict himself.  he called Jesus the Mesiah  but he doesn't know who's Mesiah!!!  I left Islam.. Jesus Message is clear, it is holy and great. thanks God Jesus for your help.
1122717
Islam has saints - fakirs, but they do not cannonize them the way Roman Catholics do.\n\nNuns - women have limited role in Islam religion, they dont have nuns.\n\nThere is a heirarchy of preachers in the mosque, but it is more political that organizational. The higher ones can issue fatwahs, which others have to follow (supposedly).\n\nEach mosque has its own imams - preachers, and organizing committees, but nothing as formal as the roman catholic church.
3581
Islam does not have nearly as many sects and divisions as does Christianity, but there are a few and it is worth knowing something about them. The two biggest are the Sunnis and the Shi'ites, with the Sunnis being the largest of all and representing the vast majority of Muslims. Shi'ites are a minority everywhere except Iran. \n\nAfter them, the two most influential sects are the Sufis and the Wahhabis. The Sufis represent a mystical tradition in Islam, whereas the Wahhabis are a strict traditionalist tradition which is dominant on the Arabian peninsula, but has little support elsewhere. \n\nUnlike churches, mosques are not denominational. Despite the differences among Muslims, traditional Friday prayer services are largely similar and Muslims of any background are welcome to attend services at any mosque. \n\nWho are the Sunnis?\nSunnis are Muslims who are considered the more "orthodox" believers. Sunnis follow all of the most traditional beliefs and actions. \n\nWho are the Shi'ites?\nThe term Shi'a is a shortened form of Shi'at Ali, which means "the party of Ali" - and at the time of Ali's death in 661, that is probably all it was: a party or tendency of people who supported Ali's claims to the caliphate. Over time, they became the largest non-Sunni sect in Islam. \n\nWho are the Sufis?\nSufism is important to the development of Islam because it is in this tradition that the more spiritual and mystical aspects were preserved. This stands in contrast to the mainstream of Islam which, through its first centuries, was more concerned with the expansion and organization of the general community. \n\nWho are the Kahrijites?\nIn Arabic, their label means "to go out" - they were, in effect, the first Mulism dissidents and rebels, being present almost from the dawn of Islam. Like later dissidents, they chose to separate themselves from the main body of believers, feeling that the majority of Muslims had lost the "true path." \n\nWho are the Wahhabis?\nMuhammad ibn Abd al-Wahhab could be considered the first modern Islamic fundamentalist. He made the central point of his reform movement the idea that absolutely every idea added to Islam after the third century of the Mulsim era was false and should be eliminated. \n\nWho are the Ismailis?\nAn early Shi'a sect which split from the main group because of a dispute over who should be considered the next Imam. \n\nWho are the Zaidis?\nFormed by Zaid, a grandson of Husain, the Zaidis have believed that the true Imam must publicly assert his claim to the title and seek to overthrow the corrupt regime run by unacceptable rulers. \n\nWho are the Fatimids?\nThe Fatimids are a successor movement to the Isma'ilis and are descendants of Fatima and Ali through the line of Isma'il. In the tenth century, those descendants asserted themselves as caliphs in North Africa, and ruled Egypt from 969 to 1171. \n\nWho are the Nizari?\nThis sect is actually very well known around the world, but under a different name: the Assassins. \n\nWho are the Alawis?\nAlso known as Nusayris, the Alawis are a branch of Isma'ilism which has gone so far along its own path that many Muslims no longer even regard it as a form of Islam. The term Alawis actually just means "followers of Ali," which is used in some countries to refer to all Shi'a in general. Some think that they worship Ali as God, but that isn't entirely accurate. \n\nWho are the Druze?\nThe Druze comprise another sect which is not widely regarded as being "truly" Muslim. This group diverged from mainstream Islam in the eleventh century when some Isma'ilis started to believe that God became manifest in the personality of a prophet or imam. \n\nWho are the Baha'i?\nBaha'i is another movement which is descended from Islam, but which most Muslims today no longer regard as authentically Islamic. \n\nMost of these are Arab Muslims.. The Kurds
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There is no difference.\nIslam is a mafia style religion that believes in hate,kidnapping,rape,murder,& suicide that either lies,denies,or justifies their criminal and terrorist activities by hiding behind their man-made religion.\n\nIf Islam is a peaceful religion and is against terrorism and the terrorist who commits terrorism then the people of Islam should stand up in protest like they did over a silly little cartoon.\n\nADDITIONS:\n\nWhich would be worse a silly little cartoon or a group of criminals living in caves giving your religion a bad reputation?
937422
The word Shiite means: party\n\nThe original word was Shiiate Ali (meaning those who support Ali, a relative of the Prophet Muhammad and his son in law)\n\nIf they tell u its a different kind of Islam then theyre lying because:\n\nShiites came about from a political division back in the days when Prophet Muhammad had passed away. It has nothing to do with the religion.
1102737
ATTENTION MUSLIMS: This sect is not recognised by mainstream Islam. It is considered deviant. This practice IS MAJOR SHIRIK (Association of God), and it is the greatest evil. PLEASE DON'T DO THIS THING.