Shiite vs. Sunni--Part 1

Shiites vs. Sunnis
Part 1

THE SPLIT

The differences between Shiites and Sunnis appear at first blush to be confusing. This attempt is an effort to distinguish the two for the non-expert.

The Shiites believe that the successor to Muhammad should have been his son-in-law Ali. The term Shi-at means the "Party of Ali." Ali was the son of Abu Talib and became the husband of Muhammad’s daughter Fatima.

The Shiites believe that Ali was the successor to Muhammad. However, Ali was opposed by Aishah, Muhammad’s intelligent third wife. Ali was also opposed by Muawi-ya . Aisha’s father was Abu Bakr who became the first Caliph. Ali was later assassinated.

The Sunni’s believe in the traditions and laws of the Caliph’s instead of Ali.

THE IMMANATE

Ali was the first Imam-meaning “leader.” Shiites followed the Imams and believe that the Imam was the leader of the Muslims (instead of the Caliphate) and the Imam had to be a direct descendent of Muhammed and Ali, the first Imam.

The Imam was sinless and infallible in connection with his pronouncements on dogma (sort of like the doctrine of papal infallibility.)

The twelfth Imam was Muhammad-al Munbazar (Sahit al-Zaman). It is believed that the 12th Imam did not die but was assumed. He will return at the end of the world to usher in a perfect Islamic Society (somewhat reminiscent of the Christian millennium.)

After the 12th Imam, divine insight was passed on to the ayatollahs who act as interpreters for the Shiite community.

DIFFERENCES IN LAW

One of the difference in Shiites and Sunnis relates to the Shiite law or sharia. Shiites treat the “hadith” of Muhammad and the Imams as being equal in importance. “Hadith” refers to the sayings and doings of Muhammad.

In addition Shiites have different interpretations of certain verses of the Koran (Quran).

Sunnis, however, do note believe that the traditions and sayings of the Imams have any religious value.

MARTYRDOM AND PERSECUTION

From the very beginning Shiites were persecuted. Ali was martyred. In addition Shiites celebrate during the Muslim month of Muram the festival of Ashura. This is a commemoration of the martyrdom of Hasayn (Hussein). Hussein was one of the Imams and was the grandson of Muhammad and Fatima. He was martyred by the Ummayad Dynasty (Sunnis).

Shiites have a strong sense of persecution and martyrdom.