What are the main differences between the Shiites and the Sunnis?
Carrie/Matt -- please use the same name for your posts.
http://islam.about.com/cs/divisions/f/shia_sunni.htm
The main differences between Shiites and Sunnis are primarily rooted in their historical and theological backgrounds. To understand these differences, it's important to delve into the origins and beliefs of each group.
1. Historical Differences:
- Shiites: Shiites believe that Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, should have been the rightful successor to lead the Muslim community after Muhammad's death in 632 AD. They argue that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's family. As a result, Shiites consider Ali and his descendants, known as Imams, as the true spiritual and political leaders.
- Sunnis: Sunnis, on the other hand, hold that Abu Bakr, one of Muhammad's closest companions, was the rightful successor or caliph to lead the Muslim community. They believe that leadership should be based on consensus within the community and the individual's qualification rather than direct lineage from the Prophet.
2. Theological Differences:
- Shiites: Shiites believe in the concept of the Imamate, which holds that the Imams possess special spiritual and divine knowledge. They regard the Imams as infallible and believe that they have the authority to interpret religious matters and guide the Islamic community.
- Sunnis: Sunnis do not share the same belief in the infallibility of Imams. They do acknowledge the importance of religious scholars, known as scholars or jurists, to interpret Islamic teachings and guide the community. However, they do not consider them as possessing divine knowledge or infallibility.
3. Practices and Rituals:
- Shiites: Shiites have specific rituals such as commemorating the martyrdom of the Prophet's grandson, Imam Hussein, during the month of Muharram. They place more emphasis on mourning and showing visible signs of grief during this period.
- Sunnis: Sunnis have a broader range of practices and rituals, but they do not have the same level of emphasis on martyrdom and grief as Shiites.
It's important to note that these differences can vary across different regions and cultures, and there are also sects within each group that may have additional nuances. To get a deeper understanding, it is often helpful to consult historical sources, religious texts, and scholarly works that delve into the specific beliefs and practices of both Shiites and Sunnis.