Christians in the process of learning about Muslim beliefs and practices may be aware that Sunni Muslims and Shiite Muslims (also known as Shia Muslims) make up the two major sects of Islam. If so, it’s helpful to understand how Islam came to be divided into these groups and how their history informs their distinct approaches to the faith today. First, it’s important to note that Sunnis and Shiites uphold the same essential beliefs and five pillars of Islam. In both sects, you will find individuals whose commitment to Islam ranges vary from quite secular to more fundamentalist.

 

Generally speaking, Sunnis and Shiites have different ideas about which aspects of faith should be the primary driving forces in matters of authority, teachings, practices, and rituals. Here’s a brief history of Sunni and Shiite origins and how they are manifested in religious practices today

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The Original Schism

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The original schism (split) among Muslims is ancient in origin and mainly political, not religious, in nature. After the Prophet Muhammad died in 632, there was disagreement as to who should become the caliph (civil and religious ruler, not prophet, of the Muslim caliphate) and how this should be decided. Some thought he should be a qualified leader chosen by the people; some thought he should be a genetic descendant of the prophet—specifically, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law Ali.

The role was first given to Abu Bakr, the prophet’s close friend, but he and two of his successors were assassinated. Later, Ali became caliph. Then he and his sons, his would-be successors, were also killed, along with many of their relatives. Those who believed Ali was the rightful caliph mourned him as a martyr and became what are now called Shiites (from Shiat Ali, or followers of Ali). Those who believed that Abu Bakr was the rightful caliph became known as Sunnis (from Ahl-as-Sunnah, or people of the tradition). 

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The Main Differences Between Sunni and Shiite Beliefs Today

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Today, over 85% of Muslims in the world are Sunni. Sunnis live in over forty Muslim countries as well as parts of Asia and Europe. Only Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan, and Bahrain are predominantly Shiite, although there are also significant populations in Syria, Lebanon, and Yemen. It’s important to remember that the cultures of Muslim-majority nations—and, therefore, approaches to practicing Islam—naturally vary in both sects by continent, country, and region. However, there are some general key differences between Sunni Muslim beliefs and Shiite beliefs to be aware of:

 

• Scripture vs. human authority. Sunni Muslims place the most importance on correctly interpreting Quran scriptures and other holy writings in order to guide their faith and practices. They focus on understanding Allah (God) through these texts. Shiites, however, place more emphasis on the Prophet Muhammad and his genetic successors as living embodiments of Allah’s teachings. They venerate and emulate these figures.

 

• God’s power vs. the power of sacrifice. Sunni Muslim teachings tend to focus on the power of Allah in the world, including in public and political contexts. Shiites, on the other hand, most revere sacrifice and martyrdom as spiritual experiences. 

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