13.1 Sunni and Shia Islam
4 min read•august 7, 2024
Islam's two main branches, and , stem from a leadership dispute after Muhammad's death. This split shaped their beliefs, practices, and interpretations of Islamic law. Understanding these differences is key to grasping Islam's diversity.
Sunnis follow the and emphasize the and . Shias believe in the , with divinely appointed leaders from Muhammad's family. These core differences influence their approaches to Islamic faith and practice.
Sunni and Shia Divide
Origins of the Sunni-Shia Split
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- Sunni Muslims believe was the rightful successor to Muhammad as the first caliph (leader of the Islamic community)
- Shia Muslims believe , Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, was the rightful successor and that the leadership should have remained within Muhammad's family
- The succession dispute arose after the death of Muhammad in 632 CE, leading to the split between Sunni and Shia Islam
- Ali ibn Abi Talib was the fourth caliph according to Sunni tradition but is considered the first imam (divinely appointed leader) by Shia Muslims
- The , the political-religious state comprising the Muslim community and lands, was led by a succession of caliphs after Muhammad's death, but Shia Muslims reject the legitimacy of the first three caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman)
Differences in Religious Practices and Beliefs
- Sunni Muslims follow the Sunnah (the traditions and practices of Muhammad) and consider the Quran and authentic hadith (sayings and actions of Muhammad) as the basis for Islamic law and guidance
- Shia Muslims also follow the Sunnah but place greater emphasis on the teachings and interpretations of the imams, particularly Ali and his descendants
- Shia Muslims believe in the doctrine of the Imamate, which holds that certain individuals from Muhammad's family (the Ahl al-Bayt) have special spiritual and political authority over the Muslim community
- Sunni Muslims do not believe in the Imamate and instead emphasize the importance of following the Sunnah and the consensus of religious scholars in interpreting Islamic law
Shia Beliefs and Sects
Imamate and the Role of Imams
- Imam in Shia Islam refers to a divinely appointed leader who is believed to be infallible and possesses special spiritual and political authority
- Shia Muslims believe that the imams are the rightful successors to Muhammad and are guided by divine wisdom
- Imams are seen as the guardians and interpreters of Islamic faith and law, and their teachings and decisions are considered authoritative
- The concept of the Imamate is a fundamental belief in Shia Islam, distinguishing it from Sunni Islam
Major Shia Sects
- , also known as Ithna Ashari Shia, is the largest branch of Shia Islam, believing in twelve divinely appointed imams, the last of whom (Muhammad al-Mahdi) is believed to be in occultation and will return as the Mahdi (the guided one) to establish justice on Earth
- , also known as Sevener Shia, is the second-largest branch of Shia Islam, believing in a line of seven imams, with the last one (Ismail ibn Jafar) having gone into occultation
- Other Shia sects include (Fivers), , and , each with their own beliefs regarding the line of imams and their roles
Sunni Practices and Traditions
Five Pillars of Islam
- The Five Pillars of Islam are the core practices that all Sunni Muslims are expected to follow: Shahada (declaration of faith), Salah (prayer), (charity), Sawm (fasting during Ramadan), and Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca)
- These pillars serve as the foundation of Muslim life and are considered obligatory for all Sunni Muslims who are able to perform them
- Adherence to the Five Pillars is seen as essential for spiritual growth, community cohesion, and fulfilling one's duties as a Muslim
Hadith and Sunnah
- Hadith refers to the collected sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, which serve as a source of guidance for Sunni Muslims in addition to the Quran
- Sunni Muslims rely on authentic hadith collections, such as those compiled by Bukhari and Muslim, to understand and apply Islamic teachings in their daily lives
- The Sunnah, which encompasses the practices, customs, and traditions of Muhammad, is derived from the hadith and serves as a model for Sunni Muslims to emulate
- Following the Sunnah is considered essential for Sunni Muslims, as it provides guidance on various aspects of life, including worship, social interactions, and personal conduct
- Sunni Islamic law (Sharia) is based on the Quran and the Sunnah, with the interpretations and rulings of Islamic scholars (ulama) playing a significant role in its development and application
Key Terms to Review (23)
Abu Bakr: Abu Bakr was a close companion and father-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and he is known as the first caliph of Islam following Muhammad's death in 632 CE. His leadership was crucial in consolidating the Muslim community and expanding Islamic rule, establishing a foundation for the subsequent caliphates.
Alawi Shia: Alawi Shia, also known as Alawites, is a branch of Shia Islam that primarily resides in Syria and Lebanon. They hold unique beliefs and practices that set them apart from mainstream Shia and Sunni traditions, particularly their reverence for Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, and their syncretic religious views which incorporate elements from various faiths.
Ali ibn abi talib: Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, regarded as the fourth caliph in Sunni Islam and the first imam in Shia Islam. His significance lies not only in his close familial relationship with Muhammad but also in his role as a key figure in the early Islamic community, particularly during the pivotal period following Muhammad's death, which ultimately led to the split between Sunni and Shia factions.
Ashura: Ashura is a significant day in Islam, observed on the 10th day of Muharram in the Islamic lunar calendar. It holds different meanings for Sunni and Shia Muslims, symbolizing both fasting and mourning, depending on the tradition. While Sunnis commemorate it primarily as a day of fasting in gratitude for Moses’ deliverance from Pharaoh, Shia Muslims remember the martyrdom of Imam Hussein at the Battle of Karbala, which represents a pivotal event in Shia history and theology.
Ayatollah: An ayatollah is a high-ranking title given to Shia Islamic scholars who are recognized for their expertise in Islamic law, theology, and jurisprudence. This title signifies a person who has attained a level of scholarly authority and is often seen as a religious leader within the Shia community, providing guidance on legal and ethical issues.
Caliphate: A caliphate is a form of Islamic government led by a caliph, who is considered a political and religious successor to the Prophet Muhammad. The caliphate plays a crucial role in uniting the Muslim community and governing according to Islamic law (Sharia). Its importance is rooted in early Islamic history, particularly during the time of the Prophet Muhammad and the subsequent rightfully guided caliphs, as well as in the ongoing Sunni-Shia divide regarding legitimate leadership in Islam.
Druze: The Druze are a religious and ethnic community that originated in the Middle East, primarily in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel. They follow a unique faith that combines elements of Islam, Gnosticism, Neoplatonism, and other philosophical and religious traditions. This distinct belief system sets them apart from both Sunni and Shia Islam, though they historically trace their roots to Ismaili Shia Islam.
Fiqh: Fiqh refers to the Islamic jurisprudence that interprets and applies Islamic law (Sharia) based on the Quran and Hadith. It encompasses the understanding of religious duties, ethics, and legal matters within Islam, guiding how Muslims should live their lives and fulfill their obligations. This understanding is essential for implementing the Five Pillars of Islam and differs across various sects, such as Sunni and Shia, reflecting diverse interpretations and applications of Sharia.
Hadith: Hadith refers to the recorded sayings, actions, and approvals of the Prophet Muhammad, which serve as a crucial source of guidance for Muslims alongside the Quran. These narratives provide insight into the Prophet's life and teachings, helping to inform Islamic law and ethical standards. The collection and interpretation of hadiths are essential for understanding both early Islamic history and contemporary practices among various Muslim communities.
Imamate: Imamate refers to the leadership position held by the Imams in Shia Islam, who are regarded as divinely appointed leaders with both spiritual and temporal authority. This concept is central to Shia beliefs, contrasting with Sunni views on leadership, which do not recognize a designated line of succession from the Prophet Muhammad.
Ismaili Shia: Ismaili Shia is a branch of Shia Islam that recognizes Ismail ibn Jafar as the rightful sixth imam, diverging from other Shia sects that follow different lines of imamate. This group emphasizes the role of the imam as a spiritual and temporal leader, whose guidance is essential for the community's spiritual welfare and interpretation of the faith. Ismailis are known for their distinct beliefs, practices, and interpretations of Islamic teachings, particularly regarding the nature of authority and esoteric knowledge.
Nahj al-balagha: Nahj al-Balagha, translated as 'Peak of Eloquence,' is a collection of sermons, letters, and sayings attributed to Ali ibn Abi Talib, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. This text holds significant importance in Shia Islam as it encapsulates Ali's teachings on justice, leadership, and morality, reflecting the values and principles that are central to Shia beliefs.
Quran: The Quran is the holy book of Islam, believed to be the literal word of God as revealed to the Prophet Muhammad through the Angel Gabriel. It serves as the primary source of guidance for Muslims in matters of faith, law, and personal conduct, and is divided into 114 chapters called surahs. The Quran plays a crucial role in both Sunni and Shia Islam, influencing various aspects of religious practice, theology, and community identity.
Sahaba: Sahaba refers to the companions of the Prophet Muhammad who were integral in the early development of Islam. These individuals were known for their close association with Muhammad during his life, and their experiences and testimonies form a crucial part of Islamic tradition, particularly in Sunni and Shia beliefs. The sahaba played significant roles in spreading the teachings of Islam and establishing the first Muslim community.
Shia: Shia, or Shi'ism, is one of the two main branches of Islam, originating from a dispute over the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad. Shia Muslims believe that Ali, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, was divinely appointed as his rightful successor. This belief led to significant theological and political differences with the Sunni branch, influencing the development of Islamic teachings, practices, and community structures.
Sunnah: Sunnah refers to the practices, teachings, and actions of the Prophet Muhammad that serve as a model for Muslims to follow in their daily lives. It is considered a key source of Islamic law and moral guidance, complementing the Quran by providing context and examples for its verses. The sunnah helps shape Islamic beliefs, rituals, and social norms, forming an essential part of the Islamic tradition alongside the Quran and hadith.
Sunni: Sunni refers to the largest denomination of Islam, encompassing about 85-90% of the global Muslim population. Sunnis follow the teachings and practices of Prophet Muhammad, emphasizing community consensus and the importance of the Quran and Hadith in shaping their beliefs. This branch of Islam is characterized by its acceptance of the first four caliphs as rightful successors to Muhammad, which sets it apart from Shia Islam, leading to distinct theological and political differences.
Taqiya: Taqiya is a concept in Shia Islam that allows individuals to conceal their beliefs or practices when faced with persecution or danger. This practice is rooted in the historical context of Shia Muslims often facing discrimination and violence, making it a critical tool for self-preservation and maintaining one's faith under threat.
Twelver Shia: Twelver Shia, also known as Ithna Ashariyya, is the largest branch of Shia Islam, which believes in a line of twelve Imams as the rightful spiritual and political successors to the Prophet Muhammad. This branch holds that these Imams are divinely appointed and infallible leaders, whose authority is crucial for interpreting Islamic law and guiding the community of believers.
Ulema: Ulema refers to a group of Islamic scholars who are knowledgeable in religious law and theology, serving as the authoritative interpreters of Islamic teachings. This body of scholars plays a crucial role in guiding the Muslim community in matters of faith, practice, and ethics, and is especially significant in both Sunni and Shia traditions.
Usul al-din: Usul al-din refers to the foundational beliefs and principles that underpin the Islamic faith, particularly in Shia Islam. It encompasses the essential doctrines that every Muslim should understand and accept, including the concepts of divine justice, prophecy, and resurrection. The term highlights the core theological elements that distinguish Shia beliefs from those of Sunni Islam, contributing to the broader context of Islamic thought and identity.
Zakat: Zakat is a form of almsgiving in Islam, considered one of the Five Pillars, which mandates Muslims to give a portion of their wealth to those in need. It is viewed as both a spiritual duty and a social obligation that promotes economic equality and community welfare. By redistributing wealth, zakat helps to alleviate poverty and foster a sense of unity among Muslims.
Zaydi Shia: Zaydi Shia is a branch of Shia Islam that primarily follows the teachings of Zayd ibn Ali, the great-grandson of the Prophet Muhammad. This sect is distinct from other Shia groups due to its unique interpretation of leadership and governance, emphasizing the importance of active rebellion against unjust rulers. Zaydi Shia is most prominently found in Yemen, where it has played a significant role in the country’s political landscape.