There are many differences between Sunni and Shi'i Muslims.
Matthew Oates - - R.E Coursework
There are many differences between Sunni and Shi’i Muslims. Many more Sunni Muslims exist than Shi’i ones. 85% make up Sunni Muslims and the other 15% are Shi’i. Although Shi’i Muslims are the minority this makes no difference to them and they stand up to what they believe in. Shi’i Muslims mainly are found in Iran and Sunnis claim they follow the right path of Islam. Sunnis follow the way of the prophet whereas the Shi’is follow the Shiat.
The main difference between the two types of Muslim are that Shi’s say that Muhammad’s cousin who is called Ali should have been the next leader after Muhammad because he was a blood relative and it should be passed down the line of the family. They do not accept Abu Bakr, Umar or Uthman. But Sunnis accept all of the four Caliphs. These types of Muslims are the minority which believe this. The larger side of Muslims believe differently. Sunnis say that any honourable, respectable and good living Muslim is able enough to be a leader or successor to Muhammad. They believe that it does not have to be a blood relative. Shi’i Muslims have there own collection of the Hadith which have been passed on through the Imams which they are called known as Caliphs by Sunnis. But Sunnis accept ‘the accurate six’ books of the Hadith. The Qu’ran is interpreted literally by them but Shi’is have leaders to interpret the Qu’ran for them. Sunnis also believe that there caliphs held mainly political power and Muhammad’s role in revealing Allahs laws and guiding other people to Allah ended with him. Shi’is accept Ali’s sons Hasan and Husayn as the second and third Imam. All their Imams died as Martyrs and have always been persecuted they believe. There are many differences between these two types of Muslims. Although in the end they all believe in the one God, Allah they will lead different lives before they get to the day of judgement.
