What's the Difference Between Sunni and Shia Muslims? A Simple Guide

Sunni vs Shia: A Guide to Differences in Practice & Politics

Introduction: Unity in Diversity

Islam is a single global religion, but throughout history, its laws and practices have been interpreted in different ways. The two main traditions, Sunni and Shia, share the same core beliefs (Tawhid/Oneness of God, Prophethood, Day of Judgment) but have developed differences in religious law, worship, and political thought. This article explores these differences in four key areas to foster understanding.

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Chapter 1: Differences in Islamic Law (Fiqh)

The core difference in law comes from the sources used to derive religious rulings.

· Sunni Schools of Law: Primarily follow one of four major schools:

  · Hanafi (followers of Abu Hanifa)

  · Maliki (followers of Malik ibn Anas)

  · Shafi'i (followers of Al-Shafi'i)

  · Hanbali (followers of Ahmad ibn Hanbal)

  · Primary Sources: Quran, Sunnah of the Prophet (via his Companions), Ijma' (scholarly consensus), Qiyas (analogical reasoning).

· Shia Jafari School of Law:

  · Primary Sources: Quran, Sunnah of the Prophet (and the Infallible Imams), 'Aql (intellect/reason), Ijma' (only if it reflects the opinion of an Imam).

  · Role of Reason: Intellect plays a more prominent role in Shia jurisprudence for understanding religious laws.

Practical Examples of Legal Differences:

Legal Issue Sunni View Shia View

Temporary Marriage (Mut'ah) Considered forbidden and invalid by almost all schools. Considered permissible under specific conditions.

Infallibility of Prophets Prophets are protected from sin after revelation but can make minor errors (sahu) in other matters. Prophets and Imams are infallible (ma'sum) throughout their lives in all matters, before and after revelation.

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Chapter 2: Differences in Worship (Prayer & Ablution)

Some of the most visible differences are in daily rituals.

A) Ablution (Wudu):

· Sunni: Washing the feet is obligatory.

· Shia: Wiping the top of the feet with moisture from the hands is obligatory. This is based on their interpretation of Verse 6 of Surah Al-Ma'idah.

B) Prayer (Salat):

· Standing (Qiyam):

  · Sunni: Usually fold hands on the chest or below the navel (qabd).

  · Shia: Pray with hands down at their sides (sadl).

· Prostration (Sujood):

  · Both emphasize prostration on a natural surface. Shias prefer to prostrate on a turbah (a small clay tablet from Karbala) or natural stone, rather than directly on carpet or fabric.

· Call to Prayer (Adhan):

  · Shias include two phrases in the Adhan and Iqamah: "Ashhadu anna Aliyyan waliullah" (I testify that Ali is the friend of God) and "Hayya 'ala khayril 'amal" (Hasten to the best of deeds). Sunnis do not say these. Instead, in the dawn prayer, they add "As-salatu khayrun minan-nawm" (Prayer is better than sleep).

· Combining Prayers:

  · Sunni: Combining Zuhr & Asr and Maghrib & Isha prayers is only allowed for specific reasons (e.g., travel, rain).

  · Shia: Combining these prayers is permissible at all times without needing a specific excuse, though praying each on time is still preferred.

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Chapter 3: Differences in Religious Rituals & Customs

Different historical perspectives have led to different religious customs.

· Mourning in Muharram (Commemorating Imam Husain):

  · Shia: Public mourning processions for the martyrs of Karbala, including chest-beating (latmiya) and self-flagellation are significant religious and cultural acts. They are seen as a way to remember the struggle against injustice.

· Sunni: While Imam Husain is deeply respected, these specific forms of public mourning are generally seen as bid'ah (innovation) and are not practiced. Salafis/Wahhabis consider them forbidden.

· Visiting Shrines (Ziyarat):

  · Shia: Visiting the shrines of Imams and saints, building elaborate mausoleums over their graves, and seeking blessings from these sites is considered a recommended and virtuous act.

  · Sunni: Visiting graves for reflection and prayer is allowed. However, building lavish shrines and praying to the deceased (a practice they associate with Shia) is considered shirk (idolatry) by many, especially Salafis/Wahhabis, who have demolished many historic shrines.

· Intercession (Tawassul):

  · Shia: Seeking intercession through Prophets and Imams is a common and accepted practice to get closer to God. It is seen as using a means (wasila) to reach God.

  · Sunni (Non-Salafi): Many accept seeking intercession through the Prophet. Salafis/Wahhabis reject any form of intercession, considering it a major sin.

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Chapter 4: Differences in Political Thought

This difference stems from the original question of leadership after the Prophet.

· Sunni Political Theory:

  · Focuses on the Caliphate. The ruler (Caliph or Amir) is chosen through bay'ah (pledge of allegiance) or by a council of scholars.

  · Obedience to the ruler is generally obligatory, even if he is unjust, unless he commands clear disbelief. This is to avoid civil strife (fitna).

  · The political system is based on shura (consultation) and consensus.

· Shia Political Theory:

  · Focuses on Imamah ( divinely appointed leadership). Ultimate authority belongs to God, then the Prophet, and then the Infallible Imams.

  · During the occultation of the 12th Imam, the theory of Wilayat al-Faqih (Guardianship of the Islamic Jurist) emerged. It states that a qualified Islamic jurist should oversee the political and social affairs of the community (this theory is implemented in the Islamic Republic of Iran).

  · Legitimacy of opposing tyranny: Imam Husain's stand against the tyrant Yazid is a core example that obedience to an unjust ruler is not obligatory.

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Conclusion: Mutual Respect and Dialogue

The differences between Sunni and Shia Islam are a product of interpretation (ijtihad) within a shared faith. These differences, when approached with mutual respect, can reflect the intellectual and practical richness of Islam. For the global Muslim community, the focus should not be on ignoring differences but on emphasizing vast common ground (the Quran, Tawhid, Qibla, core practices) and strengthening Islamic unity. Unity does not mean uniformity, but rather peaceful coexistence and cooperation around shared principles, while respecting theological and legal diversity.