Sunni and Shia Islam

The Sunni and the Shi’a are the two main sects of Islam. There has always been antagonism between both sects of Islam. They both have several similarities and differences. They both believe that the most powerful and most merciful is Allah. They both accept that Muhammad (pbuh) was the last prophet, and the Quran is the last revelation of Allah. However, they have different point of views in Islam which causes tensions between both sects. The Sunni’s and Shi’as have several similarities and differences. The current leaders of Sunnis are Imams and the current leaders of Shi’as are Mujtahids. Sunnis celebrate Eid Al- Adha and Eid Al- Fitr and so does Shi’as but they also celebrate Ashura. Sunnis do not celebrate Ashura. The two branches pray Namaz differently from each other. There are certain steps and positions to praying in Islam. The Sunni’s and Shi’a’s pray in a similar way, yet, they have different positions and steps. Sunni’s pray on prayer mats. Shi’as pray on stone called turba. Sunni’s pray like this Shi’as pray like this 

This is how Muslims pray Namaz 5 times a day Sunni’s believe that anyone who is educated of Islam can be an Imam. In mosques where Sunni’s pray, Imams are the leaders of the prayers. If the Imam is not available and other male who is able to pray can take the Imam’s place to lead the people in the prayers. On the other hand, Shi’a’s believe that there can be only one Imam at a time. Shi’a’s believe that Imams have super natural knowledge that is similar to the prophet. The tensions could be solved if both sects join together. The Sunni’s take up about 90% of the Muslims worldwide and the Shi’a’s are only 10%. The Shi’a forms the majority in Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan. However, they constitute sizable minorities in Afghanistan, Kuwait, Lebanon, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, Syria, and Yemen.