The global Muslim community, or Ummah, is a vast and vibrant tapestry of over two billion people spanning every corner of the globe. While the world often views Islam through a lens of division, the reality is a profound story of unity anchored by a shared heartbeat: the declaration that there is no god but Allah and Muhammad (peace be upon him) is His final messenger. Within this great faith, the Sunni and Shia traditions represent the two primary branches that have shaped Islamic history, philosophy, and law for over fourteen centuries.
Rather than seeing these branches as two different religions, it is more accurate to view them as two distinct paths traveling toward the same divine destination. Both groups draw water from the same spiritual well i.e. the Holy Quran and both find their ultimate guidance in the life of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). The differences that exist are not found in the “Roots of Religion” (Usul al-Din), such as the belief in one God or the Day of Judgment, but rather in historical interpretations of leadership and certain nuances of jurisprudence.
In a world that is increasingly interconnected, understanding the relationship between Sunni and Shia Muslims is essential for fostering global peace and religious literacy. This guide aims to move beyond the headlines to explore the rich history, the theological commonalities, and the respectful differences that define these two traditions. By looking at the “Rope of Allah” that binds them together, we can appreciate how diversity within the Ummah is not a sign of weakness, but a testament to the depth and resilience of the Islamic faith.
The Common beliefs between Sunnis and Shias
Before looking at the differences, it is vital to acknowledge the vast common ground. Both Sunnis and Shias adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam and the Six Articles of Faith.
- The Quran: Both believe the Quran is the literal, unchanged word of Allah.
- The Prophet: Both revere Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) as the final messenger.
- The Qibla: Both face the Kaaba in Makkah for their five daily prayers.
- The Afterlife: Both believe in the Day of Judgment, Heaven, and Hell.
Respect for the Prophet’s Family
It is a common belief that Shias and Sunnis love the family of the Prophet. Sunnis also hold the Ahl al-Bayt in the highest regard, often including prayers for them in every daily Salah.
Hadith on the Ahl al-Bayt
Arabic: أُذَكِّرُكُمُ اللَّهَ فِي أَهْلِ بَيْتِي
Transliteration: Udhakkirukumu Allaha fi ahli bayti.
English Translation: “I remind you of Allah concerning the people of my household.” – (Sahih Muslim)
Divine Command for Unity
Allah warns against unnecessary division in the Quran:
Arabic: وَاعْتَصِمُوا بِحَبْلِ اللَّهِ جَمِيعًا وَلَا تَفَرَّقُوا
Transliteration: Wa’tasimu bihabli Allahi jami’an wala tafarraqu.
English Translation: “And hold firmly to the rope of Allah all together and do not become divided.” – (Surah Al-Imran, 3:103)
The main differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims
The distinction between Sunni and Shia began after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 632 CE. The central question was: Who should lead the Muslim community?
Historical Background
How did Shia and Sunni start? This section will explain this question.
The Sunni Perspective
The term Sunni comes from Sunnah, meaning the “tradition” or “path” of the Prophet. Sunnis believed that the Prophet did not explicitly appoint a successor and that the community should choose a leader through consensus (Shura).
- They accepted Abu Bakr (RA) as the first Caliph, followed by Umar, Uthman, and Ali (may Allah be pleased with them all). These are known as the Khulafa-e-Rashidun (Rightly Guided Caliphs).
The Shia Perspective
The term Shia comes from Shiat Ali, meaning the “Party of Ali.” Shias believed that leadership was a divine right reserved for the family of the Prophet (Ahl al-Bayt).
- They maintained that Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) designated his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), as his immediate successor at a place called Ghadir Khumm.
Theological and Jurisprudential Differences
While both groups follow Islamic Law (Sharia), their sources of authority and certain practices differ slightly.
1. The Concept of Imamate
- Sunni: The “Imam” is typically a prayer leader or a scholar. Leadership is a political and administrative role.
- Shia: The “Imam” is a divinely appointed spiritual and political leader from the lineage of the Prophet. The majority of Shias (Twelvers) believe in a line of Twelve Imams.
2. Hadith Sources
- Sunni: Rely heavily on collections like Sahih Bukhari and Sahih Muslim.
- Shia: While respecting many common Hadiths, they prioritize narrations passed down through the Ahl al-Bayt (the Prophet’s family).
3. Prayer and Practice
- Prayer (Salah): Sunnis generally pray five distinct times. Shias often combine the afternoon and evening prayers, resulting in three prayer sessions.
- Prostration: Shias usually prostrate on a small clay tablet (Turbah) made from the earth of a holy site, symbolizing humility to the earth.
Shia and Sunni Schools of Law
To help you understand the diversity within Islamic jurisprudence, here is a detailed breakdown of the major schools of law (Madhhabs) within both the Sunni and Shia branches. These schools provide the framework for how Muslims interpret the Quran and Hadith to apply them to daily life.
The Four Major Sunni Schools of Law
The Sunni schools are named after the great scholars who codified them. While they differ on minor details of ritual or secondary rulings, they recognize each other as completely valid and orthodox.
| School (Madhhab) | Founder | Geographical Focus | Characteristics |
| Hanafi | Imam Abu Hanifa | South Asia, Turkey, Balkans, Central Asia | Known for its emphasis on reason (Aql) and legal flexibility. It is the most widely followed school. |
| Maliki | Imam Malik ibn Anas | North Africa, West Africa, parts of the Gulf | Places great importance on the “Practice of the people of Madinah” as a source of law. |
| Shafi’i | Imam Ash-Shafi’i | East Africa, Southeast Asia (Indonesia/Malaysia), Levant | Focuses heavily on the systematic hierarchy of the Quran, Sunnah, Ijma (Consensus), and Qiyas (Analogy). |
| Hanbali | Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal | Saudi Arabia, Qatar, United Arab Emirates | The most traditionalist school, relying strictly on the text of the Quran and Hadith with minimal use of analogy. |
The Major Shia Schools of Law
Shia jurisprudence is often referred to as Ja’fari jurisprudence, though there are other smaller branches based on different historical lineages.
| School (Madhhab) | Primary Affiliation | Characteristics |
| Ja’fari | Twelver Shia (Ithna Ashari) | Named after Imam Ja’far al-Sadiq. It is the largest Shia school and emphasizes the role of the Twelve Imams and “Ijtihad” (independent legal reasoning by top scholars). |
| Zaidi | Zaydiyya (Fiver Shia) | Found primarily in Yemen. This school is often described as the “Shia school closest to the Sunnis” in terms of law and practice. |
| Ismaili | Isma’iliyyah (Seveners) | Found in India, Pakistan, and East Africa. They follow a living Imam (the Aga Khan for the Nizari branch) who provides contemporary guidance. |
Why These Schools Exist: The Concept of Ijtihad
The existence of these schools is seen by scholars as a “mercy” for the Ummah. They allow for different interpretations based on local culture, geography, and specific circumstances while keeping the core of the religion intact.
The Famous Scholarly Maxim
The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) is reported to have said regarding scholarly effort:
Arabic: إِذَا حَكَمَ الْحَاكِمُ فَاجْتَهَدَ ثُمَّ أَصَابَ فَلَهُ أَجْرَانِ وَإِذَا حَكَمَ فَاجْتَهَدَ ثُمَّ أَخْطَأَ فَلَهُ أَجْرٌ
Transliteration: Idha hakama al-hakimu fajtahada thumma asaba falahu ajrani, wa idha hakama fajtahada thumma akhta’a falahu ajrun.
English Translation: “If a judge gives a verdict according to his best judgment and is correct, he will have a double reward; and if he gives a verdict according to his best judgment and makes a mistake, he will still have a single reward.” – (Sahih Bukhari)
Differences between Shia and Sunni practices
While the differences are often highlighted in the media, they usually pertain to Furu al-Din (branches/details of practice) rather than Usul al-Din (roots of faith).
- Nikah (Marriage): Both require a contract and witnesses, though Shia law allows for “Nikah Mut’ah” (temporary marriage) under very specific conditions, which Sunnis believe was later prohibited by the Prophet.
- Zakat: Sunnis calculate Zakat at 2.5% of annual savings. Shias also pay Zakat but include an additional 20% tax on surplus income called Khums, which is traditionally used to support the descendants of the Prophet and the needy.
Conclusion
While the historical and theological differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims are significant, they do not overshadow the shared foundation of faith. Both groups seek to please Allah and follow the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In a modern world often divided by conflict, focusing on the “Rope of Allah” that connects all Muslims is the path toward true peace and understanding.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can Sunnis and Shias pray together?
Yes. In many parts of the world, Sunnis and Shias pray in the same mosques. While there are minor differences in the physical postures of prayer, the essence and the words of the prayer are almost identical.
Are the Qurans used by Sunnis and Shias different?
No. This is a common myth. There is only one Quran, and the text used in a Sunni mosque in Indonesia is exactly the same as the one used in a Shia mosque in Iran.
Do Sunnis and Shias perform Hajj together?
Yes. Every year, millions of Muslims from both branches perform the pilgrimage to Makkah together, standing side by side at Arafat and circling the Kaaba.
What is Ashura?
Ashura is the 10th day of Muharram. For Sunnis, it is a day of fasting to celebrate Prophet Musa (Moses) being saved from Pharaoh. For Shias, it is a day of mourning for the martyrdom of Husayn ibn Ali (the Prophet’s grandson) at the Battle of Karbala.
What percentage of Muslims are Sunni vs. Shia?
Approximately 85 to 90 percent of the world’s Muslims are Sunni, while 10 to 15 percent are Shia.
