Sunni - Shia: Brief History
By: Huda Dodge
Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most
fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The differences between these
two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual
differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these political
differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have
come to carry a spiritual significance.
The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet
and the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation.
Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions,
that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. This
is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr,
became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation.
The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the
traditions of the Prophet."
On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have
stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by
him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself.
The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death,
leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali. Throughout
history, Shia Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim
leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams which they believe have been
appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or
God Himself. The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of
people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical "Shia-t-Ali,"
or "the Party of Ali." They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or
"People of the Household" (of the Prophet).
From this initial question of political leadership, some aspects of spiritual
life have been affected and now differ between the two groups of Muslims.
Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature, and that his authority
is infallible as it comes directly from God. Therefore, Shia Muslims often
venerate the Imams as saints and perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines
in the hopes of divine intercession. Sunni Muslims counter that there is no
basis in Islam for a hereditary privileged class of spiritual leaders, and
certainly no basis for the veneration or intercession of saints. Sunni Muslims
contend that leadership of the community is not a birthright, but a trust that
is earned and which may be given or taken away by the people themselves.
Shia Muslims also feel animosity towards some of the companions of the Prophet
based on their positions and actions during the early years of discord about
leadership in the community. Many of these companions (Abu Bakr, Umar, Aisha,
etc.) have narrated traditions about the Prophet's life and spiritual practice.
Shia Muslims reject these traditions (hadith) and do not base any of their
religious practices on the testimony of these individuals. This naturally gives
rise to some differences in religious practice between the two groups. These
differences touch all detailed aspects of religious life: prayer, fasting,
Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the world.
Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq, and large
minority communities in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon.
It is important to remember that despite all of these differences in opinion and
practice, Shia and Sunni Muslims share the main articles of Islamic belief and
are considered by most to be brethren in faith. In fact, most Muslims do not
distinguish themselves by claiming membership in any particular group, but
prefer to call themselves simply, "Muslims."
Huda Dodge is an educator, freelance writer and
editor. She is the author of
The Everything Understanding Islam Book,
published in 2003 by Adams Media Corporation. She has been active on the
Internet for over a decade, and has been
About.com's Guide to Islam since 1998. She
currently teaches elementary school in the Middle East.