Different B:W Sunni and Shia in Islam.

“DIFFERENCE
BETWEEWN SHIA
AND SUNNI IN
ISLAM”
Presented by Shama (20046)
INTRODUCTION
Islam, the world's second-largest religion, is divided
into two major branches: Sunni and Shia. While
both share fundamental beliefs in the Quran and
the teachings of Prophet Muhammad, they diverge
on certain theological, historical, and political issues.
Understanding these differences is crucial for
appreciating the diversity within Islam and its global
impact.
SPLIT BETWEEN SHIA AND
SUNNI
The split between Shia and Sunni Muslims originated from a
disagreement over who should succeed Prophet Muhammad after
his death in 632 CE. Sunnis believed leadership should be chosen
from among his close companions, leading to the election of Abu
Bakr as the first Caliph. Shias believed leadership should stay within
Muhammad's family, supporting Ali ibn Abi Talib as the rightful
successor. This disagreement led to distinct religious and cultural
identities, shaping the Shia and Sunni branches of Islam.
SUNNI MUSLIMS
Definition: Sunni Muslims constitute the largest
branch of Islam, comprising approximately 85-90% of
the global Muslim population. The term "Sunni"
derives from the Arabic word "Ahl as-Sunnah wa'l-
Jama'ah," which translates to "People of the Sunnah and
the Community."
BELIEFS:
Quran and Sunnah: Sunni Islam places primary emphasis on the Quran, the holy book
believed to be the word of God as revealed to Prophet Muhammad, and the Sunnah,
which refers to the recorded words, actions, and approvals of Prophet Muhammad.
Caliphate: Sunni Muslims accept the legitimacy of the early caliphs, starting with Abu
Bakr, as leaders after Prophet Muhammad. They believe that the caliphs were chosen
through consensus and were tasked with leading the Muslim community both
spiritually and politically.
Legal Interpretation: Sunni jurisprudence relies on consensus (ijma) of scholars and

analogical reasoning (qiyas) to interpret Islamic law (Sharia). This flexibility allows for
adaptation to diverse cultural and social contexts.
Adherence to the Five Pillars: Like all Muslims, Sunnis adhere to the Five
Pillars of Islam:
Shahada (Faith): Declaring the belief in the oneness of God (Allah) and the
prophethood of Muhammad.
Salah (Prayer): Performing the obligatory prayers five times a day facing
the Kaaba in Mecca.
Zakat (Charity): Giving a portion of wealth to those in need as a form of
obligatory charity.
Sawm (Fasting): Observing fasting during the month of Ramadan from
dawn until sunset.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Undertaking the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at

least once in a lifetime, if physically and financially capable.
RELIGIOUS PRACRTICES
Salah (Prayer):
Sunni Muslims perform five daily prayers facing the Kaaba in Mecca.
Each prayer includes specific movements and recitations.
Sawm (Fasting):
Observance of fasting during the month of Ramadan.
Abstaining from food, drink, and other physical needs from dawn until sunset.
Zakat (Charity):
Obligatory charity (2.5% of wealth annually) to support the needy and maintain
economic justice.
Hajj (Pilgrimage):
Obligatory pilgrimage to Mecca at least once in a lifetime for financially and physically
capable Muslims.
Sunnah and Nawafil (Optional Acts):
Voluntary prayers and acts of worship throughout the day and night beyond the
obligatory prayers.
Recitation of the Quran:

Emphasis on reading, understanding, and memorizing the Quran as the literal word
of God revealed to Prophet Muhammad.
Islamic Etiquette and Morality:

Adherence to Islamic values such as honesty, humility, compassion, and respect
for others.
Community and Social Responsibility:

Active participation in community life, mosques, charitable activities, and social
welfare initiatives.
SHIA MUSLIM
DEFINITION: Shia Muslims, also known as Shiites,
represent a significant branch within Islam, comprising
approximately 10-15% of the global Muslim population.
The term "Shia" originates from the Arabic phrase
"Shi'atu Ali," meaning "Partisans of Ali.
BELIEFS:
IMAMATE: Believe in the Imamate, which asserts that leadership should have passed through Ali
and his descendants (Imams), starting with Ali as the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad.
Authority of Imams: Consider Imams as divinely appointed spiritual guides and interpreters of
the Quran.
Mourning and Commemoration: Shia Islam places significant emphasis on commemorating

events related to the Imams, particularly the martyrdom of Imam Husayn, the grandson of
Prophet Muhammad, holds profound religious and cultural significance for Shia Muslims.
Jurisprudence (Fiqh): Shia jurisprudence, known as Ja'fari jurisprudence, is based on principles

derived from the teachings and interpretations of the Imams.
Adherence to the Five Pillars: Shia Muslims, like Sunni Muslims, adhere to the Five Pillars of
Islam, which include the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salah), charity (Zakat), fasting
(Sawm), and pilgrimage (Hajj). However, there may be minor variations in the execution and
emphasis of certain rituals and practices.
RELIGIOUS PRACTICES:
Salah (Prayer): Shia Muslims perform the five daily prayers like other Muslims, with
variations in prayer methods. Shias have the same 5 prayers as any other Muslim.
Morning → Fajr, Afternoon → Zohr & Asr, Night → Maghrib & Isha.
It is just that Shias combine the afternoon and night prayers
Fasting: Shia Muslims observe fasting during Ramadan, abstaining from food, drink, and
other needs from dawn to sunset. They also observe recommended fasts throughout the
year on specific days.They do iftar and sehri on different time from sunni
Zakat and Khums: Shia Muslims give Zakat (almsgiving) and additionally pay
Khums, an Islamic tax on certain income, as outlined in Shia jurisprudence.
Hajj (Pilgrimage): Shia Muslims participate in the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca,

following specific practices influenced by their theological interpretations.
CONCLUSION:
Sunnis uphold the legitimacy of the first four caliphs chosen by consensus,
focusing on adherence to the Sunnah and consensus-based legal schools. In
contrast, Shia Muslims affirm the exclusive spiritual authority of Ali and his
descendants, the Imams, believed to possess divine guidance and infallibility.
Despite these theological variances, both Sunni and Shia adhere to core Islamic
principles such as the Five Pillars, emphasizing unity in faith, prayer, charity,
fasting, and pilgrimage. Understanding these distinctions is crucial for promoting
tolerance and unity among diverse Muslim communities worldwide.
Borcelle University
Thank
You
Presented by Juliana Silva

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“DIFFERENCE

Legal Interpretation: Sunni jurisprudence relies on consensus (ijma) of scholars and

Hajj (Pilgrimage): Undertaking the pilgrimage to the holy city of Mecca at

Recitation of the Quran:

Islamic Etiquette and Morality:

Community and Social Responsibility:

Mourning and Commemoration: Shia Islam places significant emphasis on commemorating

Jurisprudence (Fiqh): Shia jurisprudence, known as Ja'fari jurisprudence, is based on principles

Hajj (Pilgrimage): Shia Muslims participate in the Hajj pilgrimage to Mecca,

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