What do Sunni and Shia believe? This question often arises when discussing the two major branches of Islam. Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the same core beliefs, such as the belief in one God, the Prophethood of Muhammad, and the Five Pillars of Islam. However, there are some significant differences in their interpretations of Islamic teachings and practices that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the key beliefs of both Sunni and Shia Muslims, highlighting their similarities and differences.
At the heart of their beliefs, both Sunni and Shia Muslims believe in the oneness of God (Tawhid) and the Prophethood of Muhammad. They both adhere to the Five Pillars of Islam, which include the declaration of faith (Shahada), prayer (Salat), giving to the needy (Zakat), fasting during the month of Ramadan (Sawm), and the pilgrimage to Mecca (Hajj). Despite these commonalities, there are differences in their views on the leadership and interpretation of Islamic teachings.
Sunni Muslims believe that the leadership of the Muslim community should be based on the principle of consensus (ijma) and the qualifications of the individual. They accept the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali) as legitimate successors to Prophet Muhammad. Sunni Islam is the largest branch of Islam, with followers accounting for about 85-90% of the global Muslim population. Sunni Muslims emphasize the importance of following the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad, known as the Sunnah, and the consensus of the scholars, known as the Ijma.
Shia Muslims, on the other hand, believe that the leadership of the Muslim community should be based on the line of Prophet Muhammad’s descendants, specifically the family of Ali ibn Abi Talib, Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law. They consider Ali to be the first Imam (leader) and believe that the Imamate is a divine appointment, passed down through the Prophet’s lineage. Shia Islam is the second-largest branch of Islam, with followers accounting for about 10-15% of the global Muslim population. Shia Muslims have a deep reverence for the Imams and their teachings, known as the Ahl al-Bayt.
One of the most significant differences between Sunni and Shia beliefs is their views on the Imamate. Sunni Muslims recognize four caliphs as legitimate successors to Prophet Muhammad, while Shia Muslims believe that the Imamate was passed down through the Prophet’s lineage, starting with Ali ibn Abi Talib. Shia Muslims have twelve Imams, with the last Imam, Imam Mahdi, believed to be in occultation and will return as the awaited messiah. Sunni Muslims do not believe in the concept of occultation and do not recognize the twelve Imams.
Another difference lies in their interpretations of Islamic jurisprudence (fiqh). Sunni Muslims follow four major schools of thought: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi’i, and Hanbali. Each school has its own set of rules and regulations based on the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad and the consensus of the scholars. Shia Muslims, however, follow their own school of thought, known as Jafari or Twelver Shi’ism, which is distinct from the Sunni schools.
In conclusion, while both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the same core beliefs in Islam, their interpretations of Islamic teachings and practices differ significantly. The differences in their views on the leadership, the Imamate, and Islamic jurisprudence are some of the key factors that set them apart. Understanding these beliefs can help us appreciate the diversity within Islam and foster a greater sense of unity among its followers.
