This blog was written in response to my sons question, as seen in the title. I could not answer him which I thought was ridiculous, given the war in Iraq, the long term Palestinian/Israel problem, Syria/Lebanon, Lebanon/Israel, Iranian Nuclear intentions/fears, Afghanistan/Pakistan/Kashmir , Indonesia etc. etc. etc.
This is not a history of Islam. My research went too far and I am sure my son wished he'd never asked.....so this is a simple 'show of difference'.But don't forget, there are Muslim groups other than Sunnis and Shiites and it is accepted that all Muslims (collectively called Ummah) are all believers and should stick together.
Sunni and Shiite Facts
Sunni
- 90% of Muslim population
- 1st 4 Caliphs were the rightful successors to Mohammad
- Mahdi will come
- Had a Caliphate to the end of the Ottoman Empire
- Imams are scholars who say prayers
- Created the first Islamic Fundamentalist Group- the Muslim Brotherhood
- Osama Bin Laden and Al Qaeda is Sunni
Shiite
- 10% of the Muslim Population
- Only the 4th Caliph,Ali was the rightful successor to Mohammad
- Mahdi has been
- Imams are believed to be descended from Mohammad-the last one in 12th Century
- Ayatollah Khomeiini (Iran 1978) and Hezbollah (Palestine)
- Name is derived from Shi'at Ali= 'faction of Ali' who was Mohammad's cousin
Ali's tomb is in NajafAli's sons tomb is in KarbalaI think it was important to point out where Ali and his son are buried.They are very important to the Shiite. We will all have heard of the towns and the fighting that has persisted in these towns in Iraq.
Similarities
- Shehada-there is only one God, and Mohammed is his messenger
- Salah-5 daily prayers
- Zakat-a voluntary religious tax given to the poor
- Sawm-fasting for Ramadam
- Hajj-a pilgrimage to Mecca once in a lifetime.
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