Blog Details
What is the Difference Between Sunni and Shia?
1. A Shared Foundation
Sunni and Shia Muslims share the core beliefs of Islam: belief in one God, the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), prayer, fasting, charity, and pilgrimage.
Across both traditions, Muslims strive to live a God-conscious life and follow prophetic guidance.
2. Where the Historical Difference Began
The earliest difference relates to questions of leadership after the Prophet’s passing: how the community should select a leader and what that leadership should represent.
Over time, distinct scholarly schools, legal methods, and devotional practices developed within each tradition.
3. Practice and Scholarship
In daily worship, there is far more overlap than many people assume. Differences often appear in details of jurisprudence (fiqh), historical narratives, and religious authority structures.
It’s best to learn these distinctions through reliable scholarship and with respect, especially since communities are diverse across regions and cultures.