To what extent are the differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims

significant?
The division between Sunni and Shia dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad in
632 CE when there was the concern for who should take over the leadership for the new
Muslim Ummah. The atmosphere in Arabia was chaotic as some members of the community
no longer wanted to keep allegiance that was once made to the prophet, therefore possibly
provoking some early Muslims to break this. Sunni Muslims believe in the succession of Abu
Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali after the Nabi Muhammad. Shia followers however stress the
Imamah successorship of Ali and his most pious, knowledgeable descendants; although how
many is argued amongst this sect. This historical difference has spawned a number of
positions including: imam and the Caliphate as well as the practices which all have come to
carry spiritual significance.
Firstly one clear differences between the two groups is that they have totally different
perception of the figure of imam. The Shia writers sought to prove as M. Moojan states
each imam performed miracles and possessed supernatural knowledge and were the
successors of Muhammad and descendant of him, Fatima and Ali, the Ahl-ul Bayt.
According to M. Watt and Jafri imams do not commit any sins therefore their infallible nature
gives them authority to interpret the Quran. Twelvers Shia, the vast majority of Shias
believe that there were 12 imams the Twelfth will went into hiding and will return in the end
of the world. However others the fifth went into hiding. Some Shias view Aga Khan as the
49th Imam in the present day and he too would designate an Imam like previous ones thus
ensuring continuity (the doctrine of the nass). However the Sunnis Believe Al Mahdi refers
to Jesus who will return.
In contrary for Sunnis the primary role of the Imam is to lead Salah and offer shura in the
community. Unlike the Shi-ism, Sunnism does not does not limit Muslims beyond the Ahl-ul
Bayt to understand the Quran as for them a person can understand the Divine got words of
God as long as they can understand Arabic. In the last sermon Muhammad said you leave
behind two things: the Quran and Sunnah for the humanity to follow, therefore a true imam
is someone who abides strictly to these. Furthermore the Sunni strongly disregard the Godly
appointment of Ali as both the Quran and Sunnah were silent on this issue and so the
community should decide. This is extremely significant as the belief in the purpose of Imam
determines whether the Muslims follow the person chosen for his Wisdom and piety or by
God.
In addition to this the Shia have neglect the idea of The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs: Abu
Bakr, Umar bin Al Khattab, Uthman bin Afan, Ali bin Abi Talib. Some Shias believe as Henri
Lemmon and Madelung suggest that the first three were excluding the Banu Hashim,
especially Ali from taking the power after the prophet. Shias believe that they were planning
a conspiracy against Ali. This belief is reflected in Jumuah prayers as they curse the caliphs
publically according to Watton. Not all Shias regard the Friday congregational prayer to be
compulsory as for them their imam is not present to lead the Salah.
Another differences between Sunni and Shias arises when declaring the Shahadah. Most
scholars including H.Gramy, Hewers state that unlike Sunnis, Shias add and Ali is the
friend of Allah to there is no God but Allah, And Prophet Mohammed is the servant and
messenger of Allah. This belief is seen as committing shirk by Sunnis as Shias associate
God with a Human, Ali. However perhaps this is not so significant because the belief of
Tawhid and risalah is still highlighted which is sufficient enough to be a Muslim. Other
practices that differs is Salah. Shias prostrate on mud or baked clay. Nasr says some also
reduce the number of times they pray by often combing prayers. Despite Salah has been
prescribe by Allah to perform this may not matter as they are still praying the Salah at the
end of the day even so its by combing.
However Sunnis disagree that Salah has to be prayed and prayed on time. They must
remain punctual in remembering Allah and so this will help them to stay pious and without
thoughts of worldly things.
Even though the two eids are important festivals for Muslims, to the Shias the memorial of
Ghadir Khumm and Al-Ashura is more considered. During Ashura they weep and the activity
of self-mutilation which helps them remember the brutal death of the 2nd Imam Husayn. This
festival is often seen to carry elements of shirks as shrines are created and they drape the
mosque in black. Sunnis believe that this factor need to be revisited by the Shias.
In conclusion the historical incident of appointing the next leader after the prophet
Muhammad has not only led to the divisions between Muslims but also their practices and
beliefs. Some of these differences are seen more important than others. Possibly if this
incident did not take place these disparities too wouldnt exist today or perhaps the incident
has avoided many bloodsheds.