Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith and are

the two main sub-groups in Islam. They do differ, however, and that separation stemmed
initially, not from spiritual distinctions, but political ones. Over the centuries, these political
differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to
carry spiritual significance.
The Five Pillars of Islam
The Five Pillars of Islam refer to religious duties to God, to personal spiritual growth, to caring
for the less fortunate, self-discipline, and sacrifice. They provide a structure or framework for a
Muslim's life, just as pillars do for buildings.
A Question of Leadership
The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632.
This event raised the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation.
Sunnism is the largest and most orthodox branch of Islam. The word Sunn, in Arabic,
comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet."
Sunni Muslims agree with many of the Prophet's companions at the time of his death: that the
new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. For example, following
Prophet Muhammad's death, his close friend and adviser, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph
(successor or deputy of the Prophet) of the Islamic nation.
On the other hand, some Muslims believe that leadership should have stayed within the
Prophet's family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God
Himself.
Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have
passed directly to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali bin Abu Talib. Throughout history, Shia
Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow
a line of Imams which they believe have been appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God
Himself.
The word Shia in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known
term is shortened from the historical Shia't-Ali, or "the Party of Ali." This group is also known as
Shiites or followers of Ahl al-Bayt or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet).
Within the Sunni and Shia branches, you can also find a number of sects. For example, in Saudi
Arabia, Sunni Wahhabism is a prevalent and puritanical faction. Similarly, in Shiitism, the Druze
are a somewhat eclectic sect residing in Lebanon, Syria, and Israel.
Where Do Sunni and Shia Muslims Live?
Sunni Muslims make up an 85 percent majority of Muslims all over the world. Countries like
Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Yemen, Pakistan, Indonesia, Turkey, Algeria, Morocco, and Tunisia are
predominantly Sunni.
Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq. Large Shiite minority
communities are also in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon.
It is in areas of the world, where Sunni and Shiite populations are in close proximity, that
conflict can arise. Coexistence in Iraq and Lebanon, for example, is often difficult. The religious
differences are so embedded in the culture that intolerance often leads to violence.
Differences in Religious Practice
Stemming from the initial question of political leadership, some aspects of spiritual life now
differ between the two Muslim groups. This includes rituals of prayer and marriage.
In this sense, many people compare the two groups with Catholics and Protestants.
Fundamentally, they share some common beliefs, but practice in different manners.
It is important to remember that despite these differences in opinion and practice, Shia and Sunni
Muslims share the main articles of Islamic belief and are considered by most to be brethren in
faith. In fact, most Muslims do not distinguish themselves by claiming membership in any
particular group, but prefer, simply, to call themselves "Muslims."
Religious Leadership
Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature and that his authority is infallible
because it comes directly from God. Therefore, Shia Muslims often venerate the Imams as saints.
They perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines in the hopes of divine intercession.
This well-defined clerical hierarchy can play a role in governmental matters as well. Iran is a
good example in which the Imam, and not the state, is the ultimate authority.
Sunni Muslims counter that there is no basis in Islam for a hereditary privileged class of spiritual
leaders, and certainly no basis for the veneration or intercession of saints. They contend that
leadership of the community is not a birthright, but rather a trust that is earned and may be given
or taken away by the people.
Religious Texts and Practices
Sunni and Shia Muslims follow the Quran as well as the Prophet's hadith (sayings)
and sunna (customs). These are fundamental practices in the Islamic faith. They also adhere to
the five pillars of Islam: shahada, salat, zakat, sawm, and hajj. 
Shia Muslims tend to feel animosity towards some of the companions of the Prophet
Muhammad. This is based on their positions and actions during the early years of discord about
leadership in the community.
Many of these companions (Abu Bakr, Umar ibn Al Khattab, Aisha, etc.) have narrated
traditions about the Prophet's life and spiritual practice. Shia Muslims reject these traditions and
do not base any of their religious practices on the testimony of these individuals.
This naturally gives rise to some differences in religious practice between the two groups. These
differences touch all detailed aspects of religious life: prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, and more.
One of the most crucial differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims is the
importance that the Shiites give to Ali, whom the Sunni do not recognize as being
the prophet's rightful successor.
One of the most important dates for Shia Muslims is the tenth day of the holy
month of Muharram (the first month in the Islamic lunar calendar). Shia Muslims
celebrate the anniversary of the death of Husayn ibn Ali, the grandson of the
Prophet Muhammad and son of Ali.

The Saudi King Salman bin Abdulaziz. Saudi Arabia is one of the countries in the
world with the largest proportion of Sunni Muslims. Reuters The occasion of
"collective atonement through lamentation and self-flagellation" is called Ashoura.
This practice is particular to the Shiites and often draws criticism and protests from
Sunnis who do not celebrate that day nor view it as important.

Both groups, however, agree that Muhammad is God's messenger and follow the
five ritualistic pillars of Islam, which include fasting during Ramadan, five daily
prayers, and the Hajj, an annual pilgrimage to Mecca which devolved into a
stampede this year,killing more than 700 people.
They also both share the holy book of the Quran. The primary difference in
practice comes in that Sunni Muslims mainly rely on the Sunnah, a record of the
teachings and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad to guide their actions while the
Shiites more heavily on their ayatollahs, whom they see as a sign of God on earth.
Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei addresses Iranian top officials in
a mosque at his residence in Tehran, Iran. Office of the Iranian Supreme Leader
via APAlthough many Shia and Sunni Muslims cohabit peacefully, a Pew
Research Center survey from 2012 shows that 40% of Sunni Muslims from the
Middle East and North Africa do not accept Shias as fellow Muslims.