Those who followed the Prophet's closest companion (Abu Bakr) became known as Sunni (the followers of the Prophet's example – Sunnah). Those who followed the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law (‘Ali) became known as Shi'a (the followers of the Party of ‘Ali – Shi'atu Ali).
What is the difference between Shiite and Sunni?
Shiites believe the Prophet Mohammed should have been succeeded by his son-in-law, Imam Ali, and leadership of the Muslim world should pass through the prophet's descendants. Sunnis don't believe the leadership of the Muslim world should necessarily pass through hereditary succession.
What does Shia believe in?
Shia Muslims believe that just as a prophet is appointed by God alone , only God has the prerogative to appoint the successor to his prophet. They believe God chose Ali to be Muhammad's successor, infallible, the first caliph (khalifah, head of state) of Islam.
Do Shias have a different Quran?
The Shia view of the Qur'an differs from the Sunni view, but the majority of both groups believe that the text is identical . While some Shia disputed the canonical validity of the Uthmanic codex, the Shia Imams always rejected the idea of alteration of Qur'an's text.
How many times do Shia pray?
Shi'a Muslims have more freedom to combine certain prayers, such as the midday and afternoon prayers. Therefore they may only pray three times a day . Shi'a Muslims also often use natural elements when praying.
Does Shia perform Hajj?
Shia Muslims number 200 million and are the second largest denomination in the faith. Many perform the hajj , and they also travel to Iran, Iraq and beyond to visit holy sites.
Do Shias fast during Ramadan?
For the most part, Sunnis and Shias observe Ramadan the same way , but there are some differences. For one, Sunnis break their fast at sunset, once the sun is no longer visible, but there is still light in the sky. ... Shia Muslims also observe additional events that Sunnis do not.
Do Shia pray Friday?
According to the majority of Sunni schools and some Shiite jurists, Friday prayer is a religious obligation , but their differences were based on whether its obligation is conditional to the presence of the ruler or his deputy in it or if it is wajib unconditionally.
Do Shia pray towards Kaaba?
Worshipers face the Kaaba in Mecca when praying. ... Like Maliki Sunnis and Shias
Do Shia believe in Sunnah?
All Muslims are guided by the Sunnah , but Sunnis stress its primacy. Shia are also guided by the wisdom of Muhammad's descendants through his son-in-law and cousin, Ali. Sunni life is guided by four schools of legal thought, each of which strives to develop practical applications of the Sunnah.
Is Saudi Arabia mostly Sunni or Shia?
The official form of Islam is Sunni of the Hanbali school, in its Salafi version. According to official statistics 90% of Saudi Arabian citizens are Sunni Muslims, 10% are Shia . (More than 30% of the population is made up of foreign workers who are predominantly but not entirely Muslim.)
Is Egypt Shia or Sunni?
Islam is the dominant religion in Egypt with around an estimated 90.3% of the population. Almost the entirety of Egypt's Muslims are Sunnis , with a very small minority of Shia. The latter, however, are not recognized by Egypt. Islam has been recognized as the state religion since 1980.
Can Shias get tattoos?
Shia Ayatollahs Ali al-Sistani and Ali Khamenei believe there are no authoritative Islamic prohibitions on tattoos . ... However, it is not permissible to have Quranic verses, names of Ahlulbayt (a.s), drawings of Imams (a.s), Hadiths, unislamic and inappropriate images or the likes tattooed onto the body.
What holidays do Shia Muslims celebrate?
There are a number of other days of note and festivals, some common to all Muslims, other specific to Shia Islam as a whole or branches thereof. Both Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha follow a period of 10 holy days or nights: the last 10 nights of Ramadan (Eid al-Fitr), and the first 10 days of Dhu al-Hijjah (Eid al-Adha).
How do Shias break their fast?
There are some differences on how Sunni and Shia Muslims celebrate Ramadan. Sunni Muslims break their fast at sunset, which is when the sun is no longer visible, but there is still light in the sky. Shia Muslims wait until all light has disappeared from the sky before they break their fast .
Who Cannot fast during Ramadan?
As one of the five pillars, or duties, of Islam, fasting during the month of Ramadan is mandatory for all healthy adult Muslims. Children who have not reached puberty, the elderly , those who are physically or mentally incapable of fasting, pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers and travelers are exempt.
