Difference Between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims

Just like Christianity, Islam is divided into two large groups based on different beliefs and traditions Shia and Sunni. One major difference they have or the main dividing factor as some would it is the succession to their prophet, Muhammad. The dominant sect, the Sunnis, believe in the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs with Abu Bakr being the first while Shias maintain it was Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammads cousin and son-in-law, who was the first caliph. 1 The structure of the Shia and Sunni Muslims religious leadership also vary.One follows strict spiritual hierarchy and requires for each one one to pay two religious taxes called Khum and Zakat while the latter are only to pay Zakat and has no hierarchy in the clergy. 2 Another note would be each sects preference for literature with Sunni Muslims favouring any Sunnah or Hadith literature narrated any of the twelve thousand pilgrims. On the contrary, Shia Muslims only try for these works under varying measures and only under close scrut iny. Ultimately, these and other differences led to varying understanding of the laws and practices of Islam. 3 Whats the Difference Shia vs. Sunni, last modified certify 13, 2007, http//www. neatorama. com/2007/03/13/whats-the-difference-shia-vs-sunni/. 2 Sunni and Shia, last modified August 19, 2009, http//www. bbc. co. uk/religion/religions/islam/subdivisions/sunnishia_1. shtmlh4. 3 Sunni and Shia, last modified August 19, 2009, http//www. bbc. co. uk/religion/religions/islam/subdivisions/sunnishia_1. shtmlh4. http//www. neatorama. com/2007/03/13/whats-the-difference-shia-vs-sunni/ http//www. bbc. co. uk/religion/religions/islam/subdivisions/sunnishia_1. shtmlh4