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Download COMPARISON OF SUNNI AND SHI`A ISLAM
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COMPARISON OF SUNNI AND SHI’A ISLAM There are two main sects in Islam: Sunni and Shi'ite. Sunni Islam is the largest denomination, although in some countries it is a minority. Sunnis have their historical roots in the majority group who followed Abu Bakr, an effective leader, as Muhammad's successor, instead of his cousin and son-in-law Ali. The Sunnis are so named because they believe themselves to follow the sunnah or "custom" of the Prophet. Shi'ites are those Muslims who followed Ali, the closest relative of Muhammad, as Muhammad's successor. (Sufi Islam is not exactly a sect, but the mystical expression of Islam. It is therefore not included in the chart below. Sufism might be compared to Christian monasticism, in that both emphasize a quiet, simple life focused on obeying and experiencing God. Opinions of Sufis differ within the Muslim community.) Sunnah Shia (or Shi'ah) adherents called Sunnis Shiites, Shi'i meaning of name "well-trodden path" or "tradition" "party" or "partisans" of Ali current adherents 940 million 120 million 90% 10% most Muslim countries Iran, Iraq, Yemen subsects none, but four major schools of Muslim law are recognized Ithna 'Ashariyah (Twelvers; the largest), Isma'iliyah and Zaydiyah origins c. 632 CE; theology developed especially in 10th cent. c. 632-650 CE; killing of Ali's son Husayn in 680 CE is major event did Muhammad designate a successor? no yes true successor of the Prophet Abu Bakr, father of the Prophet's favoured wife, 'A'ishah (elected by people of Medina) 'Ali ibn Abi Talib, husband of the Prophet's daughter Fatimah (designated by the Prophet) tribe of the Prophet (Quraysh); later, any qualified ruler family of the Prophet imams mujtahids human leaders infallible manifestations of God and perfect interpreters of the Qur'an will come in the future was already on earth, is currently the "hidden imam" who works through mujtahids to intepret Qur'an; and will return at the end of time religious authority other than the Qur’an ijma' (consensus) of the Muslim community infallible imams concealing faith for self-protection (taqiya) affirmed under certain circumstances emphasized practiced in the Prophet's time, but now rejected still practiced Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, Najaf, Karbala Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr Eid al-Adha, Eid al-Fitr, Ashura percentage of total Muslims primary locations qualifications for ruler of Islam current leaders identity of imams Al Mahdi temporary marriage (mut'ah) holy cities major holidays Source: http://www.religionfacts.com/islam/comparison_charts/islamic_sects.htm