What are the Differences Between the Sunni and Shia Sects of Islam?
The difference between Sunni and Shia sects of Islam do not exist to the dramatic degree many Western’s assume. While there are slight variations in the way they view their religious leaders and attach meaning to the history of Muhammad’s family, cultural and political differences hold the most divisive power. Both sects emphasize the Five Pillars of Islam, read the same Quran, and consider each other Muslims. The split between these two significant sects of Islam can be traced back to the 600s, soon after Muhammed’s death in 632. Muhammed’s son-in-law, Ali, gained support as the inheritor of the duty to spread Islam. Thus, “Shia” is an abbreviation of “Shiat Ali,” or the people of Ali. Not all Muslims believed in Ali’s place as a leader. Yet this group respected Muhammed’s relative as a holy man. He was not a Messiah, as there is only one Messiah. Rather, the Shi’ites regarded him as the first in a series of Imam, or the direct descendents of Muhammad who act as messengers of God. The
