Difference Between Shi’a and Sunni Muslims

Just like Christianity, Islam is divided into 2 large groups based on different beliefs and traditions Shia and Sunni. One study difference they have or the main dividing factor as some(prenominal) would it is the succession to their prophet, Muhammad. The dominant sect, the Sunnis, believe in the Four Rightly direct 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 leading also vary.One follows strict spiritual hierarchy and requires each one to collapse two religious taxes called Khum and Zakat while the latter are only to take over Zakat and has no hierarchy in the clergy. 2 An another(prenominal) distinction 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 call for these works under varyi ng measures and only under close scrutiny. Ultimately, these and other differences led to varying understanding of the laws and practices of Islam. 3 Whats the Difference Shia vs. Sunni, last change March 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/ trust/ pietisms/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