Differences Between Sunnis & Shiites, Any one knows?

3 Mar 2004 | F14 Pilot

[F14 Pilot]

I'd like to know how many of us, here, know about the differences of Islamic branches like Shiites, Sunni and Wahhabis.

Any one knows?

[F14 Pilot]

My Question, PING!

[kcamtx]

Most don't know Sheitte from shinola..........

[angkor]

http://atheism.about.com/library/FAQs/islam/blfaq_islam_sects.htm

[Cronos]

The main two branches are the Shias and the Sunnis -- both dating from within a few years of Mo's death. The Sunnis are those who sided with the murderes of Mo's son-in-law, Hussein Ali. THese murderers then became the first Caliphs.

Those who say no, Mo's family was the Holy family, so leadership should have stayed with them are the Shias.

THe next major branch is the Ismaili with branches such as the Boris etc. who believe that the Aga Khan is their leader and they should follow his edicts. Another branch of the Ismailis were the Hashashin -- the assassins.

Next you have the Wahabbis -- a relatively new phenomenon sponsored by a radical leader Wahab who sided with the Saud family and preached a puritan form of Islam. They were the ones who destroyed the tombs of Mo and other early Muslimm figures as they said it was wrong -- they wrested control of Mecca and Medinah (and the substantial money gained from those two sites because of the millions obligated to go there for Hajjj each year) from the Hashemite dynasty who are present day rulers of Jordan.

Next you have Sufis who are a blend of Islam and Hinduism -- Hindu in their form of worship, more devotional, not in their gods.

You also have the Hanafi school in Oman (?) who are a branch of Sufis I think

Then you have Druzes and Ahmadiyas who are not related dogmatically to each other but botha re considered not Muslim by Muslims (though they consider themselves muchllims). THey believe in other prophets after the last prophet -- Mo.

[BipolarBob]

I don't have a clue. I have wondered about it though.

[Sci Fi Guy]

I've heard that there is very little difference between the two. The split I heard happened a generation or 2 after the religion's founder died. There was a dispute over who was entiled to be the top leader (calphi?)sunni went with one guy the shiites with another. Since then some differences developed, for example we've heard of shiites making pilgrimages to the their own holy sites now that saddam is gone.

[F14 Pilot]

A very informative webpage, THANKS!

[tkathy]

The difference between murderers and mass murderers?

[billorites]

I was walking across a bridge one day, and i saw a man standing on the edge, about to jump off. so i ran over and said "stop! don't do it!" "Why shouldn't I?" he said. I said, "Well, there's so much to live for!" He said, "Like what?" I said, "Well...are you religious or atheist?" He said, "Religious." I said, "Me too! Are you christian or buddhist?" He said, "Christian." I said, "Me too! Are you catholic or protestant?" He said, "Protestant." I said, "Me too! Are you episcopalian or baptist?" He said, "Baptist!" I said, "Wow! Me too! Are you baptist church of god or baptist church of the lord?" He said, "Baptist church of god!" I said, "Me too! Are you original baptist church of god, or are you reformed baptist church of god?" He said, "Reformed baptist church of god!" I said, "Me too! Are you reformed baptist church of god, reformation of 1879, or reformed baptist church of god, reformation of 1915?" He said, "Reformed baptist church of god, reformation of 1915!" I said, "Die, heretic scum", and pushed him off. -- Emo Phillips

[Agnes Heep]

One wipes their butts with the left hand; the other with the right. Which is which, however, I wouldn't know.

[F14 Pilot]

Ah, Ah... You are wrong. NO OFFENSE HERE PLEASE!
If you know some thing, let us know it as well, otherwise you should stay quiet. Thanks!

[Publius6961]

Is this an extra credit question?
Do I get to ask you questions too? Let's start with who is King John (Sobieski)?

[F14 Pilot]

You are right.
Sunnis believe in 3 Kalifas after Muhammad and Shiites do not believe in those Kalifahs and believe in their own 12 Imams. Sunnis also dont believe in Shiites' Imams.

[Jhensy]

LOL.

[#3Fan]

One has a Sunni disposition, the other has a Shiitey disposition.

[per loin]

Best post of the day.

[F14 Pilot]

I'd be grateful, if you could help much more. BUT I am curious to find about their dispositions. Can you help?

[astounded]

7-11 vs White Hen??? Somebody should ask Hillary!, didn't the "Smartest Womyn in the World" recently opine about Ghandi and filling stations???

[#3Fan]

Actually I don't, sorry. It is a good question though. I've wondered throughout this whole Iraqi affair if it would be best to break the country up into three countries. I wonder if their differences are that profound that that would be best.