Religion: Islam: Sunni and Shia, part 1
Self-tutoring about Islam: the tutor mentions a key difference between the Sunni and Shia sects of Islam.
The following is by my understanding.
Awareness of some political developments, especially in the Middle East, seems to require knowledge of Islam and its two leading sects, Sunni and Shia. To that effect, I’ve researched the historic difference that seems to distinguish the Sunni from the Shia.
In Islam, an Imam is a religious leader and perhaps a prayer leader. An Imam can be a local leader, but also could be the leader of a much larger geographic area, even the entire Islamic world.
The division between Sunni and Shia began with the successorship of Mohammed as leader of Islam. Sunni Muslims believe the position of Imam is gained through community confidence, perhaps even election. Shia Muslims, however, believe that an Imam is either appointed by an earlier one as their successor, or else can be an inherited position.
Since Mohammed’s death, those known as Sunni Muslims have put their confidence in Imams chosen by consensus. However, Shia Muslims believe that after Mohammed’s death, the title of Imam rightfully succeeded to his cousin and son-in-Law, Ali bin Alu Talib. To the Shia, there has been succession from then based on inheritance or appointment from a previous Imam.
Shia Muslims believe while Mohammed’s teachings are the main definition of Islam, Imams can contribute to the teachings of Islam as well. Therefore, Shia Islam has changed over time in a way Sunni Islam hasn’t.
About 85 percent of the world’s Muslims are Sunni Muslims, while perhaps 10 percent are Shia Muslims. Shia Muslims are the majority in Iran.
Source:
BBC. (Jan 4, 2016). “Sunnis and Shia: Islam’s ancient schism.” https://www.bbc.com/news/world-middle-east-16047709
Zeidan, A. (Oct 2, 2026). “Imam.” https://www.britannica.com/topic/imam
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