Sunni and Shiite Controversy

Sunni and Shiite Controversy

The Prophet Muhammad once said ""Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first." (Prophet Muhammad). Though this man was so well-respected, his word was disregarded as Shiites were frequently prosecuted for not sharing the same beliefs. The Sunni and Shiite spilt took place in 632 A.D. ("Islam's Sunni-Shiite"). The fighting between these two Middle Eastern groups is still a common topic all over the news. Shortly after the death of Muhammad, the prophet of Islam, a decision had to be made, who will take his throne? The Sunni people and Shiite people disagreed with one another's opinion on who the next leader, or "caliph," should be. Their disagreements sparked many other problems between the two types of people. Two Muslim men practicing different types of Islam during the 600's can be compared through their view of leadership, religion, and their opinion on the meaning of Imams.

The majority of the problems between the Sunni and Shiites stemmed from their opposing viewpoints on who should be the leader following Muhammad. The Shiite people believed that the leader should be hereditary. (Lewis 193). The Sunni people believed that any person in the prophet's tribe was capable of being the leader depending on their accomplishments and reputation. (Lewis 193).The Sunnis therefore supported Abu Bakr, a friend of Muhammad. Abu Bakr was made the first caliph. This upset the Shiites very much who disagreed with the choice. The Shiite people supported Ali, Muhammad's son.(Hanif).

Surprisingly, Sunni and Shiite Islam have very few differences. They actually share many basic beliefs. Both forms of Islam use the Quran as their sacred text. ("Islams Sunni-Shiite"). However, the Shiites also believe in the blessed Imams. ("Islams Sunni-Shiite 2"). The Sunni's reject temporary marriages while the Shiite people have stayed old fashioned and still practice the marrying of several women. . ("Islams Sunni-Shiite 3")Both forms of Islam share the same holy cities of Mecca, Medina, and Jerusalem. ("Islams Sunni-Shiite 4")