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What is the Differences
Between Shiites & Sunnis?
ORIGIN OF
THE SCHISM
After the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632, a disagreement arose over who
should succeed him as leader of Islam. Two main factions emerged, creating a
rift that remains almost 14 centuries later.
Shiites believe that Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, Ali, was his rightful
successor, and that Ali's descendants are the true leaders of Islam.
Sunnis believe that Muhammad's most pious companions were his rightful
successors, and that the leaders of Islam may be chosen by consensus.
OTHER DIFFERENCES
- Shiite clerics generally have more authority among their followers than
Sunni clerics do among theirs.
- Most Shiites reject the idea of predestination (that God has decided who
is saved and who is damned), which Sunnis accept.
- Shiites allow temporary marriages and use different inheritance laws.
Sources: Tribune reporting, University of Texas Library Online |
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