Shia and Sunni are the two main branches of Islam. Both groups share the same Qur’an, the same Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ), and the same belief in one God (Allah).
The difference between them mainly comes from early Islamic history, especially regarding leadership after the Prophet ﷺ.
This article explains the topic in a neutral, educational, and respectful way.
What Are Sunni and Shia Muslims?
Sunni Muslims
Sunni Muslims make up the majority of the Muslim population. “Sunni” comes from “Ahl al-Sunnah,” meaning the people who follow the Sunnah of the Prophet ﷺ.
Shia Muslims
Shia Muslims believe the leadership of the Muslim Ummah should have remained within the family of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, starting with Imam Ali (RA).
“Shia” comes from “Shīʿatu ʿAlī,” meaning the followers of Ali.
Historical Origin of the Difference
After the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away, Muslims discussed who should lead the community.
- Sunni Muslims supported Abu Bakr (RA) as the first caliph.
- Shia Muslims believed that Imam Ali (RA), the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law, was the rightful successor.
This difference in leadership selection led to the development of two branches.
Major Beliefs Shared by Both Sunni and Shia
Despite differences, both groups share core Islamic beliefs:
- One God (Allah)
- Prophet Muhammad ﷺ as the final messenger
- The Holy Qur’an as the word of Allah
- Five Pillars of Islam
- Belief in angels, prophets, and Day of Judgment
- Love and respect for Ahl-e-Bayt (family of the Prophet ﷺ)
The foundations of Islam remain the same.
Key Differences Between Sunni and Shia
Below are the main neutral differences:
Leadership (Caliph vs Imam)
- Sunnis: Follow caliphs chosen by the community.
- Shias: Follow a line of Imams, starting with Imam Ali (RA).
Religious Authority
- Sunnis rely on scholars and schools of fiqh.
- Shias look to their Imams for spiritual guidance.
Commemoration of Karbala
Shia Muslims give more emphasis to the tragedy of Karbala and martyrdom of Imam Hussain (RA), especially during Muharram.
Prayer Practices
- Slight differences in hand positioning, call to prayer, and prayer timings.
- Both pray facing the Kaaba and follow same fundamental rules.
Jurisprudence Schools
- Sunnis: Hanafi, Shafi’i, Maliki, Hanbali
- Shias: Jafari fiqh (mainly)
These differences are mostly historical and jurisprudential, not foundational.
Similarities Between Sunni and Shia
Despite the differences, both groups:
- Recite the same Qur’an
- Believe in the same Prophet ﷺ
- Perform Salah, Sawm, Zakat, Hajj
- Follow Islamic values of justice, charity, and compassion
- Love Ahl-e-Bayt and Sahaba (in their own interpretations)
The similarities are much greater than the differences.
Population of Sunni and Shia Worldwide
- Sunni Muslims: 85%–90%
- Shia Muslims: 10%–15%
Major Shia populations exist in Iran, Iraq, Lebanon, Bahrain, Pakistan, India.
Sunni Muslims form the majority in most Muslim countries.
