What Is the Difference Between Sunni and Shia Islam?
Learn the difference between Sunni and Shia Islam for GCSE Religious Studies, including succession after Muhammad, religious authority and shared beliefs.
The main difference between Sunni and Shia Islam is who Muslims believed should lead the community after the Prophet Muhammad died. Sunni Muslims accepted Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad, as the first caliph. Shia Muslims believed that Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and son-in-law, should have succeeded him.
Leadership and authority
A caliph is a leader of the Muslim community. Sunni Muslims accepted a succession of caliphs beginning with Abu Bakr; they recognise Ali as the fourth caliph. Shia Muslims regard Ali as the first imam, a religious leader with a special role in guiding the community. Different Shia groups have different beliefs about the imams, so avoid assuming that every Shia Muslim follows exactly the same line of leaders.
This difference affects how religious authority is understood. Sunni Muslims look to the Qur’an, the Sunnah (the example of Muhammad) and the work of scholars for guidance. Shia Muslims also follow the Qur’an and Muhammad’s example, while giving particular importance to the teachings of the imams.
What do they share?
Sunni and Shia Muslims share central Islamic beliefs, including belief in one God, the importance of the Qur’an and Muhammad as God’s messenger. Both pray, fast during Ramadan and regard worship and moral conduct as important. The difference over succession does not mean they belong to separate religions.
One event that is especially significant to Shia Muslims is the death of Husayn, Ali’s son, at Karbala. Many Shia Muslims mourn him on Ashura. Sunni Muslims also recognise Husayn’s importance, though they generally observe Ashura differently.
Exam mistake to avoid: Do not write that Sunni Muslims rejected Ali altogether. They recognise him as a caliph; the disagreement concerns who should have led the community first and the nature of religious authority.
