The differences between Sunnis and Shiites: how strong are they and what are they?

Recently, Islam from the second world religion has become a true ideology. His influence is so strong that many consider him one of the most important factors of politics. At the same time, this religion is rather heterogeneous, and quite often serious conflicts arise between its supporters. Therefore, it will be useful to understand the differences between Sunnis and Shiites, the two main branches of Islam. Their names are often mentioned in the news, and at the same time most of us have a very vague idea about these currents.

Sunnis

Adherents of this trend in Islam got their name due to the fact that the main thing for nah is "sunna" - a set of foundations and rules based on the actions and sayings of the Prophet Muhammad. This source explains the difficult moments from the Koran and is a kind of complement to it. This is the key difference between Sunnis and Shiites. Note that this direction is dominant in Islam. In some cases, the following "sunnah" acquires fanatical, extreme forms. For example, the Afghan Taliban, who paid special attention not only to the type of clothing, but also the length of the beard in men.

Shiites

This line of Islam allows for a free interpretation of the prophet's instructions. However, not everyone has the right to this, but only the elite. The differences between Sunnis and Shiites include the fact that the latter are considered more radical, and their religious processions are characterized by a certain drama. This branch of Islam is the second in number and importance, and the name of its supporters means "adherents". But on this distinction of Sunnis and Shiites do not end. The latter are often called the "Ali party". This is due to the fact that after the prophet died, an argument arose in the Arab Caliphate regarding who should be transferred to the power. According to the Shiites, Ali bin Abi - the disciple of Muhammad and his closest relative - should become the Caliph. The split occurred almost immediately after the death of the prophet. After that, the war began, during which in 661 Ali was killed. Later, his sons, Hussein and Hasan, also perished. At the same time, the death of the first of them, which happened in 680, until now is perceived by the Shiites as a historical tragedy of all Muslims. In memory of this event, still on the day of Ashura, supporters of this current conduct emotional mourning processions, during which the participants in the procession beat themselves with sabers and chains.

What are the differences between Sunnis and Shiites?

Ali's party believes that the authority in the caliphate must be returned to the imams, as they call the direct descendants of Ali. Since Shiites believe that supreme power is inherently divine, they reject the very possibility of elections. According to their ideas, imams are a kind of intermediary between Allah and people. In contrast, the Sunnis believe that worship should be directly to Allah himself, and therefore the concept of mediators is alien to them. However, no matter how different the Sunnis and Shiites are, the differences between these currents during the Hajj are forgotten. The pilgrimage to Mecca is the most important event that unites all Muslims, no matter what differences they may have in faith.