What's the Difference Between Shia and Sunni Muslims?

[Super Nova]

With the shite going on in the middle and near east I had to ask the question to myself this morning. A question I have discussed before but not researched. What is the differences between the Shia and Sunni Muslims and why the fuck are they fighting each other. They are their own biggest enemies. The west doesn't even count when it comes to their hatred of each other.

I found this simple explanation.

Maybe we should leave them to fight it out. We can never help until they sort themselves out. Now I see no hope. It's just going to go on and on and on. God is such a prick for engineering men to have a common belief but no way to get along politically.

Question: What's the Difference Between Shia and Sunni Muslims?

Answer: Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance.


Origins - A Question of Leadership
The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation. Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet."
On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself.

The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali bin Abu Talib. Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams which they believe have been appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God Himself. The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical "Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali." They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet).

More:http://islam.about.com/cs/divisions/f/shia_sunni.htm

[Rorschach]

I wouldn't blame God for it SN...

[Super Nova]

I wouldn't blame God for it SN...

He must be testing them then

[Rorschach]

Ever hear of free will?

[Super Nova]

Ever hear of free will?

I'm an atheist through and through just to clarify that point for you.

The fact that one side of the religion only recognises religious leadership through hereditary lines going back to the Prophet and the other via a voting system to elect the best man for the job is the root cause of their difference.

It would be like one of the Dan Brown books, imagine Jesus having a few sprogs and they were the head of the Catholic Church due to hereditary rights. My god (pun intended), we know how well hereditary leadership has worked through the ages.

This fundamental divide is needs to be resolved. There is no single leadership that can reform Islam. Until then... it's war and business as usual.

[Rorschach]

I think you've made that patently clear regularly.

I heard once a long time ago about another significant difference... can't recall it right now.

What if Islam has nothing to do with God per se.

[Super Nova]

What if Islam has nothing to do with God per se.

It probably has little to do with god and more to do with how they use the so called word of god to control and manage a society, the real purpose to religion anyway. Religion is a political instrument used by those who choose to implement laws that have been handed to them by god.

The opiate for the masses to consume so they remain compliant.

The fundamental teachings are as good as the bibles (old and new) however the connection to the legal system is what is wrong today.

While in a mental state heightened by illicit drugs and alcohol in my twenties the lord GOD said to me I am a prophet and I should teach the world a new way of living and a new world order. I forgot to right it down so no followers can read the true word of God. Bugger... I always thought I could make a million through starting my own religion. I just don't have the gift of bullshiting and therefore am not a salesman either.

I get my religious teaching from father Ted every Sunday night here in the UK. Now that is real truth.

[Super Nova]

This sort of thing doesn't help either. I have seen little news on this.

Syria: Catholic Priest beheaded by Islamists

Posted by: M K June 30, 2013 in Syria

Syria – The Vatican has confirmed the cold-blooded murder of the Franciscan priest François Murad (49). He was beheaded in the public by radical Islamic terrorists on Sunday the 23th of June in northern Syria in the region of Gassanieh.

http://www.syrianews.cc/syria-catholic- ... islamists/

WARNING: I just watched the recording in this link (after posting it) and it is extremely brutal and they say it is there to only show this because there are people who still deny that such atrocities are committed by the jihadists within Syria.

It is a beheading... it looks real to me.

You have been warned.