The identity and diversity of differing traditions in Islam
The main difference between SunniMuslims who believe in the successorship of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali as leaders of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad. and 厂丑颈鈥檃丑sThe word 'Shi'ah' comes from a phrase meaning 'followers of Ali'. Shi'ah Muslims believe that Ali succeeded the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims stems from a debate about leadership. The question is:
Should there be a family line or rulers, or did Prophet MuhammadThe Arab prophet who founded the religion of Islam. intend for there to be elections to find the best candidate to lead?
Those who believe in the election of a new leader became known as Sunni Muslims.
Sunni Muslims
The word 'Sunni' is related to the Arabic word SunnahThe Prophet Muhammad鈥檚 customary practice in his day-to-day living, recorded in six major collections and regarded as a model of Muslim behaviour. and means 'followers of the Prophet's Sunnah or tradition'.
Sunnis make up the majority of Muslims worldwide. They believe that Muhammad鈥檚 role as the prophet of AllahThe Arabic word for God, commonly used by Muslims. ended with him. In other words, no one else revealed Allah鈥檚 laws and will after Muhammad.
厂丑颈鈥檃丑 Muslims
The word 'Shi'ah' comes from a phrase meaning 'followers of Ali'.
Ali was the Prophet Muhammad鈥檚 son-in-law and cousin.
For 厂丑颈鈥檃丑 Muslims, the Hadith of Ali (the record of the traditions or sayings of Ali) is consulted as well as those of Muhammad.
厂丑颈鈥檃丑 Muslims believe that a new imamA Muslim religious figure who leads the communal prayer and is also a leader in the local community and mosque. In Shi'a Islam, the title is given to a line of descendants of Muhammad (twelve in all) who are believed to be exemplary human beings. should be chosen by his predecessor through divine inspiration. In other words, it is Allah鈥檚 choice, and Allah did not leave Muslims without guidance and leadership.
Sufi Muslims
The members of this section of Islam want to feel as close to Allah as they possibly can, they are not happy with simply following the Five Pillars of IslamThe five observances which must be followed by all practising Muslims. They are Shahadah, Salah (or Salat), Zakat, Sawm and Hajj..
Sufi Muslims trace back to the 8th century CEThe abbreviation for the Christian Era or Common Era, referring to a year that falls after the birth of Jesus. to a group who dedicated their lives to reflection and meditation based on the 蚕耻谤鈥檃苍The sacred book in Islam, it is believed that it contains the word of God, dictated by Angel Jibril and written in Arabic.. This tradition emphasises a relationship with Allah. There is a focus on purity of the heart, rather than living out rituals.