Welcome to the forums. As long as the discussion stays respectful on all sides we’ll be fine
I would be happy to try. Roughly 85% of Muslims are Sunni and about 15% are Shi’a. The division between the two occured after Muhammed, pbuh, died. One group felt that the Prophet had appointed Ali as his successor, while the other felt that he had left no successor. The group that followed Ali became known as the Shī’at 'Ali, or “party of Ali.” They are commonly known as the Shi’a. The other group elected the first caliph, Abu Bakr, as its leader. This group came to be known as Ahl ul-Sunna or people of the tradition. They are commonly called Sunnis. There are also differences over the Hadith. You can obtain more information by visiting here: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sunni_Islam and en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shi%60a_IslamWelcome to the forums. As long as the discussion stays respectful on all sides we’ll be fine
Perhaps you could begin by giving us a little idea of the difference between Sunni Muslims and Shi’ite Muslims.
No, not really. It is really a question of political and spiritual authority and the subsequent disagreements that followed. We both read the same Quran but there are disagreements over the Hadith, which is probably what has resulted in the main differences between Sunni and Shi’a law, scholarship, etc. You might consider it similar to the difference between Orthodox and Catholic, if I may be so bold. Not exactly the same but kind of similar.
To be perfectly honest, I am not entirely sure. Sometimes there are Sunnis and Shi’a who forget that both groups are Muslim. I can’t answer why they choose to fight. I certainly know that I don’t want to hurt Shi’a and I have Shi’a friends who don’t want to hurt me.
Yes, we do in most places. Here in America and Europe we live in peace. Right now, the worst fighting between Sunni and Shi’a is taking place in Iraq and Afghanistan, which makes me think that the issue isn’t so much religious as it is political and economic and whatever reasons people choose to go to war.
Thank you for the warm welcome and the kind words.
They are predominately Sunni, as are most Muslim nations. The largest portion of Shi’a live in Iran, Iraq, and Azerbaijan, where they constitute a majority. There are also large minorities of Shi’a in places like Pakistan, Afghanistan and others.
how insightful. Did you mean to imply that the Catholic Church denies Muslims or others salvation by this post? " I am a Catholic but,
Welcome to the world of ignorance. The Catholic Church does not rule out salvation to Muslims. And in fact, there is a mystery how some will enter heaven per the Church. It may be you.
Before I spend too much of my valuable time, may I ask if you own a CCC?