Sunni and Shi'a Sects of Islam

There are many differences between the Sunni sect and the Shi'a sect of Islam. The name Sunni means "well trodden path", and Shi'a mean "party of Ali". The majority of Muslims belong to the Sunni sect. The biggest difference between these two sects is the difference of the Caliphs of each of the sects.

The caliph elected by the Sunni Muslims was Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr was the father-in-law of Muhammad. Abu Bakr considered himself to be the first person to convert to Islam. He also accompanied Muhammad on his journey to Medina in 622. When Muhammad died 632, he left no successor behind. He was then elected the Caliph. Under him Muhammad's revelations were recorded in the Koran (Muslim holy book), and brought central Arabia under control of the Muslims.

The caliph elected by the Shi'a Muslims was Ali. Ali was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad. He was elected in Medina after the assassination of the third caliph of Medina. Muslims respect Ali greatly for his knowledge, belief, honesty, unbending devotion to Islam, deep loyalty to Muhammad, equal treatment of all Muslims, and his forgivingness toward hi defeated enemies.

The Shi'a Muslims are a small sect of Islam that follow Ali. They sought out any Muslims that either felt neglected by the other Caliphs or by the Sunnis. Many of the non-Arab people that were converts of Islam became a part of the Shi'a sect. Although many Arabs became Shiites as well.

The Sunnis are the followers of Abu Bakr. The Sunni sect is the largest sect of Islam. The word Sunni itself means example. This sect calls themselves Sunni (example) referring to the example of Muhammad. The Sunnis not only had great respect for Muhammad, but for their caliph (Abu Bakr) as well.

Gordon, Matthew S. Islam:World Religions. New York: Facts on File Inc, 1991.

Wilkinson, Philip. Islam. New York: DK, 2002