Sunni vs. Shia

Remember back when John McCain let it slip that he didn’t know the difference between Sunni and Shia? While liberal elites snickered out loud, most folks shrugged: they don’t know either.

But we should!

Like Protestants and Catholics in Christianity, Sunnis and Shias are the main sects or branches of the Muslim community, and they share the core beliefs and practices of Islam. After the death of the prophet Muhammad – the founder of Islam – in 632 C.E., a struggle emerged within the nascent religious community. One faction supported the leadership of Ali, Muhammad’s cousin and brother-in-law, and the other supported those who became known as the Rashidun – the first four Caliphs . It was the latter faction which assumed control of the caliphate – the growing Islamic empire -- expanding the territory ruled by Muslims in the decades after Mohammed’s death.

In 680 C.E., there was a battle between the forces of Abu Bakr, who represented the official Caliphate and the followers of Ali. The word ‘Sunna’ means ‘the way’ reflecting adherence to orthodoxy. The opposition called themselves the Party of Ali, or ‘Shi’at Ali’, hence – the Shia, or Shi’ites. The battle ended badly for Ali’s forces; his son Hussein died, and many others were killed. The theme of a righteous few fighting against hopeless odds and martyring themselves is central to Shi’ite identity.

This story has replayed in various places and times, as the Sunni Muslims are more numerous and powerful; even when they are not more numerous, the Shia have still been poorer and politically weaker.

Sunni and Shia in Geopolitics:

Shias are the majority in only a few Muslim countries and are often seen as the underdogs elsewhere. In Saddam Hussein’s Iraq in particular the Shia were oppressed by the Sunni-dominated regime. In Lebanon, the Shia also felt marginalized, claiming they were denied their fair share of resources by the dominant Christian and Sunni communities.

But nearly half the population of the core of the Asian Middle East (Lebanon, Syria, Israel/Palestine, Jordan, Iraq, Iran and the Arabian Peninsula states) are Shia. Inspired partly by the Iranian Revolution, Shia in various countries have struggled more openly for political representation since 1979.

The Sunni-ruled countries of Egypt, Jordan, and Saudi Arabia are all allies of the United States, and nervous about the rise of Shia power in the Middle East. Lebanon, Iraq, Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, and Oman all have Shia communities whose political ambitions would change the balance of power in those countries. It’s entirely possible that the 21^st Century will see the Shia as the dominant branch of Islam in the Persian Gulf, including most of the reserves of Middle East oil.

Why Should We Care?

The media have been known to sensationalize the practices of some Shia, and they often play up the significance of the Sunni-Shia divide. In practice, it is hard to make overly broad generalizations about the two. Both communities are incredibly diverse, with conflict and cooperation often related to local conditions and historical relations rather than geo-politics. Seen from a distance, both Sunnis and Shia have a lot in common, and members of both sects often feel as though their religion is under attack from the West and in the West. Learning about Islam and showing respect towards its core beliefs is probably a better course of action than dwelling too much on the differences between Sunni and Shia.

Since 1979, observers in the West have often identified the wave of Islamism in the Middle East with the Iranian revolution. Elements within Iran (Revolutionary Guards) have been active in exporting “Islamic Revolution” in the past 3 decades, most notably in Lebanon, by supporting the Hezbollah against Israel. Since the second Intifada (2000), Iran has provided some help to the Palestinians. While Iran’s help for its Shia co-religionists in Lebanon was seen as legitimate, using its power to directly assist Palestinian groups is seen by some as undue interference in the Sunni part of the Middle East.

With the rise of (Sunni) al-Qaida and attacks of 9/11, the West has focused more extensively on Sunni religious extremists, notably the Salafist forces active in Afghanistan and Iraq. Those forces are also extreme in their hatred of Shia Islam, which they view as apostasy. This has created the awkward situation in which the US and Iran are often on the same side, fighting Sunni and Salafist forces. Iran and the US both supported the Northern Alliance, which defeated the Taliban and both countries support the Shia-led government in Iraq and both want to see the radical Sunni Salafists defeated.

Sunni and Shia beliefs at a glance:

Shia –only descendants of Mohammed should have led the Muslim community.

Sunni – early Shi’ites were wrong – the Caliphate established by after Mohammed’s death was legitimate.

Shia – the Mahdi, or hidden Imam, is a central figure in end times eschatology.

Sunni – nope!

Shia – leadership should be conferred on those who combine the revealed, legalistic aspects of religion, as well as the esoteric, spiritual side. Leaders are preferably, descendents of the prophet.

Sunni – mainstream focus on jurisprudence. Esoteric and mystical side represented by Sufism.

FAQ:

Q: In terms of religious practice, how different are Sunnis and Shia?

A: They are very similar. Most daily and annual activities are the same. Shia practice often involves an additional pro-Ali component.

Q: I’ve heard that the Shia have “odd” beliefs in comparison to the Sunnis. What might that refer to?

A: As a consequence of being persecuted, the Shia allow the practice of “Taqiya” or occultation. That means that it is sometimes permissible to hide one’s true beliefs. The Shia also allow for “temporary marriage,” a custom that is not common, and has been criticized for resembling prostitution.

Q: The original cult of Assassin’s was a Shi’ite sect.

A: True. They were called “Hashishiyun,” or “hash smokers.” Europeans pronounced it incorrectly, resulting in the word “assassin.” During the Crusades, a group of devoted religious warriors living in the Mountains of Lebanon struck terror throughout the Arab world by sending assassins to the courts of various princes and monarchs. This was the original “asymmetrical warfare” model, as the threatened princes found it near impossible to strike back, and the assassins themselves seemed to be unafraid of death. It’s important to remember that this group is marginal to the overall story of Shi’ite Islam.

Q: Both Sunni and Shia don’t agree on the separation of Mosque and State.

A: It’s a mixed bag. Throughout Muslim history, there has been a tension between rulers who have the blessing of religious leaders, but don’t want to be under a religious hierarchy. Within both Shia and Sunni communities there are long traditions arguing for greater and lesser involvement of religion in state affairs.