Sunni and Shia Muslims follow very different religious practices and believe in very different prophets. Here are some of the key differences:
Sunni Muslims believe that there is one central authority in Islam – the Prophet Muhammad – while Shia Muslims believe in multiple authorities, including the Prophet Muhammad’s cousin and successor, Ali.
Sunni Muslims believe that the Quran is the only religious text that matters, while Shia Muslims believe that there are multiple religious texts, including the Quran, which should be taken into account.
Sunni Muslims pray in a straight line, while Shia Muslims pray in a variety of directions, often rotating their wrists in a way that represents the branches of the Tree of Life.
Sunni Muslims fast during the month of Ramadan, while Shia Muslims do not fast.
Sunni Muslims make a pilgrimage to Mecca, while Shia Muslims make a pilgrimage to the tombs of the Prophet Muhammad and his companions in Medina.
Sunni Muslims are the majority religion in Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Bahrain, while Shia Muslims are the majority religion in Iraq, Iran, and Lebanon.
