In the ever-evolving landscape of media, a major divide persists between Sunni and Shia Muslims, diverting attention away from what brings the two sects together. Yet, it is vital to acknowledge the differences as a pathway to enhance our understanding of different interpretations, rather than relying on platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. Over the years, I have noticed that inter-religious dialogue is taboo in Islamic tradition – all while bullying and persecution are steadily on the rise.
I recently engaged with my friend and fellow freshman Sadaf Heidari in a respectful discussion about our religious beliefs while going over some key differences. I was motivated to educate myself more about the faith when I found out that one of my roommates also follows Shia Islam. I adhere to the Sunni sect, while Heidari follows the Shia sect.
The distinguishing belief between the two sects involves the leadership and succession after the Prophet Muhammad’s (PBUH) death.
“I believe that the Prophet (PBUH) publicly designated his cousin and son-in-law, Hazrat Ali on Eid Al Ghadir, as the first in a line of hereditary Imams from the Prophet’s family to lead the community after him,” said Heidari. In contrast, Sunnis believe that Caliphs are elected through consultation instead of assigning the Caliphs as the Prophet’s (PBUH) descendants.
While Sunnis believe that there are four main Caliphs and don’t necessarily believe in a set number of leaders in Islam, I learned that Shias’ beliefs vary within smaller sects. Heidari believes in Twelver Shia Muslim, meaning twelve Imams.
“The Followers of the Members of the House of the Prophet (S) refer to twelve Imams starting with Imam ‘Ali (as) and ending with Imam Mahdi (as),” said Heidari.
Not only was it interesting to learn this new knowledge, but I also was not aware that Shias have sects within their faith, similar to how Sunnis follow one of four main schools of thought.
Regarding the Hadith, Heidari explained to me that Shias have similar yet varying beliefs to Sunnis.
“We have different books of hadith and agree with just some of the same hadiths as Sunnis but not all, such as Aisha’s age when she got married to the prophet PBUH,” said Heidari. “Aisha was seventeen years of age during the first year of the Hijrah, and married the Prophet (PBUH) when she was nineteen years old.”
Before this topic, I had a now glaring misconception that Shias do not follow the Hadith at all, so it was insightful to learn that we share common adherence to some of the Sunni hadiths. I also learned that they combine their prayers into three instead of five.
Near the end, we went over what brings our two sects together.
We agreed that there is a common misconception that Shias do not respect Prophet Muhammad (PBUH); however, both sects show deep admiration for him being the final messenger of Allah (SWT). Both sects believe that there is no doubt in the perfection of the Quran, they adhere to the five pillars of faith and believe in monotheism.
When I see the news, it’s heartbreaking to see that people are bombing Shia mosques and torturing them in Muslim countries. Heidari and I agreed that it’s crucial for both sects to support each other as one Ummah. Putting importance on small differences tears us apart, so it’s better to realize that both sects follow the core principles of Islam. Despite our disparities, we both found common ground in acknowledging that we share a fundamental identity as Muslims.
“Islam is one and only as long as we both believe in oneness of Allah and believe and practice Qur’an,” said Heidari.