What are the basic differences between the main branches of Islam?
• In terms of Islamic belief, there are no significant differences among the Muslim people. However, Islam has two major branches: Sunni (~90%) and Shia (~10%). In historical context it meant that Sunni people follow the tradition of the prophet Muhammad (pbuh). The word “Sunni” literally means “tradition”. • There are only two Shia major countries: Iran and Iraq. Majority of Shia people live in Iran. The rest are Sunni countries. • The main difference between Sunni and Shia lies in the role of Prophets Muhammad’s family in the political arena. Shia people believe that Prophet’s family has to rule the Islamic World. Sunni people believe that rulers can be any qualified person regardless of his/her kinship to the Prophet. • In Sunni world, the consultative relation between administrative body and clergy has to be established. • In Shia world, the clergy directly interferes into the political arena, e.g., majority of Iran parliament is clergy people. • There are four schools of thoughts
