Differences and Similarities Between Sunni and Shi'A

How many Sunni are there worldwide?

1.2 billion

How many Shi’A are there worldwide?

200 million

Who did the Sunni support to follow Mohammad as the Islamic leader?

Abu Bakr

Who did the Shi’A support to follow Mohammad as the Islamic leader?

Ali

For Sunnis, who is divinely guided?

Mohammed was the last person to be divinely guided

For Shi’A, who is divinely guided?

Imams

Do Sunni’s condemn or tolerate the Ashura procession?

Condemn

What events do the Shi’A commemorate?

Martyrdom of Shiite leader Hussein by Sunnis; Massive parades where men symbolically or literally whip themselves

Both Sunni and Shi’A believe in the 5 Pillars of Faith

True

Both Sunni and Shi’A are monotheistic

True

Friday is the holy day only for Sunni

False; holy day for both

Both Sunni and Shi’A believe Jesus is a prophet of God

True

Only Shi’A believe that Mohammed should not be worshipped

False; both believe he shouldn’t be worshipped

Who believes that Jesus did not die on the cross, and that Allah saved him?

Both Sunni and Shi’A

Who believes that Christians and Jews are “fellow peoples of the book”?

Both Sunni and Shi’A