What was the main difference between the Sunni and Shia?
Those who followed the Prophet’s closest companion (Abu Bakr) became known as Sunni (the followers of the Prophet’s example – Sunnah). Those who followed the Prophet’s cousin and son-in-law (‘Ali) became known as Shi’a (the followers of the Party of ‘Ali – Shi’atu Ali).
What kind of Islam was Saddam Hussein?
A majority of Iraqi Arabs are Shias, but Sunnis ran the show when Saddam Hussein, himself Sunni, ruled Iraq.
Is Afghanistan Sunni or Shiite?
Afghanistan is an Islamic emirate, in which most citizens follow Islam. As much as 90% of the population follows Sunni Islam. According to The World Factbook, Sunni Muslims constitute between 84.7 – 89.7% of the population, and Shia Muslims between 10 – 15%.
Are Saudis Sunni or Shiite?
Most of the 15 to 20 million Saudi citizens are Sunni Muslims, while the eastern regions are populated mostly by Twelver Shia, and there are Zaydi Shia in the southern regions.
Where did the term Shiite come from?
One side believed that direct descendants of the prophet should take up the mantle of caliph – the leader of the world’s Muslims. They were known as the Shiat-Ali, or “partisans of Ali,” after the prophet’s cousin and son-in-law Ali, whom they favored to become caliph. They became known as Shiites.
When was Shiite founded?
632 CE
Shia Islam originated as a response to questions of Islamic religious leadership which became manifest as early as the death of Muhammad in 632 CE. The issues involved not only whom to appoint as the successor to Muhammad, but also what attributes a true successor should have.
Is Saudi Shiite or Sunni?
What countries are Sunni and Shiite?
Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia is led by the royal family of Sunni fundamentalists.
Which is bigger Sunni or Shia?
In terms of size, Sunni Muslims are the largest group of adherents within Islam, with close to ninety percent of Muslims coming from Sunni heritage. However, in certain countries, including Azerbaijan , Bahrain, Iran, and Iraq, Shia Islam is considered the majority group. The group known as Hezbollah is also Shia.
Why did the Sunni and Shia split?
Sunnis and Shia split occured after the death of the prophet Muhammad 632 BCE. Shia believed that Ali should be the new leader of the muslims because he is in the same family as Muhammad. Sunni Shia split. Shia wanted Ali to be the new leader because he was family to Muhammad.