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Assalamu Alaikum =)

I saw that nobody has responded to this yet so I'll do my best to answer this question. AstaghfirAllah, may Allah forgive me if I make any mistakes, I will tell you what I know and understand.

the Shia/Sunni split came about because of two things. A different understanding and interpretation of Islam (or certain aspects of it) and a political event.

After the death of the Prophet (saw), a large group of people agreed, like most of the companions of the prophet, that a new leader for the muslims should be elected from a group of people capable of this task. And so Abu Bakr was elected to be the first caliph.

A smaller group of muslims, the Shia, felt that this was incorrect. They believe leadership of the muslims should have stayed in the Prophet's (saw) own family. They believe his cousin Ali should have become the caliph, and that after that, people from his family and special individuals chosen by Allah. Shia have a different understanding of Imams. They believe Imams are special, spiritual individuals free from error or sin and that have been chosen by divine decree through the Prophet (saw).

Over time, there came more differences between Shia and Sunni muslims. Shia muslims accept a few different ahadiths and reject some others.

For Shia muslims, Ali and Hussayn Ibn Ali (the Prophet's grandson) have great meaning, and they often depict Hussayn on flags and in other ways. While Sunnis believe it is wrong to use images. Hussayn is revered by Shia because he fought tyranny and was martyred in the Battle of Karbala. (Note: be wary of this, reverence of a person can be or is considered shirk)

During the month of Muharram, the Shia mourn the death of Hussayn. I believe they also may beat themselves as a means of showing devotion and mourning. While Sunni muslims remember the death of Hussayn, they believe self beating or self mutilation is Haram (as we are to look after our own bodies and take care of them, and not do anything that is harmful for our bodies)

They also differ in prayer. Sunni muslims pray five times a day, following the example of the Prophet (saw), and optionally pray Sunnah prayers of course. Shia (sometimes or always, I'm not sure) join Fajr and Dhuhr, Maghrib and Asr and then pray Isha, meaning they only pray 3 times a day. The Qur'an is specific about the 5 prayers at their appointed times. Prayers according to Islam can only be joined when one is travelling.

These are the major differences between Shia and Sunni Islam. There are other differences, such as in the wearing of hijab. I believe Shia women often wear the hijab covering their chin as well. And in their regulations on marriage.

Around 85% of Muslims are Sunni, while 13% are Shia. The remaining 2% are other small groups. The group of Shia muslims are concentrated mostly in Iran and Azerbaijan, and they are a majority in Iraq and a minority Afghanistan and Pakistan.

Especially in Iraq the Shia/Sunni violence is strong. However, it is good to keep in mind the political and historical background. Under Saddam Hussein, the smaller Sunni group was in power, while Shia were persecuted and discriminated against under the regime. With the American invasion of Iraq, the stability disappeared sectarian violence rose very quickly, turning into civil war.

Many Shia live in Pakistan as well, and the country has also know discord between Sunni and Shia muslims.



I hope I was able to help you somewhat, I tried not to make it too long =)

DANG THAT LONG sorry i dont read much u may need to sumerize it for people like me
SHIA-any was shia's are those who dont accept anyone other then the prophet him self no partners as in compaignians thay are extremely strict n thay beat themselves bloody during the month of muharram
SUNNIS-very flexible n accept everyone n thay dont beat themselves bloody its wrong to do so god gave u a body to live in not to beat in destroy it if he wanted u to destory it he could have dont that b4 u no

n im SUNNI n proud