Everytime I drive through Louisiana on Interstate 10.

I stop at he "Rice Palace" for some Crawfish Etouffee!!!

The basic difference is simple who was the proper person to take Mohammad place. But has spread to other areas of the religion.

What's the Difference Between Shia and Sunni Muslims?

Q. What's the Difference Between Shia and Sunni Muslims?
From Huda,
Your Guide to Islam.
FREE Newsletter. Sign Up Now!
A. Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith. The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Over the centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance.
The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation. Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet."

On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself.

The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali. Throughout history, Shia Muslims have not recognized the authority of elected Muslim leaders, choosing instead to follow a line of Imams which they believe have been appointed by the Prophet Muhammad or God Himself. The word "Shia" in Arabic means a group or supportive party of people. The commonly-known term is shortened from the historical "Shia-t-Ali," or "the Party of Ali." They are also known as followers of "Ahl-al-Bayt" or "People of the Household" (of the Prophet).

From this initial question of political leadership, some aspects of spiritual life have been affected and now differ between the two groups of Muslims.

Shia Muslims believe that the Imam is sinless by nature, and that his authority is infallible as it comes directly from God. Therefore, Shia Muslims often venerate the Imams as saints and perform pilgrimages to their tombs and shrines in the hopes of divine intercession. Sunni Muslims counter that there is no basis in Islam for a hereditary privileged class of spiritual leaders, and certainly no basis for the veneration or intercession of saints. Sunni Muslims contend that leadership of the community is not a birthright, but a trust that is earned and which may be given or taken away by the people themselves.

Shia Muslims also feel animosity towards some of the companions of the Prophet Muhammad, based on their positions and actions during the early years of discord about leadership in the community. Many of these companions (Abu Bakr, Umar, Aisha, etc.) have narrated traditions about the Prophet's life and spiritual practice. Shia Muslims reject these traditions (hadith) and do not base any of their religious practices on the testimony of these individuals. This naturally gives rise to some differences in religious practice between the two groups. These differences touch all detailed aspects of religious life: prayer, fasting, pilgrimage, etc.

Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims all over the world. Significant populations of Shia Muslims can be found in Iran and Iraq, and large minority communities in Yemen, Bahrain, Syria, and Lebanon.

It is important to remember that despite all of these differences in opinion and practice, Shia and Sunni Muslims share the main articles of Islamic belief and are considered by most to be brethren in faith. In fact, most Muslims do not distinguish themselves by claiming membership in any particular group, but prefer to call themselves simply, "Muslims."

For more detailed information about the historical context of the Shia/Sunni split, and modern-day interpretations and repercussions, please visit the links to the right.

Or see more at these links: The Origins of the Sunni/Shia split in Islam

Comparison Chart of Sunni and Shia Islam - ReligionFacts

Sunni-Shia relations - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

I just retested for the third time. Yes, I got 8 out of 8 correct. I now feel like I can run for POTUS!

Democracy. Muslims were voting for their leaders in Democratic elections before your country even existed.

__________________
"Well done Dubya. You freakin' imbecile." - ViolaLee

7 out of 8

__________________
Viva Fidel

If there ever was in the history of humanity an enemy who was truly universal, an enemy whose acts and moves trouble the entire world, threaten the entire world, attack the entire world in any way or another, that real and really universal enemy is precisely Yankee imperialism

They talk about the failure of socialism but where is the success of capitalism in Africa, Asia and Latin America?

Congrats.....

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

Did I say they didn't? gee I post a report from a site and you pick one line like I wrote it. When all I was doing was trying to answer another members question.

A lot of early technology was devised in the early times of the middle east. The Water clock, the first computer, the first super tankers but for soldiers, herbal meds. The list goes on and on.
I would only wish that all of the middle east return to building and developing theses
and more for the people.
So like India and China they prosper and become part of the growth of the world. And I have stated this before.
It has been mentioned that Islam is a new religion with growing pains as Christans had it it past. I think it still does have problems (Christians) But it went forward, not the reverse, nor over the long run did it stall out.
What happened to all men were created by one God and you can have your God while I have mine. But each is our brother and should be respected as such?
Islam (some followers) seems to think more than a thrid of the world is below them and need to either change or die. Why is that?

__________________
Yea can't keep the words of your great leader.

Prophet Muhammad - “Do you love your creator? Love your fellow-beings first.”

8/8 the questions weren't very hard.

Even then it doesn't bother me as much that you only got a 5/8 on it, because you aren't a member of government. McCain should have known the difference. This is very basic stuff and any member of congress, or presidential candidate that doesn't know the difference shouldn't be in office.

She was also a very poor and corrupt leader. While I would not have wished death on her, I am glad that she didn't get back into office.

one was a lucky guess

__________________