After leaving class today, I was still a little confused about what distinguishes Shias from Sunnis. After watching a few Youtube videos to help figure it out, I found one (linked below) that gives a very brief summary of what makes them different. It also brings in current day Sunni and Shia groups, talks about their geography, and interactions with one another and the United States. I found it very helpful and interesting, and I hope it could help some of you too!
By
3 thoughts on “Shi’ites and Sunnis”
aodalton
Thanks for the video! It smoothed over my understanding very well, especially geographically. I also found it interesting the three different depictions of some of the ways Shiites mourn the death of Ali’s son.
gsbaum
There are roughly 1.6 billion muslims in the world, in which 85% of them are Sunnis. The Sunnis believe that a close friend of the prophet should lead after Muhammad while the Shi’ites believe Ali (Muhammads son-in-law) should be the rightful successor. Shi’ite took over and marginalized the Sunnis.
jrlengen
Thanks Ash! This helps a lot, and I think it applies to what we’ve learned really nicely. Thanks for the clarification B!