what is a difference between Shi'ites and Sunnis ?

rooper115729 · #1 (**permalink**) 01-02-2010, 08:26 PM

Kate (the 10th) · #2 (**permalink**) 01-03-2010, 08:26 PM

Saddam, or something.

bazooka418667 · #3 (**permalink**) 01-08-2010, 08:26 PM

Shi'ites wear purple hats on Tuesdays whereas Sunnis wear orange socks on Mondays, so they've decided to bash each others' brains in over the matter

adam025018 · #4 (**permalink**) 01-12-2010, 08:26 PM

My general understanding is that the main difference is over who is the leader of the Islamic community and their relation to Muhammad. Shiites believe that their Imam is a descendant of Muhammad. Sunni Muslims (the majority, 90%) do not.

There's some other minor differences as well, such as how various holidays are celebrated. A better explanation is available here: http://islam.about.com/cs/divisions/f/shia_sunni.htm