This is a comparative paper focusing on the two major branches of Islam, Sunni and Shi’a. There will be a brief description of Sunni, which will include a condensed version of this subdivision’s origins and a few of the main figureheads of the sect. There will also be a repetition of this for the branch known as Shi’a. This will be followed by the similarities and differences between the two sectors. After this, the importance of the differences and similarities will be discussed. I will start this section with a definition of Sunni along with several possible translations of the word Sunna, which is the Arabic word that Sunni is derived from. The definition of Sunni is as quoted: “The Muslims of the branch of Islam that adheres to the orthodox …show more content…
As was mentioned, Sunni comes from the word Sunna, which has several different – yet similar – Arabic translations. The most commonly known is “the way” or “trodden path.” A few, less common translations of this term are “example” and “habitual practice.” All of these distinct renditions refer to the way of Muhammad and his loyal acolytes (Library, "Religion Library: Sunni Islam"). These acolytes who observe the Sunni praxis are referred to as Sunnis, or, as an alternative, Sunnites ("Sunni Islam "). Before we get into the detail, I will dispense some quintessential information about the Sunni branch of Islam. Firstly, the main sacred text of Sunni Islam is the Qur’an, which is the word of God as dictated to Muhammad. In addition, the Prophet of Sunni is Muhammed. In the Sunni branch, the second most important figure, the Prophet’s successor -- or preferentially the caliph – is chosen by the community to become the leader. The caliph will enforce the Shariah (the Arabic term for Islamic Law). The Shariah is used to solve many social issues, such as marriage, divorce, and other