You’ve probably heard in the news about different Islamic sects around the world. Islam, like any religion, has had its own internal disagreements within its lifetime that caused the formation of sects and subsects.
The most common sect in America is the Sunni group, followed by the Shiites (Shia), so it’s helpful to understand their beliefs and how they differ. This way we can better understand our Muslim friends and connect with them on a deeper level.
What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?
The Sunnis- Sunni Muslims make up the largest sect of Islam. They supported Abu Bakr as the rightful Khalif (Islamic Successor) after Muhammad’s death. Abu Bakr was Muhammad’s close friend and the father of his child-wife Aisha.
Saudi Arabia and Egypt are the religious hub of this sect that makes up over 85% of the Muslim population worldwide. Sunnis are proud of their "most accurate" beliefs and consider themselves the defenders of Islam.
The Shi’a or Shiites- Shiite Muslims are the second largest sect with 10-13% of the Muslim world population. Shia Muslims split from Sunni Muslims after Muhammad’s death to follow Ali, Muhammad’s nephew and son-in-law, whom they believe should have succeeded Muhammad. They believe that Ali’s 12th descendent (Almahdi) has been in hiding since 869 AD and will reveal himself right before Judgment Day.
Shiites feel they are the underdogs and they strive to prove their right to exist and impact the Islamic world. Iran leads that mission, followed by Iraq and Hezbollah in Lebanon.
What are the smaller sects of Islam?
The Wahhabis or Salafis- This Saudi-origin sect revolted against Sunnis to adopt a more strict and violent version of Islam. They are also known as Salafis and are largely present in Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and India. Many well known Jihadists stemmed from this sect, like Osama Bin-Laden.
The Sufis- The Sufi sect incorporates a mystical aspect of Hinduism in its beliefs. Other Islamic sects do not consider Sufis to be true Muslims. Sufis are usually less orthodox and more tolerant of other religions.
Folk Islam- Though not technically a sect, Folk Islam is a very common practice of occultism in every sect of Islam. Over 90% of Muslims practice Folk Islam to a degree.
The Nation of Islam- Centered in the United States, this movement is about raising the moral, social, and economic standing of non-whites, but in the past few decades it started to focus on spreading Islam. Malcolm X is a well known leader in this movement.
Are the Taliban and ISIS sects of Islam?
ISIS and the Taliban are not Islamic sects. They are missional, military, and political movements within Sunni Islam, just like Hamas is in Gazza, Boko Haram in Nigeria and over 50 other groups. For the Shiite Muslims, the major political/religious movements are Hezbollah in Lebanon and Alshabab group in Yemen.
Why do I need to know the difference between Sunni, Shia, and other Islamic sects?
It is important for Christians to know the different groups that make up the religion of Islam, especially when we get the opportunity to evangelize to a Muslim.
The more you learn about the Muslims in your life the more you will be able to understand them and build bridges. Ask why they are in a certain sect or what they know about the other sects; most will tell you they were born as a Sunni or Shiite so that is what they hold to. This brings up an important part of Islam: inheriting faith.
Use this opportunity to talk about your faith in Christ and how you have not inherited it from your parents, instead it is a direct relationship and personal choice.
In turn, be ready to answer any questions they’ll ask about your beliefs!
No matter what sect of Islam your Muslim friend is part of, this is true for all of them – they need the truth and the light of the Gospel. As you invest in the lives of Muslims around you, being equipped with knowledge about Islamic beliefs helps you to better understand your Muslim friends to reach them with the Truth!
Prayer for sharing the gospel with a Muslim
Dear Lord, please give me the opportunity to be a light in my Muslim friend’s life. Open a door for Your Word to touch their heart, so they may turn to you as their Lord. Amen.
