Shia–Sunni relations

Shias, a term that stems from shi'atu Ali, Arabic for “partisans of Ali,” believe that Ali and his descendants are part of a divine order. Sunnis, meaning followers of the sunna, or “way” in Arabic, of Mohammed, are opposed to political succession based on Mohammed's bloodline.

Shia–Sunni Relations Media

• Madhhab Map3.png

  The distribution of the predominant Islamic madhhab (school of thought within fiqh (Islamic jurisprudence)) followed in the Muslim-majority countries and regions. Derived from

• Madhhab Map2.png
• Tehran Friday prayer - 16 March 2018 (13961225000386636568071894544919 84859).jpg

  A Sunni Muslim (left) beside a Shia Muslim (right) showing different ways of holding arms during 16 March 2018 Tehran Friday prayer, Iran.

• Destruction of the Tomb of Husain at Kerbela.jpg

  Destruction of the Tomb of Husayn ibn Ali at Karbala, condemned in a Mughal era manuscript.

• Yavuz Sultan Selim who delivered a devastating blow to the Shia Safavids and Ismail I in the Battle of Chaldiran, a battle of historical significance.

• Masyaf6.jpg

  Rashid ad-Din Sinan the Grand Master of the Ismaili Shia at Masyaf successfully deterred Saladin, not to assault the minor territories under the control of their sect.

• Mosque damage.JPG

  Damage to a mosque in Khorramshahr, Iran