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Knowledge Central > Muslim Groups > What are the Sunni and Shi'a?
The two main branches in Islam are the Sunnis and the Shi’a. Sunni Muslims constitute the majority of the world’s Muslim population at around 85%. Approximately 15% of Muslims are Shi’a and are predominantly found in Iran, where they constitute the majority, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Afghanistan; with some presence in other areas of the Persian gulf. The name ‘Sunni’ comes from the word Sunnah, which means ‘the example of the Prophet Muhammad’. Shi’a, the word for ‘party’, refers to the ‘followers of Ali or party of Ali’ as Shi’a Muslims supported Ali’s claim to leadership of the early Muslim community. There are not profound differences in the fundamentals of the faith, or aqidah, between the two branches of Islam, but the division runs deep and can be strongly felt on certain points.
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Monday 17th March 2008
Campusalam Facebook Site
A Campusalam Facebook site now exists to share views and keep up with debate. Visit Facebook.com and search for "Campusalam"
Thursday 29th May 2008
Run a Campusalam event?
If you would like to be one of the first to run a Campusalam event. We have interesting speakers who can help make the event a success. contact us.
Saturday 25th October 2008
CAMPUSALAM AT GPU EVENT!
Campusalam is coming to the Global Peace & Unity Event in London. Come and see our stand, speak to us all weekend at this exciting convention
See www.theglobalunity.com/08/ for details.
