For over 1,400 years, Islam has been a rich, multifaceted faith followed by diverse communities around the world. Among the most well-known branches within Islam are the Sunnis and the Shias.

Despite sharing the same foundational beliefs—the oneness of Allah, the prophethood of Muhammad (peace be upon him), the Quran, and the Day of Judgment—there remains a significant gap of misunderstanding between these two groups.

Much of this stems not from theology alone, but from centuries of political history, cultural divergence, and limited exposure to one another.

This article seeks to respectfully unpack some of the most common misconceptions each group may hold about the other, while emphasizing shared values and the importance of informed dialogue.

Common Sunni Misconceptions About Shias

1. “Shias Worship Ali (RA)”

This is a prevalent misunderstanding. In reality, Shias deeply revere Imam Ali (RA)—the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him)—but they do not worship him.

Their admiration stems from their belief in his rightful leadership after the Prophet’s death, not from divinization. Worship in Islam is solely reserved for Allah, and mainstream Shia theology upholds this principle.

2. “Shias Have a Different Quran”

Contrary to myth, Shias and Sunnis read the same Quran. Both groups regard it as the unaltered, divine word of God. Differences in interpretation exist, just as they do within Sunni schools of thought, but the text itself remains identical.

3. “Shias Curse the Companions”

While historical grievances have led to critical views of certain companions by some Shia scholars, the idea that all Shias collectively curse the companions is false. Mainstream Shia thought respects many of the Prophet’s companions, although there is a nuanced and often emotional view of the events following the Prophet’s death, especially regarding the early caliphate.

4. “Shias Don’t Pray Like Sunnis”

Shias perform the same five daily prayers as Sunnis, facing the same qiblah and reciting the same surahs. However, Shia jurisprudence allows the combining of certain prayers (e.g., Dhuhr with Asr, and Maghrib with Isha), based on their interpretation of prophetic traditions. This practice is not a rejection of the prayer system but a different application of it.

5. “Shias Are Always Mourning”

Ashura, the day of mourning for Imam Hussain (RA) and the tragedy of Karbala, holds deep emotional significance for Shias. However, reducing Shia spirituality to mourning alone is inaccurate. Shias also celebrate religious holidays, uphold daily acts of worship, and find joy in the remembrance of Allah just like their Sunni counterparts.

Common Shia Misconceptions About Sunnis

1. “Sunnis Don’t Love the Ahlul Bayt”

This is a painful misunderstanding, especially given how deeply both Sunnis and Shias value the Prophet’s family. Sunni scholars and texts include countless praises and narrations about the Ahlul Bayt, and their love is an essential part of Sunni creed. The difference lies more in expression than in intention.

2. “Sunnis Support the Killers of Imam Hussain (RA)”

The tragedy of Karbala is mourned by all Muslims. Sunni Islam does not condone the actions of those responsible for Imam Hussain’s (RA) death. In fact, many Sunni scholars and historians label the event as a profound injustice and honor Imam Hussain as a martyr of Islam.

3. “Sunnis Prioritize the Majority Over the Quran and Sunnah”

While Sunni legal tradition includes ijma (consensus) and qiyas (analogy), these are supplementary methods used to interpret the Quran and Sunnah, not replacements. Shariah in Sunni Islam is grounded firmly in the primary sources of Islam, much like in Shia jurisprudence.

4. “Sunnis Lack Spiritual Depth”

This stems from viewing Sunnism only through a legalistic lens. In truth, spiritual traditions such as Sufism, which emphasize love, remembrance (dhikr), and purification of the heart, are deeply embedded within Sunni Islam. Many Sunni Muslims strive for inner connection with Allah, just as Shias do.

5. “Sunnis Reject Imam Ali’s Leadership”

Sunnis accept Imam Ali (RA) as the fourth rightly guided caliph and a paragon of piety and wisdom. The disagreement lies in the sequence and legitimacy of leadership after the Prophet’s death, not in the status or reverence of Ali himself.

Shared Misconceptions and the Danger of Division

1. “The Other Group Isn’t Muslim”

This is one of the most damaging misconceptions. While fringe voices may question each other’s faith, mainstream Sunni and Shia scholars affirm the Islamic identity of both groups. They share the shahada (testimony of faith), pray in the same direction, and worship the same God.

2. “Historical Politics Equal Religious Doctrine”

Much of the division between Sunnis and Shias emerged from political struggles—caliphate succession, dynastic rivalries—not from fundamental theological discord. Confusing historical politics with religious doctrine continues to breed unnecessary animosity.

3. “All Theological Differences Are Fundamental”

Yes, there are differences—in leadership views, jurisprudence, and hadith collections. But these are far outweighed by the shared beliefs and values. Unity does not require uniformity, especially when the core creed remains intact.

4. “Extreme Practices Define the Entire Group”

Judging an entire sect by the actions of its most extreme elements is not only unfair—it’s dangerous. Just as not all Sunnis can be defined by political movements or fringe ideologies, not all Shias can be judged by isolated rituals. Nuance matters.

Bridging the Divide: A Path Toward Unity

1. Encourage Dialogue, Not Debate

Genuine curiosity and mutual respect are more powerful than debate. Dialogue should aim to understand, not to win. Inter-sect family ties, friendships, and open community forums can play a pivotal role in reducing ignorance.

2. Focus on Shared Pillars of Islam

Both Sunnis and Shias pray, fast during Ramadan, pay zakat, perform Hajj, and turn to Allah in times of need. These shared pillars form the foundation of Islamic unity.

3. Teach Compassionate Theology

Children and new Muslims often inherit sectarian views without context. Educating the next generation about the diversity within Islam—without vilification—can lead to a more unified future.

4. Challenge Extremism With Knowledge

Extremism thrives on ignorance. Whether online or in community settings, Muslims must speak out against voices that promote hatred, and instead offer factual, respectful perspectives on differences.

The Shia-Sunni divide, while real, is not insurmountable. The roots of many misconceptions lie in misunderstanding, not malice. By choosing to educate ourselves and others with humility and sincerity, we can begin to see our shared faith more clearly than our inherited divisions.

In a world already marred by division, the Muslim ummah has a unique opportunity—and responsibility—to model unity within diversity. Respect does not require agreement, but it does demand honesty, compassion, and a willingness to listen.

Let us move beyond the labels, and toward the light of mutual understanding.