The difference between the two sects of Islam is very subtle.
SHIITE ISLAM
Shiite muslims don't believe that the first three caliphs are valid. They believe that Ali and his succesors are the real rulers. Shiite Islam is the small branch of Islam. Najif and Kerbala in Iraq are Shiitism's most holy sites. Shiite Islam today is concentrated in the steppes of Central Asia.
| Country | Number of Shiites |
Population Percent Shiite |
|---|---|---|
| Iran | 61,000,000 | 93% |
| Oman | 948,750 | 75 |
| Bahrain | 400,000 | 65 |
| Azerbaijan | 4,700,000 | 61 |
| Iraq | 11,000,000 | 55 |
| Lebanon | 1,370,000 | 40 |
| Yemen | 3,170,000 | 36 |
| Kuwait | 550,000 | 30 |
| Pakistan | 26,700,000 | 25 |
| Syria | 1,300,000 | 17 |
| United Arab Emirates | 400,000 | 16 |
| Turkey | 6,000,000 | 15 |
| Afghanistan | 3,560,000 | 15 |
| Saudi Arabia | 620,000 | 15 |
| Tajikistan | 300,000 | 5 |
| Total Countries: 15 | Countries with Majority: 5 |
SUNNI ISLAM
Sunni Islam recognizes the first four caliphs as the "Rightly Ruled" caliphs. They believe that rulers should rule by the example of Muhammad. This sect is the majority of Muslims. Sunni Muslims are concentrated in the Middle East. Indonesia and the Phillipines also have a majority of Sunni Muslims.
