Reply #16: Chagrined here. Thanks for the reality check. I had a playbook fade, sorry

[pinto]

http://seattlepi.nwsource.com/national/40241_islamsects.shtml


Sunni and Shiite Sects
Tuesday, September 25, 2001


There are two major Islamic sects: Sunni and Shiite. The two groups are very similar, although the Shiites exalt their Imams as a line of inspired teachers. The two sects have also had sharp political differences. The split stems from the early days of Islam and arguments over Mohammed's successors as caliph or leader.


Sunni comprise about 85 percent of all Muslims. Nations with Sunni majority include Egypt, Saudi Arabia and most other Arab nations, as well as non-Arab Turkey and Afghanistan. Most Palestinian Muslims are Sunni.


Shiite are the second-largest sect. Iran is the only nation with an overwhelming Shiite majority. Iraq, Lebanon and Bahrain also have large Shiite communities.