What are the major differences between Sunni and Shi'i prayer?
The differences between Sunni and Shi'i prayer practices can be observed in various aspects, including the number of daily prayers, the performance of certain actions during prayer, and specific phrases recited.
One major difference is the way the daily prayers are structured. While both Sunni and Shi'i Muslims pray five times a day, Shi'i Muslims often combine the Dhuhr (noon) and Asr (afternoon) prayers, as well as the Maghrib (sunset) and Isha (night) prayers. This means that they may perform three distinct prayer times instead of five separate ones.
In the performance of the prayers, Shi'i Muslims place their hands at their sides during standing, while Sunni Muslims typically fold their hands across their chest or abdomen. Additionally, during the prostration (sujud), Shi'i Muslims often place a small piece of clay or a stone (turbah) on the ground to touch their forehead to, believing it to be a form of humility and connection to the earth.
Regarding specific phrases, there are variations in the recitations. For instance, in the Tashahhud (a section of the prayer), Shi'i Muslims include the phrase "Ashhadu anna Aliyan Wali Allah" (I bear witness that Ali is the friend of Allah), which is not recited in Sunni prayers.
The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ also established various practices regarding prayer. For example, Sahih al-Bukhari narrates that The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray the morning prayer where one recognizes the companion's recitation and it ranged between sixty to a hundred verses. He used to pray the noon prayer when the sun declined, the afternoon prayer while the sun was still bright in the city. After praying the afternoon, one would go to the far end of Medina and return while the sun was still up. He forgot what he recited during the Maghrib prayer and was unconcerned about delaying the Isha prayer until one-third or half of the night
Sahih al-Bukhari 9:18.
These practices reflect the differences in how prayer is approached and conducted within Sunni and Shi'i traditions, highlighting both theological and ritual distinctions.
Sources
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Sahih al-Bukhari 9:18
Sahih al-Bukhari · Book 9, Hadith 18 · Narrated by Abu Burzah
The Prophet (ﷺ) used to pray the morning prayer where one recognizes the companion's recitation and it ranged between sixty to a hundred verses. He used to pray the noon prayer when the sun declined, the afternoon prayer while the sun was still bright in the city. After praying the afternoon, one would go to the far end of Medina and return while the sun was still up. He forgot what he recited during the Maghrib prayer and was unconcerned about delaying the Isha prayer until one-third or half of the night. Shu'bah said: I met Mu'adh and asked him whether it was one-third or half the night.
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