Shia vs Sunni Islam: History, Culture, and What Travelers Will Notice

When you travel through the Middle East or Muslim-majority countries in Asia and Africa, you quickly realize that religion is an important part of daily life. I lived in the Middle East for several years and witnessed firsthand how Islam played an extremely important role in the lives of the average person. Same thing applies in most parts of Africa. For example, in the Northern parts of Ghana and Nigeria, Islam is the predominant religion and dominates or rather dictates the lives of the average Muslim in these regions. To most, Islam comes first before anything. That’s how important their Islamic faith is.

Because I’ve spent years living and traveling in Muslim-majority countries, friends and fellow travelers often turn to me with questions about Islam. Some want to know what to expect before they visit a new place. Others are just curious about the traditions and daily practices they might encounter on their journey.

One of the questions I hear the most is also one of the simplest: What’s the difference between Shia and Sunni Muslims? It’s an honest curiosity, and I get it. When you’re exploring a new culture, a little understanding can make your travels so much richer and more respectful.

That’s why I’ve put this guide together. The guide is not to act as a religious debate but to help traveler’s understand the diversity within Islam and how it might shape the places they visit.

1. The Origins of the Split

The roots of the Sunni–Shia divide go back more than 1,000 years, to the time right after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. His passing left a crucial question that shaped Islamic history: Who should lead the Muslim community?

• Sunni perspective: The majority believed the leader should be chosen from among the Prophet’s closest companions. This is how Abu Bakr, one of his trusted allies, became the first caliph (leader).

• Shia perspective: A smaller group felt leadership should remain within the Prophet’s family, beginning with his cousin and son-in-law, Ali.

That difference in opinion created the split into Sunni and Shia. Even though both groups share the same holy book, the Qur’an, the same Prophet Muhammad, and most of the same religious practices, their views on leadership (and some traditions that followed) have remained distinct ever since.

For travelers like us, this isn’t about taking sides. Our job is to recognize how this history still shapes the culture and daily life in many Muslim-majority cities today.

2. Where Shia and Sunni Muslims Live Today

Islam is one of the world’s largest and most important religions, with nearly two billion followers across the globe. The majority (around 85 percent) are actually Sunni. I wasn’t aware of this until when I started doing a deep research into the topic to write this article. That being said, between 10 and 15 percent are Shia. Even though Shia Muslims make up a smaller percentage, their influence is very strong, especially in certain regions of the world.

• Shia-majority countries: Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Azerbaijan are the only nations where Shia Muslims form the majority.

• Countries with large Shia communities: Lebanon, Yemen, Afghanistan, Pakistan, and India all have significant Shia populations.

• Sunni-majority countries: Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Indonesia, Morocco, and most of the Muslim world identify primarily with Sunni Islam.

For travelers, this means your experience of Islam can shift depending on where you are. Visiting Iran or Iraq will expose you to Shia traditions that feel very different from what you might see in Turkey, Saudi Arabia, or Indonesia, where Sunni practices are dominant. In countries like Lebanon or Yemen, you’ll find both Sunni and Shia communities living side by side, giving you a fascinating blend of traditions.

Understanding this geographic distribution helps explain why certain customs and even styles of mosques vary so much from place to place. It’s one of the reasons traveling through the Muslim world is such a rich cultural experience.

3. Festivals and Observances Travelers May See

Religion is most visible to travelers during festivals and holidays. Both Sunnis and Shias celebrate important festivals like Ramadan and Eid, but there are slight differences in how they are observed.

• Ramadan & Eid al-Fitr: Both fast during Ramadan and go on to break the fast at sunset with iftar meals. However, the way Eid is celebrated can sometimes differ based on sect and region.

• Ashura: For Shia Muslims, this is one of the most important days of the year. It commemorates the martyrdom of Imam Hussein (the Prophet’s grandson) at Karbala in 680 CE. In places like Iraq and Iran, it is not unusual to see processions and public mourning during this festival. For Sunni Muslims, Ashura is recognized but with less emphasis.

If you’re traveling during these times, expect crowded streets and very powerful displays of devotion. It is such a beautiful festival to observe.

4. Cultural Differences Travelers Notice

One of the things I love most about traveling through Muslim-majority countries is noticing the little details that make each place unique. Even though Shia and Sunni Muslims share the same foundations of faith, there are subtle cultural differences that stand out when you take your time to observe.

Mosques & Shrines

In many Sunni-majority countries, mosques tend to emphasize simplicity. The focus is on the prayer hall and communal worship. You’ll often find beautifully designed spaces, but with a sense of balance and modesty.

In Shia communities, on the other hand, mosques often include shrines dedicated to important religious figures. Cities like Najaf and Karbala in Iraq, or Qom in Iran, are home to some of the most significant shrines in the Shia world, attracting millions of pilgrims each year.

Dress & Customs

In some Shia areas, particularly in Iran, it’s common to see women wearing black chadors. These are long cloaks that cover the women’s body completely for the sole purpose of modesty.

In Sunni-majority countries, styles of modest dress can vary widely. In Indonesia, you’ll see colorful hijabs. In Turkey, modern fashion often blends with traditional headscarves. In the Gulf states, women may wear abayas, usually black, but often with elegant embroidery or subtle design variations.

Food & Community Meals

Both Sunni and Shia communities follow halal dietary rules, so in practice, the food is familiar across both traditions. In Shia-majority regions, you may encounter large communal meals during Ashura or other mourning commemorations. These meals are shared freely with neighbors and visitors as acts of devotion and community spirit.

5. How It Affects Travel Experiences

Where you go determines what you experience:

• Iran and Iraq: You’ll feel the depth of Shia traditions, especially during religious seasons. Walking in Karbala during Ashura is unlike anything else.
• Saudi Arabia and the Gulf States: Strong Sunni traditions, especially in Saudi where Mecca and Medina (Islam’s holiest cities) are located.
• Lebanon: A very interesting combination of Sunni, Shia, and Christian communities, living together harmoniously and shaping the city’s culture.

As a traveler, these differences honestly make your journey richer. They allow you to see how one religion can express itself in diverse ways across regions.

6. Common Misconceptions Travelers Should Avoid

As someone who is not Muslim but has spent years living in Muslim-majority communities, I’ve learned that outsiders often carry a few misconceptions about the Shia-Sunni divide. Since this is such a sensitive subject, it helps to clear up a few things before you travel.

• It’s not constant conflict. While history and politics have at times magnified divisions, the reality on the ground is that most Sunnis and Shias live side by side peacefully. I’ve walked through markets and joined festivals where no one cared who was Sunni or Shia. All they cared about was that you were part of the community.

• It’s not about “better” or “worse”. Both groups share the same foundation of faith – the Qur’an, the Prophet Muhammad, daily prayers, and devotion to God. The differences are real, but they don’t change the core.

• It’s not something to joke about. Humor might feel like a way to break the ice, but making fun of religious differences can come across as deeply disrespectful. It’s far better to ask respectful questions if you’re curious.

For travelers, the key is to approach with respectful curiosity and never judgment. When you do, you’ll find doors open and people are more than willing to share their traditions with you.

7. Traveler’s Tips for Respecting Local Customs

If you’re planning to visit a Muslim-majority country, here are a few things I’ve learned that go a long way:

• Greet people with “As-salaam Alaikum” (which basically means “peace be upon you”). It’s always appreciated.
• Dress modestly, especially when you are visiting mosques. Do the same when visiting any other religious sites.
• Be respectful during prayer times. Don’t listen to loud music or participate in loud conversations near mosques when prayers are ongoing.
• If you’re invited to a meal, accept. Hospitality is central to both Sunni and Shia cultures.
• During festivals like Ashura, observe respectfully and avoid intrusive photography.

Is Dubai Shia or Sunni?

Having had the opportunity to live in Dubai for several years, this is a question I’ve been asked many times by friends and fellow travelers. The United Arab Emirates, where Dubai is located, is a Sunni-majority country. Most Emiratis follow Sunni Islam, and the country’s traditions and laws strongly reflect that.

That being said, Dubai is one of the most international cities in the world. The population is made up largely of expatriates, and among them you’ll find Shia Muslims, Christians, Hindus, Sikhs, Buddhists, and people of no religion at all like myself. Because of this diversity, Dubai feels very different from places where one branch of Islam dominates almost entirely.

Despite Dubai being Sunni-majority, it is also incredibly welcoming and diverse. That diversity is part of what makes Dubai such a fascinating place to live and explore.

Is Malaysia Shia or Sunni?

I can say confidently that Malaysia is overwhelmingly Sunni Muslim, specifically following the Sunni Shafi’i school of thought. The majority of the population of Malaysia (about 60%) are Muslim, and nearly all of them are Sunni.

I have been to Malaysia on multiple occasions. Almost all of the mosques I visited during my stay in Kuala Lumpur and Penang, were Sunni, and the festivals I experienced (especially Ramadan) reflected Sunni traditions.

Of course Shia Muslims also live in Malaysia, but they make up a very small minority. In fact, their practices aren’t widely recognized by the state, and public Shia observances are rare. So, as a traveler, what you’ll mostly encounter in Malaysia is Sunni Islam shaping daily life and culture.