What is the difference between Islam-Shi'a and Sunnism?

I. Shi'a Islam existed before any political strifes, murders, or battles ensued. In fact, the term "Sunnism" didn't begin to appear until years after Shi'as referred themselves as "Shi'at Ali" (at the time, they were "Shi'at Uthman / Muawiyah" but they won't tell you that :p).

II. Shi'a Islam was not influenced by any other figures of history than that of the first thirteen infallibles (Prophet Muhammad, Lady Fatima, Imam Ali, and the rest of Imams who have preceded us).

Abdullah ibn Saba is a fabrication created by Wahabbites, and expanded through Sunnites, to demean the Shi'i name. Many scholars deny his significance in any form of Islam.

III. The problem of succession leading up to the martyrdom of Imam Hussain are what made Shi'a Islam more manifest. At the death of Imam Hussain, Shi'as realized that they could no longer respectfully integrate themselves with the actions of the so-called "Islamic" Caliphate.

IV. The problem was much more fundamental. It was a question of how to interpret Islam, and only two approaches were constructed:

• Zaheri - meaning exoteric, or the idea that knowledge of Islam is objective, can be learned by anyone and acquired by anyone. Therefore, any leaders (or Imams) are justified if they claim to be so.

The problem for Zaheri thought, as can be seen in Sunnism, is that a large number of madhhabs came into existence -- each for Shari'a alone, Sufism, and Sunnism.

Yet somehow, all of the differing interpretations brought along by those less qualified are somehow expected to be considered "one" and represent Islam.

Despite the contradictions.
Despite the fallacies.
Despite the obvious incongruousness with the standards set by the Qur'an al Kareem.

The SECOND interpretation approach was...

• Bateni - which means esoteric in English, and states that knowledge of Islam can only be harbored by some. This is where the Imamate was justified. It has been a transcendental theme throughout the history Islam (starting from the very first prophets/messengers) and was especially crucial after the Prophet Muhammad, since he is the last prophet of Islam.

The Imamate has been justified through many sources and is logically competent on its own.

V. Hence, after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, the question wasn't **who** would be his successor, but what the function, qualifications, and nature of such a person should be...i.e. a man of Ahl al-Bayt.