WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Though the two main sects within Islam, Sunni and Shia, agree on most of the fundamental beliefs and practices of Islam, a bitter split between the two goes back some 14 centuries. The divide originated with a dispute over who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Islamic faith he introduced.

Detailed explanation-2: -To the Shia, Ali and his descendants, all of whom are of the bayt, or the household of Muhammad, are the only legitimate leaders of the Islamic faith.

Detailed explanation-3: -Sunnis focus on following the Prophet’s example whereas Shi’a focus on the lineage of Muhammad’s family through a series of Imams. Since the 1970s, and especially since the Iranian Revolution in 1979, there has been growing tension between Sunni and Shi’a communities in parts of the Middle East.

Detailed explanation-4: -Shi’ites believe that Islam should be led by descendants of Muhammad, while Sunnis believe that the leader of Islam should be appointed by election and consensus. Sunnis make up 84 to 90 percent of the world’s Muslims. The word Sunni refers to the words and actions of Muhammad.

Detailed explanation-5: -Shiites believe that the rightful successor of Muhammad should have been his cousin and son-in-law Ali. Shiites follow divinely appointed leaders called Imams. Shiites highly worship Imams and believe that they are sinless and their authority comes from Allah.