WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -After the death of Muhammad in 632, a group of Muslims, who would come to be known as the Sunnis, believed that Muhammad’s successor should be Abu Bakr, whereas a second group of Muslims, who would come to be known as the Shias, believed that his successor should have been Ali.

Detailed explanation-2: -Sunni Muslims and Shia Muslims (also known as Shiites) comprise the two main branches of Islam. Sunni and Shia identities first formed soon after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 C.E., centering on a dispute over leadership succession.

Detailed explanation-3: -The original split between Sunnis and Shiites occurred soon after the death of the Prophet Muhammad, in the year 632. “There was a dispute in the community of Muslims in present-day Saudi Arabia over the question of succession, ‘’ says Augustus Norton, author of Hezbollah: A Short History.

Detailed explanation-4: -Shi’a Islam, also known as Shi’ite Islam or Shi’ism, is the second largest branch of Islam after Sunni Islam. Shias adhere to the teachings of Muhammad(s.a.w.) and the religious guidance of his family (who are referred to as the Ahl al-Bayt) or his descendants known as Shia Imams.

Detailed explanation-5: -Sunnis focus on following the Prophet’s example whereas Shi’a focus on the lineage of Muhammad’s family through a series of Imams.