WORLD HISTORY

Detailed explanation-1: -Shia doctrine is based on an esoteric interpretation of Islam established by the “imams, ‘’ religious leaders who were descendants of Muhammad and whom the Shia consider to be the sole interpreters of Islamic theology.

Detailed explanation-2: -There are three main branches of Shia Islam today-the Zaidis, Ismailis and Ithna Asharis (Twelvers or Imamis).

Detailed explanation-3: -Sunni Muslims Sunnis consider the caliphs as the immediate successors of the Prophet. The early leaders were companions of the Prophet who became caliphs through different processes to lead the Muslim community. Sunnis call the first four leaders after the Prophet the “Rightly Guided Caliphs” (khulafa rashidun).

Detailed explanation-4: -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.

Detailed explanation-5: -Sunnis dominated the first nine centuries of Islamic rule (excluding the Shia Fatimid dynasty) until the Safavid dynasty was established in Persia in 1501. The Safavids made Shia Islam the state religion, and over the following two centuries they fought with the Ottomans, the seat of the Sunni caliphate.