Q What is the difference between Sunni and Shia Muslims?
A The historical division between the two main branches of Islam stems from a political disagreement following the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE over who should lead the Muslim community:
• Sunni Muslims: Comprising roughly 85-90% of the global Muslim population, they believed leadership should pass to the most capable companion elected by the community, choosing Abu Bakr as the first Caliph.
• Shia Muslims: Comprising about 10-15% of Muslims, they argued that leadership was a divine right that should remain exclusively within the Prophet's immediate family, asserting that his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, was the rightful successor (Imam).
A The historical division between the two main branches of Islam stems from a political disagreement following the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE over who should lead the Muslim community:
• Sunni Muslims: Comprising roughly 85-90% of the global Muslim population, they believed leadership should pass to the most capable companion elected by the community, choosing Abu Bakr as the first Caliph.
• Shia Muslims: Comprising about 10-15% of Muslims, they argued that leadership was a divine right that should remain exclusively within the Prophet's immediate family, asserting that his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, was the rightful successor (Imam).
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What is Islam?One of the major religions of the world, Islam literally translates to "submission," as a follower of Islam (Muslims) devotes their life to that of their God. The religion began with the teachings of Muhammad in the 7th century. The theology of Islam is based on the Qur'an, which was given to Muhammad by God. Some of the major fundamental principles of Islam include the Five Pillars, which hope to unite all Muslims into a community. Two different factions of Muslims exist - the majority are known as Sunni, with a small percentage known as Shi'a - both predominantly reside throughout the Middle East. Muhammad died in 632 AD and the religion of Islam formally started after his death. The Quran was formally compiled and finalised in 650 AD, prior to which it was 'memorised' and written across many parchments.
What is Shia?Shia is a branch of Islam which holds that the Islamic prophet Muhammad designated Ali ibn Abi Talib as his successor (Imam). Most notably at the event of Ghadir Khumm but was prevented caliphate as a result of Saqifah incident. This view primarily contrasts with that of Sunni Islam, whose adherents believe that Muhammad did not appoint a successor and consider Abu Bakr who they claim was appointed Caliph through a Shura, i.e. community consensus in Saqifa, to be the first rightful Caliph after the Prophet.
