Shia+Sunni+Split

Origins -Originally there were two candidates for being the succesor of Muhammad -Abu Bakr was a friend or advisor to be the successor to Muhammad they won out and Abu Bakr became the first caliph. Then they wanted the line of caliph's to stay in Abu Bakr's family which became the Sunni's. -The other was Ali wanted to keep the leadership in the family, specifically his cousin Ali -When Abu Bakr was elected none of Muhammad's closest relatives were present (Shia) which makes the Shia say that the election of Abu Bakr was illegitimate. -Sunni means "one who follows the prophet" -Shia means "group of supporters" and Shia is short for Shia-t-Ali which means party of Ali another name commonly used is Ahl-al-Bayt meaning "People of the Household" -Violence first broke out in 680 Husein (son Ali and his army are defeated by the Sunni) -This is the true beginning of the Shia, Sunni Split Differences/Similarities Today

-Today the differences between Sunni and Shia is more than just political, but has religious differences too -Shia believe that that leaders are sinless since they get orders from God -The Shia do not believe in any texts by Muhammad's companions (such as Abu Bakr) and disregard them which causes many differences in religious practices. -Shia are primarily in Iran, Iraq, Azerbaijan and Bahrain -Sunni are mostly in South East Asia, China, South Asia, and Africa -They both follow the five pillars of faith Relations -In recent times the relationship between Sunni and Shia has been hostile -Many battles have broken out in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan -In 873 CE the Shia line ended when the remaining descendant who was currently leader "disappeared" -Sunni's and Shia recognize each other as Muslims -They do not consider themselves Sunni or Shia, but as Muslim -In 755 the Shia had to practice their religious in secret -Shia'ites were further damaged when they were attacked by the Mongols in 1258 -Holy cities for Sunni's are Mecca, Medina and Jerusalem -Shia are Mecca, Medina, Jerusalem, Najaf, and Karbala -Today it is estimated that Muslims are 70% Sunni, 20% Shia, and 10% other sect