One of the most significant split in Islam was the Shiite-Sunni divide into two different sects in Islam, which dates back to the 7th Century. This paper describes the divide in detail.
After the demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 632 A.D, his close friend Abu-Bakr as-Siddiq was appointed as the first Caliph in Islamic history. Whilst this decision was met with unconditional support and praise, there was some who felt that his appointment was not legitimate. They argued that the right to Caliphate belonged to Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was not only the Prophet’s nephew, but also his adopted son, his son-in-law and the first one to accept Islam. Both parties supported their candidates for the post. Supporters of Abu-Bakr later became Sunnis, and those of Ali became Shiites. .
Sunnis believes in the traditional interpretation of the Koran and believes that the head of the state (Caliph) is a leader elected by the Islamic community’s religious leaders.
The appointment is made, notwithstanding the relationship of the candidate to the Prophet himself. They believe in Abu-Bakr as well as the next three Caliphs who followed him; namely Umar, Uthman and Ali successively. Shiites, on the other hand, consider certain descendants of Ali (called Imams) to be the true representatives of Islamic communities and the true inheritors of the Prophet. Most of them only recognize Ali as the only Caliph in Islamic history. While most of the descendants of Ali were killed by the Caliph Muawiya, Shiites believe that the 12th Imam (Mehdi) remains alive and will re-emerge one day as the world-wide Supreme Islamic Leader. In the meantime, ayatollahs are elected to serve as the custodians of faith, till the return of the Imam.
It should be noted that the Shiite-Sunni divide in Islam is only due to the different interpretation and practices of the same faith. These sects are further divided into sub-sects, where some practice a moderate form of religion, while others resort to violent measures.
Works Cited
Boeree, G. D. (2005). Sunnis and Shiites. Retrieved from Webspace.ship.edu: http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/sunnisshiites.html
