Sunni – Shi'a SplitMuhammad dies in 632Dispute over succession – who will be the next

leader? What should be the qualifications of the next leader?

Most followers wanted the community to determine the next leader – SUNNIS

A smaller group wanted someone from Muhammad’s family – Ali – who was married to Muhammad’s daughter (Fatimah) – SHI’AS

Sunni – Shi'a Split cont. Violence broke out

Two of the earliest leaders murdered Ali killed in the fighting Violence permanently split the two

groups

SunnisFor Sunnis

best or most qualified person should be either selected or elected as leader (caliph)

leader should act as a protector of the faith but this leader does not enjoy any special religious status or inspiration

Today Sunnis make up 85% of Muslims worldwide

Shi’asFor Shi’as:leadership should be hereditary (passed down through male descendants of Muhammad’s daughter)

leader (imam) is religiously inspired, sinless and the interpreter of God’s will (but not a prophet)Today Shias make up 15% of Muslims worldwide

Political Power Both groups now fighting against each other

for power in the Middle East – causing further conflict

Please read and take notes on Sunnis and Shias: Islam’s ancient schism

On a sheet of paper (1 per group) answer the 4 questions from the article.