Sunni and Shia Muslims

Sunni and Shia are the two main branches of Islam. They originated from a dispute over leadership after the Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE. Sunnis believe that the community should select its leader (caliph), while Shias hold that leadership should stay within Muhammad's family, starting with his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. This disagreement has led to different religious practices, beliefs, and interpretations of Islam. While both share fundamental beliefs in the Quran and the teachings of Muhammad, their historical differences have contributed to distinct identities and traditions within the Muslim world.