Sunni-Shia relations

Sunni and Shia are the two main branches of Islam, originating from a historical disagreement over who should succeed the Prophet Muhammad as leader of the Muslim community. Sunnis, about 85-90% of Muslims, emphasize community consensus and leadership chosen by followers, while Shias, about 10-15%, believe leadership should stay within the Prophet's family, specifically his descendants. This difference has led to varying religious practices, beliefs, and social dynamics, sometimes causing tension. However, both groups share core Islamic beliefs and often coexist peacefully, with the nature of their relationship influenced by historical, political, and regional factors.