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An Islamic Schism
When Muhammad died in the 600’s, he had no sons. Because of this, there was no clear person to take control
of the Islamic faith and empire as it grew. Because of this, many people disagreed on what the rules were for taking
over as the ruler of Islam, leading to a schism in followers.
This disagreement over succession (who should take over) began during the Umayyad Caliphate. One group,
known as the Sunni’s, believed that they followed the correct path or sunna of Muhammad and his friends, following in
their footsteps. Sunni’s believe that the ruler of Islam should be a ruler that is best for the job, and should be selected
by all of the people of the Islamic faith. Sunni’s follow the Five Pillars, and typically believe strongly in Shari’ah, or
Islamic law. They also believe that Muhammad was indeed the Prophet of God, and the Quran is the word of God. In
present day, most Muslims in the world consider themselves Sunni.
Another major group of Islam, known as the Shiites, do not agree that all people should have a say in who
should rule over Islam. The Shiites believe that the only people that are authorized to rule over the Islamic faith are
those related by blood to Muhammad. Because of this, they only believe a handful of rulers in history were every truly
supported by God to rule. Even though he was the fourth Caliph, according to Shiites, the first true ruler after the death
of Muhammad was Ali, who was Muhammad’s cousin and Son-in-Law. Shiites also believe that there is a “hidden imam”
who is a blood-relative of Muhammad that will reveal when the judgment of humans, and end of the world arrives.
Most Shiites in present day live in Iran.
Although different in many ways, both the Shiites and Sunnis agree on many different points. They both believe
Muhammad to be the messenger of God, they both adhere to the Five Pillars, and they both use the Quran as the word
of God, delivered through Muhammad the Prophet.
An Islamic Schism
When Muhammad died in the 600’s, he had no sons. Because of this, there was no clear person to take control
of the Islamic faith and empire as it grew. Because of this, many people disagreed on what the rules were for taking
over as the ruler of Islam, leading to a schism in followers.
This disagreement over succession (who should take over) began during the Umayyad Caliphate. One group,
known as the Sunni’s, believed that they followed the correct path or sunna of Muhammad and his friends, following in
their footsteps. Sunni’s believe that the ruler of Islam should be a ruler that is best for the job, and should be selected
by all of the people of the Islamic faith. Sunni’s follow the Five Pillars, and typically believe strongly in Shari’ah, or
Islamic law. They also believe that Muhammad was indeed the Prophet of God, and the Quran is the word of God. In
present day, most Muslims in the world consider themselves Sunni.
Another major group of Islam, known as the Shiites, do not agree that all people should have a say in who
should rule over Islam. The Shiites believe that the only people that are authorized to rule over the Islamic faith are
those related by blood to Muhammad. Because of this, they only believe a handful of rulers in history were every truly
supported by God to rule. Even though he was the fourth Caliph, according to Shiites, the first true ruler after the death
of Muhammad was Ali, who was Muhammad’s cousin and Son-in-Law. Shiites also believe that there is a “hidden imam”
who is a blood-relative of Muhammad that will reveal when the judgment of humans, and end of the world arrives.
Most Shiites in present day live in Iran.
Although different in many ways, both the Shiites and Sunnis agree on many different points. They both believe
Muhammad to be the messenger of God, they both adhere to the Five Pillars, and they both use the Quran as the word
of God, delivered through Muhammad the Prophet.