Download Sunni – Shi'a Split

Sunni – Shi'a Split
Muhammad dies in 632
Dispute 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

Sunnis
For 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’as
For 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
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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.