The Sunni/Shia Split
Religious Studies: KS3, topic 2.1.5
The Sunni/Shia Split
When Muhammad died, the growing Muslim community (or ummah) needed to choose a new leader. But, different members of the Muslim community had different views on how to choose a new leader.
Sunni Muslims
- The name Sunni comes from the Arabic for tradition.
- Sunni Muslims are the largest group of Muslims.
- They believed that the leader should be chosen from Muhammad’s close and trusted companions.
- Their first choice was Abu Bakr who was given the title Caliph or successor.
- It is important to know that ‘successor’ does not imply that those following Muhammad are also prophets. Muhammad said he was the last prophet.
Shia Muslims
- There were some Muslims who believed Muhammad’s successor should come from his family.
- This group became known as the followers of Ali, who was Muhammad’s son-in-law.
- In Arabic ‘the followers of Ali’ is ‘Shiat Ali’, or more simply Shia.
- They believed Ali to be the rightful ruler after Muhammad’s death.
Sunni and Shia conflict
- These different views on who should lead the Muslim community led to a period of conflict.
- Eventually, Ali did lead the Muslim community as the 4th Caliph.
- Ali led for about five years, but this was a time of civil war within the community and was later assassinated.
- Ali’s son Hussein continued this conflict, and Hussein was also killed.
- This disagreement led to a split within the Muslim community that continues to this day.
- The split focuses on the question of leadership.
Sunni Muslims today
- Both Sunnis and Shias follow the teaching of the Qur'an and the example of Muhammad.
- But, there are some differences in the religious ideas they emphasise.
- Sunnis form by far the largest group, with over 90% of all Muslims.
- Saudi Arabia, for example, is a predominantly Sunni country.
- Leadership in Sunni countries is primarily political. Religious issues are decided by religious scholars.
Shia Muslims today
- Shias look for leadership among the blood descendants of Ali, who are known as the Imams.
- They believe the twelfth Imam will return at the end of time.
- Until then they give authority to their senior religious leaders, called ayatollahs.
- Iran, for example, is almost totally Shia.
Test yourself on The Sunni/Shia Split
Who was the first Sunni Caliph?