1. Ms. C. Mason SS7G8d. Explain the reason for the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims

3.  The division between Sunni and Shia Muslims dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad.

5.  The basic disagreement was how to answer the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation after the death of Muhammad.

6. Sunnis believe that, after Muhammad’s death, the new leader should have been elected from among those persons capable of doing the job. This is, in fact, what actually happened.

7. Shia Muslims believe that, after Muhammad’s death, the new leader should have been passed to someone directly related to Muhammad. This would have been his son-in-law, Ali.

8. Since Muhammad’s son-in-law (Ali) did not Assume leadership, Shia Muslims do not recognize the authority of the elected leaders. Instead, they follow a line of Imams which they believe have been appointed by Muhammad of God himself.