1. Sunni vs. Shi’ah
Muslim Division

2. The Divide Islam has with in two sects: Sunni and Shi’ah
Both believe in the Shahadah - “There is no god but God and Muhammad is the messenger of God.”
Sufism can be a part of either sect

3. Sunni
After Muhammad died, majority believed only the Qur’an and sunnah had authority to tell be what to do and believe
They elected a leader (Caliph) to act on behalf of God and his messenger – Abu Bakr was the first
Caliphs enforced Islamic laws
Scholars studied the Qur’an, hadith and sunnah to work out the laws
Community considered validity of laws, reaching consensus about what God wanted them to do
Group was later called Sunni Muslim, meaning followers of the sunnah
Rules itself by the Qur’an and sunnah and has no overall leader today

4. Shi’ah
The minority believed that Muhammad named Ali, his cousin and one of the first converts, to be his successor
Ali also was married to Muhammad’s daughter, Fatimah
Ali and supporters believed true leader chosen by God
God would give Ali authority to make new laws and give new teachings
This leader, called Imam, had to be a descendant of Muhammad and would identify successor before death

5. Ali’s claims as chosen leader were ignored by most Muslims
The party of Ali became known as Shi’ah Muslims
Shi’ahs have their own interpretations of the laws and only accepts those hadith passes through Ali or his supporters.
Rejected the first three Caliphs
Shi’ah still believe they are guided by an Imam, the Hidden Imam
God has keep him hidden and alive for centuries
Communicates spiritually with religious leaders