1. The Importance of Shiism in Iran By Luke, Mitch and Drew

2. The Difference between Shia and Sunni Shia- The Shia believe that Ali should have been the first caliph and that the caliphate should be passed down through direct descendants of Mohammad only.The term Shia is short for Shiat Ali or partisans of Ali. Sunni- The Sunni believe that Ali was the fourth and last rightly guided caliph. The word "Sunni" in Arabic means one who follows the tradition of the prophet.

3. Sunni and Shia Cont. Population is 98% Muslim (89% of which are Shia, 8% Sunni) Islamic Republic Sunni are the majority in every Muslim country except Iraq and Iran Shia emphasize praising the origins of Islam Differences in prayer Shia viewed as more militant, but most al Qaeda are Sunni

4. Reason for Split: Shia vs. Sunni Death of the prophet Muhammad (632 AD) no successor named. Sunnis believed members of community should elect leader (caliph) based on personal attributes and comptence. Shias believed the leadership should stay in the prophet's family. Shias believed that Muhammed had designated his cousin, son in law and close friend, Ali. The disagreement has become an all out religious and political schism throught the Muslim world. The ethnic split between the Arabs (75%) and Kurds (20%) has contributed to this lasting split.

5. Bibliography Amin, Hussein. "The Origins of the Sunni/Shia Split in Islam." Islam For Today. Web. 08 Dec. 2010.. Hauss, Charles. "Iran." Comparative Politics: Domestic Responses to Global Challenges. Belmont, CA: Thomson/Wadsworth, 2006. 373-74. Print. "What Is the Difference Between Sunni and Shiite Muslims--and Why Does It Matter?" History News Network. 9 Sept. 2002. Web. 08 Dec. 2010.. "What's the Difference Between Shia and Sunni Muslims?" About.com Islam. Web. 08 Dec. 2010..