Pavithra S. answered • 01/24/23
PhD Candidate for Humanities and Social Science tutoring
The initial divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims stems back to the question of leadership following the death of the Prophet Muhammed in 632 AD. Sunni Muslims believed that the leadership should be taken on by Abu Bakr, beginning the legacy of Islamic caliphates. Shia Muslims believed that leadership should be taken on by Ali, and, following his passing, that leadership should be hereditary.
Sunni Muslims represent the global majority of Muslims today -- about 85% of all Muslims. Shia Muslims are a minority in most Muslim-majority countries with the exception of Iran, Azerbaijan, Iraq, and Yemen.
Because of the historic rift between Sunnis and Shias, these two sects have different approaches to some components of the practice of Islam. One such difference is that the two groups have different views of hadith, or the written accounts of the life of Muhammed. Hadith, along with the holy book the Quran, serves as a guide for how Muslims should live their lives.
There are other practices that differ between the sects, ranging from how to move the body while in prayer (salat) to marital practices.
