Split,Rift

Split

Differences between the majority Sunni and minority Shia Muslims date back to the very earliest days of Islam.

They are directly linked to the issue of succession following the death of Prophet Muhammad.

 

The Shia believe that after Prophet Muhammad's death, his son-in-law, Ali, should have been given the reins of administration.

They still regard him as the first imam or spiritual leader.

The Sunni, however, believe that the appointment of one of the Prophet's companions, Abu Bakr, as the first Caliph was correct.

The Sunnis also respect Ali as the fourth Caliph of Islam.

Rift

In AD661, Ali was murdered and his chief opponent, Muawiya, became Caliph. It was the death of Ali that led to the great split between Sunnis and Shias.

Muawiya laid the foundation of family rule in Islam and he was later succeeded by his son, Yazid.

But Ali's son Hussein refused to accept his legitimacy, and fighting followed.

 

Hussein and his followers were massacred in battle near Karbala in AD680.

The deaths of both Ali and Hussein gave rise to the Shia characteristics of martyrdom and a sense of betrayal.

Even today, Shia all over the world commemorate the killing of Hussein with vast processions of mourning in Pakistan and other parts of the Muslim world.

Shia Islam has always been the rigid faith of the poor and oppressed, of those waiting for deliverance.

It is seen as a messianic faith - awaiting the coming of the "hidden imam", Allah's messenger, who will reverse their fortunes and herald the reign of divine justice.