Final answer:
Sunni and Shia's outlooks differ mainly in terms of leadership, with Sunnis favoring community-elected leaders and Shias following a hereditary line of Imams. This division has historical roots and continues to influence current religious practices and political dynamics in the Middle East.
Step-by-step explanation:
Sunni and Shia Outlooks on Leadership
The Sunni and Shia sects of Islam have distinct outlooks on life, particularly in terms of leadership and religious authority. Sunni Muslims believe in the selection of leaders through the consensus of the community or ummah, while Shia Muslims hold that leadership should reside within the Prophet Muhammad's family lineage and specifically follow their imams, or religious leaders, who hold both the religious and political authority within the sect.
Historically, the Safavid dynasty in Persia, which is modern Iran, was significant in establishing Shia Islam as the state religion in the early 16th century. Their Shia neighbors were mostly Sunni, leading to a divergence in religious identity that has historical and contemporary political implications.
In addition, various Sunni and Shia dynasties have engaged in power struggles throughout Islamic history, although periods of peaceful coexistence have also occurred.
Interpretations of Islamic teachings and the Hadith also differ between Sunnis and Shias. Sunnis follow the sunna, or customs of the Prophet Muhammad, while Shias adhere to a lineage of imams that they believe were appointed by the Prophet or God. Key differences arise from religious practices, daily prayers, and other aspects of Muslim life governed by these interpretations.