Islam is generally split into two distinct sects, based on divergent views of who should lead the Muslim community.
Islam is generally split into two major distinct sects, Sunni and Shia, based on divergent views regarding the rightful leadership of the Muslim community, known as the caliphate.
The split originated in the early years of Islam following the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE.
Sunni Muslims believe that the leadership should be determined through the consensus of the Muslim community, electing a qualified individual known as a caliph.
This majority sect constitutes about 85-90% of the Muslim population worldwide.
On the other hand, Shia Muslims argue that leadership should have remained within Prophet Muhammad's family, particularly through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.
They believe in a divinely appointed leadership, and their leaders are called Imams.
The Shia-Sunni split has led to theological, jurisprudential, and ritualistic differences between the two sects.
Over time, various sub-sects and schools of thought have emerged within both Sunni and Shia Islam, contributing to a diverse and rich tapestry of beliefs and practices within the broader Islamic tradition.
Despite these differences, Muslims share fundamental beliefs and practices, such as the oneness of God (Allah) and adherence to the Quran, the holy book of Islam.