![]() The Shia Muslims believe that following the Prophet Muhammad's death, leadership should have passed directly to his cousin/son-in-law, Ali. On the other hand, some Muslims share the belief that leadership should have stayed within the Prophet's own family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among Imams appointed by God Himself. ![]() The word "Sunni" in Arabic comes from a word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet." This is what was done, and the Prophet Muhammad's close friend and advisor, Abu Bakr, became the first Caliph of the Islamic nation. ![]() Sunni Muslims agree with the position taken by many of the Prophet's companions, that the new leader should be elected from among those capable of the job. The division between Shia and Sunni dates back to the death of the Prophet Muhammad, and the question of who was to take over the leadership of the Muslim nation. Over the centuries, however, these political differences have spawned a number of varying practices and positions which have come to carry a spiritual significance. ![]() The differences between these two main sub-groups within Islam initially stemmed not from spiritual differences, but political ones. Both Sunni and Shia Muslims share the most fundamental Islamic beliefs and articles of faith.
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