Similar to other monotheistic religions, such as Christianity, Islam is divided into two major sects, each made distinguishable by slight differences in beliefs and traditions. These two groups are Shia and Sunni. The division between Shiite and Sunni Muslims dates back to the death of the prophet Muhammad in the year 632 AD. After his death, the question arose as to who should assume the leadership of the Muslim people. Many Muslims agreed with the Prophet's companions, arguing that the new leader should be elected from among those who were eligible for the position. Ultimately, it was decided that the close friend and advisor of the Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr, would become the first caliph of the Islamic people. All those who agreed with this decision were thereafter known as Sunni Muslims, "Sunni" being the abbreviation of the Arabic word meaning "one who follows the traditions of the Prophet". Those who refused to follow Abu Bakr instead followed Muhammad's son-in-law Ali, believing that leadership should remain within the Prophet's family, among those specifically appointed by him, or among the Imams (sacred Islamic leaders) appointed by God same. . These Muslims called themselves Shia Muslims, 'Shi'a' being an abbreviation of Shiat Ali, meaning "followers of Ali". Both Shiites and Sunnis argued with evidence that supported their beliefs for Muslim leadership succession. people. The Sunnis claimed that the Prophet chose Abu Bakr to lead the congregation's prayers as he lay on his deathbed, thus suggesting that the Prophet was appointing him as the next leader. The Shiites on the other hand said that Muhammad stood up in front of his companions on the way back from his last Hajj and proclaimed Ali as the spirit... in the center of the card... hrain and Iraq (which constitutes 60% of the population). There are also large communities of Shia Muslims along the eastern coast of Saudi Arabia and Lebanon. However, Sunni Muslims make up the majority (85%) of Muslims worldwide. Due to the fact that many Shiite-occupied areas in these countries held large oil reserves, Sunni Muslims became bitter towards Shiites, and due to differences in their beliefs, the gap widened, causing conflict between the two. seven. Overall, it is crucial to recognize that, despite differences in opinion and practice, both Shia and Sunni Muslims maintain faith in the major core beliefs of the Islamic religion and are considered by most to be brothers in the faith. Indeed, most Muslims do not distinguish themselves by claiming membership in a particular group, but prefer to simply call themselves "Muslims"."