The primary difference between Sunni and Shia Islam lies in their beliefs regarding the succession of leadership after the Prophet Muhammad.
| Feature | Sunni | Shia |
|---|---|---|
| Succession | Opposed to political succession based on Mohammed's bloodline. | Believe Ali and his descendants are part of a divine order. |
| Leadership | Leaders should be chosen based on piety and ability. | Leadership (Imamate) is divinely appointed through the Prophet's family. |
| Meaning of Term | Followers of the sunna, or “way” in Arabic, of Mohammed. | Shi'atu Ali, Arabic for “partisans of Ali." |
In essence, Sunnis believe that the Muslim community should choose its leaders, while Shias believe that leadership belongs to the direct descendants of the Prophet Muhammad through Ali. This fundamental disagreement has shaped the religious, political, and social landscape of the Muslim world for centuries.
