Shiite (Shia) vs. Sunni MuslimsShiite (Shia) vs. Sunni Muslims

It was brought about by who should lead Islam

Muhammad never had a son Closest male relative was cousin named

Ali Many felt he was the only one with

spiritual authority to succeed Muhammad.

They became the Shiite (Shia) Muslims

More information More information Sunni's believed that power should go to

the one who had the most political power at the time. Muhammad's father in law Abu Bakr

Bakr was named the first leader, but Ali assumed the position 25 years later

Ali was later assassinated by the Sunnis. Both believe in Mohammad, The Koran,

The Five Pillars of Faith, and Mecca as the most holy city.

Breaking PointBreaking Point

Ali's son Hussein and many in his family was assassinated

He had challenged the Sunni corrupt leadership

This became sacred to the Shiites as they felt he sacrificed himself for all Muslims

Even though they have lived side by side for years there has always been tension

FactsFacts

80-90% of Muslims are Sunni 10-20% are Shia mostly located in

Iran/Iraq Al Qaeda is a group of radical Sunni

Muslims Suicide bombing is done by a small

minority of mostly Sunni's (Al Qaeda) Iraq seems to be the center of this divide