The split between Sunni and Shia branches of Islam primarily revolves around the question of leadership after the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. Here are key points regarding the split:
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Question of leadership: The central issue that led to the Sunni-Shia split was the question of who should lead the Muslim community after Muhammad's death. Sunnis believed that the leader (Caliph) could be chosen among the community's qualified members, leading to the selection of Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad, as the first Caliph. In contrast, Shia Muslims believed that leadership should remain within the Prophet's family, specifically favoring Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, as the rightful successor.
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The role of Muhammad: While both Sunni and Shia acknowledge Muhammad as the final prophet, differences in interpretation of his legacy and role contribute to their identities. Shia Muslims emphasize the importance of Muhammad's family (Ahl al-Bayt) and regard Ali and his descendants as having a special status as leaders and spiritual guides.
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Interpretation of the Quran and teachings: Both branches respect the Quran as the holy scripture, but they may have differing views on certain interpretations and teachings. Shia Islam places importance on the teachings of the Imams, who are seen as divinely appointed leaders with authority in interpreting the Quran and Islamic law.
In summary, while there are multiple facets to the Sunni-Shia split, the primary cause remains the disagreement over leadership and succession following the death of Muhammad. This issue was deeply intertwined with emerging political, theological, and social dynamics in early Islam.