On January 24, 661, Ali ibn Abi Talib, simply known as Ali, was assassinated in the Great Mosque of Kufa, in what is now Iraq. Ali’s death would lead to a permanentschism in Islam, between the Sunni and Shia denominations. Sunnis and Shias have many more common beliefs than differences. Both believe in one god (Allah); daily prayers; charitable giving;
one divineprophet (Muhammad); and one holy book (the Quran). Following Muhammad’s death, conflictemerged about who should lead the powerful spiritual and political caliphate.
Sunnis wanted to elect independent leaders of the caliphate. In particular, they supported Muhammad’s friend and father-in-law, Abu Bakr, as the caliph to follow Muhammad.
Shias supported Ali, Muhammad’s close friend, cousin, and son-in-law. In fact, the name “Shia” or Shi’ite” is a shortened form of shi’at Ali, or “party of Ali.”
Shias believed the caliphate should be led by members of Muhammad’s family. Today, more than 75% of the world’s Muslims identify as Sunni. Shias, however, have larger populations in Iran and Iraq, and strong minority communities throughout the Middle East.
