1. Sunni – Shi'a Split  Muhammad dies in 632  Dispute over succession – who will be the next leader? What should be the qualifications of the next leader?  Most followers wanted the community to determine the next leader – SUNNIS  A smaller group wanted someone from Muhammad’s family – Ali – who was married to Muhammad’s daughter (Fatimah) – SHI’AS

2. Sunni – Shi'a Split cont.  Violence broke out  Two of the earliest leaders murdered  Ali killed in the fighting  Violence permanently split the two groups

3. Sunnis For Sunnis  best or most qualified person should be either selected or elected as leader (caliph)  leader should act as a protector of the faith but this leader does not enjoy any special religious status or inspiration  Today Sunnis make up 85% of Muslims worldwide

4. Shi’as For Shi’as:  leadership should be hereditary (passed down through male descendants of Muhammad’s daughter)  leader (imam) is religiously inspired, sinless and the interpreter of God’s will (but not a prophet)  Today Shias make up 15% of Muslims worldwide

6. Political Power Both groups now fighting against each other for power in the Middle East – causing further conflict Please read and take notes on Sunnis and Shias: Islam’s ancient schism On a sheet of paper (1 per group) answer the 4 questions from the article.