after the death of uthman in 656 which two groups caused a split in the following of Islam due to an argument over who was to be the next rightful leader
http://asgsocialstudies.blogspot.com/2011/05/what-caused-split-in-islam-after.html
After the assassination of Uthman ibn Affan in 656 AD, a disagreement over who should succeed him as the next caliph (leader of the Muslim community) arose among the Muslims. This dispute eventually led to a split in the Muslim community, resulting in the division of Islam into two major factions: the Sunni and Shia.
To understand this split, we need to delve into the historical context surrounding the events. Uthman was the third caliph after the death of Prophet Muhammad. His reign was marked by a series of controversial decisions, which led to dissatisfaction among certain groups of Muslims. Eventually, a group of discontented individuals, who later came to be known as the rebels or dissidents, gathered in Medina, demanding Uthman's removal as caliph.
During these events, two prominent figures emerged as potential candidates for the caliphate: Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, and Muawiyah ibn Abi Sufyan, the governor of Syria. The disagreement between these two groups, supporting Ali and Muawiyah respectively, resulted in the schism within Islam.
1. The Supporters of Ali (Shia): These individuals believed that Ali was the rightful caliph and successor to Prophet Muhammad, based on his close relationship and kinship with the Prophet. They argued that the caliphate should remain within the Prophet's family (Ahl al-Bayt). They considered Ali to be divinely appointed and infallible, possessing spiritual and temporal authority.
2. The Supporters of Muawiyah (Sunni): This group believed that the caliph should be chosen based on consultation (shura), rather than strict hereditary succession. They supported Muawiyah's claim to the caliphate, primarily due to his strong political and administrative skills as the governor of Syria. They contended that the caliphate should be based on the qualification and capability of the individual, rather than on familial ties.
The conflict reached its peak when Ali was eventually chosen as the fourth caliph, but the dispute with Muawiyah was not resolved. The ensuing battles, particularly the Battle of Siffin, further exacerbated the divisions.
It is important to note that the split between Sunni and Shia Muslims is not solely based on this disagreement over succession. Various theological and historical factors have contributed to the development of distinct beliefs and practices within these two branches of Islam over time.