Explain the split between the Shiites and the Sunnis
http://webspace.ship.edu/cgboer/sunnisshiites.html
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The split between Shiites and Sunnis is a significant division within Islam that originated in the early years following the death of Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century. Understanding this split requires delving into some historical context.
When Prophet Muhammad died, there was a question of who should succeed him as the leader of the Muslim community, known as the caliph. This led to a fundamental disagreement in how the successor should be chosen, which eventually resulted in the division between Shiites and Sunnis.
1. Historical and Political Context:
After the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, a group of Muslims believed that leadership should remain within his family and bloodline. They argued that Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was married to Prophet Muhammad's daughter Fatimah, should succeed him. This group became known as Shiites, derived from the Arabic word "Shia," meaning "party" or "supporter." They believed in the concept of Imamate, which holds that the Imam, a spiritual and political leader, should be a direct descendant of Ali.
On the other hand, another group believed that the decision of the caliphate should be left to the consensus of the community, based on merit and adherence to Islamic principles. This group became known as Sunnis, referring to the "Sunnah" (the way of the Prophet). They believed that the caliph could be chosen from within the broader Muslim community and did not necessarily have to be a descendant of Prophet Muhammad.
2. Succession of Caliphs:
The dispute over the caliphate started with the assassination of the third caliph, Uthman ibn Affan, in 656 CE. Ali, recognizing the societal division, became the fourth caliph. However, his reign was marked by conflicts and struggles for power, including the Battle of Siffin in 657 CE. Eventually, Ali was assassinated in 661 CE.
After Ali's death, supporters of Ali's claim to the caliphate refused to recognize his successor, Muawiyah I, as the legitimate caliph. They believed that the caliphate should only be held by the descendants of Ali. This division between supporters of Ali and those who accepted Muawiyah I led to the consolidation and solidification of the divide between Shiites and Sunnis.
3. Religious and Doctrinal Differences:
Aside from the political differences, Shiites and Sunnis also have slight variations in religious doctrines and practices. While there are shared beliefs, the differences arise in matters such as the position of Imams, religious customs, and interpretations of Islamic law. Additionally, Shiites have developed their own system of religious authorities, known as Ayatollahs, who hold significant influence in their respective communities.
In summary, the split between Shiites and Sunnis is rooted in a historical and political dispute over the succession of leadership after the death of Prophet Muhammad. The Shiites believe in the hereditary leadership of Ali's lineage, while Sunnis believe in the consensus-based selection of leaders. This division has evolved to include differences in religious practices and doctrines.