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Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Islamic Culture and Religious Studies Book - 3 Lesson 16 : the Shia and the Ahle-sunnah The Muslim Ummah is divided into two basic communities, the Shia and the Sunni. They differ mainly in the issue of Succession and Caliphate after the demise of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.). Other differences also arise in the laws of Fiqh - Islamic Jurisprudence.

However, both denominations are essentially Muslims, they believe in the same Lord, follow the religion of Islam, share the same prophets, pray facing the same Qibla - Holy Ka'bah - and accept the Holy Qur'an as the last heavenly testament from the Almighty. They are united as brothers in faith and should ideally work together to gain victory over Kufr and develop an Islamic nation. Succession after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) I.

The Sunni point of view The Ahle-Sunnah are of the opinion that Abu Bakr is the successor after the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.). They do not claim that the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) appointed him but rather say that the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) did not choose a successor for himself. Because of this, the Muslim Ummah was faced with the need for a leader to maintain unity and to organize their life after the Prophet (s.a.w.w.).

Thus, when the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.w.) had left this world, a small number of Muslims gathered together for a meeting at Saqifah and chose Abu Bakr as new Caliph of the Muslims and pledged their allegiance to him. The Ahle-Sunnah believe that at the time of his death, Abu Bakr in turn chose a successor after himself i.e. Umar Ibn Khattab, to be the next ruler of the Muslims. Umar did a similar thing when his death drew near.

He appointed a council of six selected people who were to take the responsibility of selecting a Caliph from amongst them selves. From this council, Uthman bin Affan emerged as Caliph. It was only after the death of Uthman bin Affan, that the Muslims insisted Imam Ali (a.s.) take the reigns of Caliphate and gave their allegiance to him. The Muslims who believe in this chain of succession later called themselves the Ahle-Sunnah or the Sunni. II.

The Shia point of view The Shia are of the opinion that the Prophet (s.a.w.w.) did not leave his Ummah without a leader. They believe that the leadership of the Muslims is not something that can be left in the hands of the people.