10 Questions
Which branch of Islam constitutes approximately 10% of the Islamic population?
Shiite
Where are most Shiite Muslims primarily located due to conflict?
Iran
Which branch of Islam has the majority of adherents, making up 90% of the world's Muslims?
Sunni
In how many countries across the Middle East, Africa, and southern Asia can Sunni Muslims be found?
More than 40 countries
What event marked the birth of Islam's founding prophet and the genesis of the faith's rich historical narrative?
The death of the Prophet Muhammad
What sparked the succession dispute between Sunni and Shiite Muslims?
The death of Muhammad Ibn Abdullah in 632 C.E.
What was the main difference between Sunni and Shiite beliefs?
Their beliefs about succession after the death of the Prophet Muhammad
What led to the formation of the Sunni branch of Islam?
The election of Abu Bakr as the first Caliph
What is a notable source of modern-day tensions between Sunnis and Shiites?
Power struggles and control of resources
What has become more political in the Sunni-Shiite conflict?
Revolved around land and resources
Study Notes
History and Conflict of Sunni and Shiite Muslims
- Muhammad Ibn Abdullah united Arabic nations and founded Islam, but his death in 632 C.E. sparked a succession dispute.
- This dispute led to the creation of two distinct branches of Islam: Sunni and Shiite.
- Sunnis wanted a leader from the Islamic community, while Shiites believed in bloodline succession, leading to the election of Abu Bakr and the support for Ali ibn Abi Talib.
- The majority elected Abu Bakr as the first Caliph, leading to the formation of the Sunni branch, while the minority became the Shiite branch.
- The conflict continued with violent retaliation from Shiites and Sunni leaders facing violent deaths.
- Today, the conflict between Sunnis and Shiites continues and has become more political, revolving around land and resources.
- The Sunni branch is more populous and holds greater power in most nations, causing discrimination against Shiites.
- Despite their differences, both branches maintain core Islamic beliefs and practices, including reading the Quran and observing the five pillars of Islam.
- The main difference lies in their beliefs about succession after the death of the Prophet Muhammad.
- Modern-day tensions between Sunnis and Shiites have resulted in conflicts, protests, insurgencies, and discrimination in various countries.
- Sunni-Shiite conflict is perpetuated by power struggles, control of resources, and territorial ambitions.
- The conflict remains a significant source of instability in the Muslim world, with tensions between Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran being particularly notable.
Test your knowledge of the history and conflict between Sunni and Shiite Muslims in this quiz. Explore the origins of the split, key events, and modern-day tensions, and understand the differences in beliefs and practices between the two branches of Islam.
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