WHI-Chap14-Obj3
From SJS Wiki
Sunni and Shia are the two branches of the nation of Islam. The first conflict between the two groups arose from the selection of caliphs. Most of the Muslim community, who became the Sunni, wanted one of Muhammad's closest companions, Abu Bakr to serve as caliph. A small minority of the Muslims believed the next caliph should be a descendant of Muhammad. This group of people were the Shia. The Shia call their leaders Imams. They believe God has hidden the twelfth imam and he will come back at the end of time. The Sunnis believe the Shia attribute divine qualities to the imams which is a great sin. Today, about 85% of the world's Muslims are Sunni while about 15% are Shia.
