:Who was founder of Islam.Why did Islam divide into two creed Shia and Sunni.What is the difference between Shia and sunni muslims

Title:Who was founder of Islam.Why did Islam divide into two creed Shia and Sunni.What is the difference between Shia and sunni muslims

Islam was founded by the Prophet Muhammad in the 7th century CE in Mecca, Saudi Arabia.

 

Why did  Islam divide into two creed .???

The division between Sunni and Shia Islam originated from a disagreement over who should succeed Prophet Muhammad as the leader of the Muslim community after his death. This division occurred during the early history of Islam and was influenced by political, social, and theological factors:

1. **Succession Dispute:** After the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, there was a dispute over who should be his successor, particularly regarding leadership of the Muslim community (ummah). Sunni Muslims believed that leadership should be determined through consensus (ijma) and elected Abu Bakr, Muhammad's close companion, as the first caliph. However, Shia Muslims believed that leadership should remain within the Prophet's family and supported Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, as the rightful successor (Imam).

2. **Political Factors:** The division between Sunni and Shia Islam became entrenched due to political conflicts and power struggles in the early Muslim community. The assassination of the third caliph, Uthman, and the subsequent events leading to the caliphate of Ali intensified tensions between the two groups.

3. **Theological Differences:** Over time, theological interpretations and beliefs diverged between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Shia Muslims developed distinct theological beliefs, such as the concept of Imamate, which emphasizes the leadership and divine authority of the Imams from the lineage of Ali.

4. **Geographical Factors:** Geographical factors also played a role in the division. Sunni Islam became dominant in regions like Arabia, Egypt, and Syria, while Shia Islam gained prominence in areas like Iran, Iraq, and parts of the Indian subcontinent.

The historical context of early Islam, coupled with differing interpretations of leadership and authority, contributed to the division between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Despite these differences, both groups share a common faith in Islam and hold many fundamental beliefs in common.

Shia Islam vs sunni Islam.

Shia Islam and Sunni Islam share the same core beliefs, including the belief in one God (Allah) and the prophethood of Muhammad. However, they differ in certain theological and legal aspects, leading to distinct practices and interpretations.

1. **Sunni Islam:**

   - Sunnis make up the majority of the Muslim population worldwide.

   - They follow the Sunnah (traditions) of the Prophet Muhammad as recorded in the Hadith, along with the Quran.

   - Sunni Muslims recognize the first four caliphs (successors) after the Prophet Muhammad—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—as the rightly guided caliphs.

   - They typically follow one of the four main schools of Islamic jurisprudence: Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, or Hanbali.

   - Sunni Islam emphasizes consensus (ijma) and analogical reasoning (qiyas) in legal interpretation.

2. **Shia Islam:**

   - Shia Muslims believe that leadership should have remained within the Prophet Muhammad's family, particularly with his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib, whom they regard as the rightful successor (Imam) after Muhammad.

   - They also revere Ali's descendants, known as Imams, with the belief that they possess divine knowledge and authority.

   - Shia Islam places importance on martyrdom, particularly the events surrounding the death of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala.

   - Shia jurisprudence is based on the teachings of their Imams, and they have their own legal traditions, such as the Ja'fari school of jurisprudence.

   - The practice of temporary marriage (mut'ah) and different rituals during Muharram, such as mourning processions (Majalis) and self-flagellation, are more common in Shia communities.

While there are theological and legal differences between Sunni and Shia Islam, it's essential to recognize that both groups share a common faith in Islam and hold many fundamental beliefs in common.