Sunni/Shi'a split

Question 1

Who did the Sunnis believe should take over after Muhammad?

Answer 1

Abu Bakr

Question 2

Who did the Shi’a believe should take over after Muhammad?

Answer 2

Ali

Question 3

What did the Sunni believe?

Answer 3

Sunni beliefs: Believe that the Caliphate (Succession) was correct and guided by Muhammad and Allah
Believe that the Shi’a may have been behind the assassination of Umar.
Most Sunni believe that after the 4 Caliphs, succession went to Mu-awiya (5th Caliph) and not the children of Ali

Question 4

What are the Shi’a beliefs?

Answer 4

Shi’a beliefs: Reject the reign of Abu Bakr, Uman and Ulthams as Caliphs because they believe Ali was chosen by Muhammad to be in charge.
Ali’s children were the rightful rulers and given the title of the Imams but were ‘robbed’ of this by the Sunni Muslims.
Most Shi’a believe that the Imams have incredible power given to them by Allah.