2007-01-30 07:26:52 · 2 answers · asked by tim 1 in Society & Culture ➔ Religion & Spirituality
The above answer is correct. Here is a good Islamic link with lots of nice info.
2007-02-01 15:26:10 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Like most religions, they differ for stupid reasons:
The Sunni branch believes that the first four caliphs--Mohammed's successors--rightfully took his place as the leaders of Muslims. They recognize the heirs of the four caliphs as legitimate religious leaders. These heirs ruled continuously in the Arab world until the break-up of the Ottoman Empire following the end of the First World War.
Shiites, in contrast, believe that only the heirs of the fourth caliph, Ali, are the legitimate successors of Mohammed.
Sounds like a good reason for them to kill each other, doesn't it?
2007-01-30 15:47:12 · answer #2 · answered by atheist jesus 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋