Sunni and Shia: The first split

Selma’s grandpa plays chess with his new girlfriend Mina who lives in Iraq. Sometimes they interpret the rules differently and quarrel a bit. But they always make up in the end. Grandpa and Mina are both muslim. Sometimes they also interpret Islam differently and quarrel a bit.

Grandpa and Mina belong to two different sects within Islam: Sunni and Shia. Selma thinks they are annoying. What actually is the difference between Sunni and Shia? Muhammad dies in Medina in the year 632. He hasn’t appointed any successor.

His followers argue. They don’t seem to be able to agree on who should be in charge. What about Muhammad’s children? Muhammad had several children with his first wife Khadija, but only one of them is still alive: Fatima. After the death of Khadija, Muhammad did have several more wives.

But he never had any more children. Can’t Fatima take the lead now then? No, she is a woman, and in this society in the 7th century, women are not accepted as leaders. Muhammad’s followers - the muslims - divide into two groups. This group believes that the best thing would be if Muhammad’s oldest and best friend took over: Abu Bakr.

Abu Bakr is also the father of one of Muhammad’s wives - Aisha - and he has been in charge of a lot of important stuff for Muhammad. Abu Bakr becomes the first leader after Muhammad. He gets a title that means deputy or stand-in: Caliph. But what about this group? They feel that: nah, Abu Bakr isn’t actually related to the prophet Muhammed, he won’t do.

But this is Ali, he is married to Muhammad’s daughter Fatima. He is also related directly to Muhammad - they were cousins. They want him instead. Ali is given the title of Imam. Abu Bakr’s group thinks that the most important thing is to live like Muhammad did.

Follow his tradition - sunna. So they call themselves Sunni. This second group, that wants a relative of Muhammad as leader, call themselves the followers of Ali - Shia Ali. This later becomes shortened to just Shia. After Abu Bakr a second and a third caliph follow.

But after the third caliph’s death Ali becomes the caliph. So Ali becomes not only the first Imam of the Shias, but also the fourth Caliph of the Sunnis. Now everyone is happy. But just for a short while. After the death of Ali, things change.

Ali’s son Hassan becomes Imam. Muawiyah the first becomes caliph. The Shia muslims are not happy. Not only is Muawiyah not related to Ali, he has also actively opposed Ali and Hassan. So when Hassan dies and his brother, Husayn becomes Imam, it’s not surprising that Husayn refuses to acknowledge Muawiyah as caliph.

Husayn has a lot of support in Iraq. Now it’s the year 680 and he is on his way there with his family and followers. Oh no, they are being attacked, near a city called Karbala. Muawiyah is taking revenge because Husayn didn’t accept him as a leader. Now Muawiyah is attacking with his army.

Husayn is decapitated and almost all in his company are murdered. After this event sunni and shia don’t get along. So this first split of Islam was all about who was to become the leader of the muslims. It was a strictly political split. But soon after, religious differences also appear.

Those, you will hear about another time. It looks like grandpa and Mina are friends again.