Briefly explain why there was a split in Islam that resulted in the creation of the two different sects?

Answer 1

This is not real split into two different sects as; for example the split of Christians into Orthodox and Catholics.

Both Islamic schools or groups (called Sunnis and Shiites)agree upon basic Islam pillars and fundamentals. they differ on minor Islam and historical issues. These differences appeared only after prophet Muhammad death (not murder). Some people (who are called later Shiites) called for Muslim ruling to be within Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) family and descendants and accordingly Ali Ibn Abou Taleb should by the first Muslim ruler after prophet Muhammad (PBUH) death. While the majority (who are called later the Sunnis) elected Abou Bakr (Prophet Muhammad closer companion and the first man entered into Islam faith) as the first ruler. However, the Shiites were having very sound understanding and accepted the majority decision; even Ali (All be pleased with him) supported also Abou Bakr as a ruler and supported the following rulers (or Caliphs) Omar and Othman. Then Ali became the fourth Caliph or ruler.

Refer to question below for more related information.

Answer:

I would politely disagree with my Egyptian brother Elosery. I believe that the differences between the Sunni and Shiah are significant.

The Shiah (the "party" of Ali) broke away from Islam in order to form a variation of it. This was perpetrated by a man who pretended to be a Muslim, but was out to make trouble.

At first, the disagreement was only about whether Ali, the nefew of Muhammad should have been the first to be head of the Islamic nation after the death of the Prophet. But after a time, the disagreements with original Islamic doctrines increased in number and in importance.

The Shiah believe that their religious leaders are "infallible". Disagreeing with them means you have left Islam. The rest of us (who are the vast majority - 85% of the Muslim World) do not consider any human being to be "infallible". We are free to follow the ruling of a religious authority or not.

The Shiah pray to dead "saints" as intercessors. The rest of us do not. We pray directly to God. That is such a fundamental thing - praying ONLY to God - that I personallly consider anyone who prays to Ali, or Hussein, or Fatimah, or WHOEVER to have left Islam completely.