The tension between Sunni and Shi'a Muslims has been a defining feature of Islam from its beginnings in the 7th Century to today. Their conflicts have defined many early Islamic kingdoms and led to assassinations and wars.
Though most Islamic kingdoms have been Sunni, as are a majority of Muslims today, some regional sects and the
Safavid Empire in Persia (modern day Iran) have been Shi'a. The differences between the two sects are not as
much about belief and practice in Islam as much as political leadership. At its root, the tension between the
groups stemmed out of the decision making process of selecting the first caliph after the death of Muhammad.
The Sunnis trace the first caliph to the selection of Abu Bakr while Shi'as recognize Ali, Mohammad's son-in-law
and cousin, as the first caliph.
What makes Shi'a Muslims different from Sunni Muslims?
They believe in the peaceful conversion of all peoples while Sunnis are more warlike.
o They were more dominant in the past but are now more powerful than the Sunnis.
They have always practiced a different set of religious practices than Sunnis.
They believe the caliph should be related to the prophet Muhammad.