Sunni-Shia sectarianism at root of much of Middle East violence

More than 85% of the world’s 1.5 billion Muslims are Sunni, and the rest are Shia. The two denominations share many of the same fundamental beliefs and practices, and in many places their followers have quietly co-existed for centuries. Outright sectarian conflict has been rare, but over recent decades tensions have risen, and sectarianism is at the root of much of the present-day violence in the Middle East.

The schism goes back to the death of the prophet Muhammad in 632AD, and a disagreement over who should succeed him. Some Muslims believed that his successor should be chosen; others wanted a continuation of Muhammad’s bloodline.

The majority of Muhammad’s followers backed Abu Bakr, a friend of the prophet, to inherit his office. They became known as Sunnis. A smaller number insisted the prophet had anointed his cousin Ali. They became known as Shia.