Followers and Non-followers of Ali

The followers and non-followers of Ali were called Shias and Sunnis. This division within the Muslim community emerged after the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. It is important to note that the division is not merely based on personal loyalty or affiliation, but rather on theological and political differences.

Shias and Sunnis

1. Shias: Shias, also known as Shiites, are the followers of Ali ibn Abi Talib, who was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad. They believe that Ali was the rightful successor to the Prophet and that the leadership of the Muslim community should have remained within the Prophet's family. Shias also believe in the concept of Imamate, which holds that there are twelve Imams who are divinely appointed leaders after the Prophet. They consider Ali as the first Imam and believe that the twelfth Imam, known as the Mahdi, is in occultation and will return at the end of time.

2. Sunnis: Sunnis, on the other hand, are the largest sect within Islam and make up the majority of the Muslim population. They believe that the leadership of the Muslim community should be based on consensus (ijma) and the qualifications of the individual, rather than hereditary succession. Sunnis recognize the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali) as the rightful successors to the Prophet, with Abu Bakr being the first caliph. They do not believe in the concept of Imamate or the occultation of the Mahdi.

Reasons for the Division

The division between Shias and Sunnis has both theological and political roots. The primary theological difference revolves around the issue of leadership and succession after the Prophet's death. Shias believe in the divine appointment of Ali and his descendants as the rightful leaders, while Sunnis believe in the election and consensus of the Muslim community.

Additionally, the political factor played a significant role in the division. After the assassination of the third caliph, Uthman, Ali became the fourth caliph. However, his reign was marked by a series of conflicts, including the Battle of Siffin and the Battle of Jamal, which led to a split within the Muslim community. The division deepened with the martyrdom of Ali and the subsequent caliphs, Hassan and Hussain, which further solidified the Shia-Sunni divide.

The division between Shias and Sunnis continues to persist to this day and has had profound implications for the historical, social, and political dynamics of the Muslim world. It is important to approach this topic with sensitivity and respect for the beliefs and practices of both sects.

Shias and sunnis