Final answer:
The selection of the leader after Muhammad's death led to two different branches of Islam: Shia and Sunni.
Step-by-step explanation:
After Muhammad's death, two primary claimants for leadership emerged: his son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib, and a friend and confidant of Muhammad's named Abu Bakr. Ali was related to the Prophet by blood and marriage, while Abu Bakr was chosen by the elders of the community. This dispute led to the development of two branches of Islam: Shia and Sunni. The Shia believe that leadership of the Muslim community should reside in the family of Muhammad through Ali, while the Sunni believe that the community's leader can be anyone.