Final answer:
The Shi'ite/Sunni split arose over a disagreement on the rightful successor to Prophet Muhammad, leading to Shia Muslims advocating for his son-in-law Ali's lineage, while Sunni Muslims supported leaders based on their qualifications rather than descent.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Shi'ite/Sunni split is a significant division within Islam that originated from a disagreement over the rightful leadership after Prophet Muhammad's death. Shia Muslims (Shi'ites) believed that leadership should remain within the Prophet's family, specifically his son-in-law, Ali. They view their Imams, often direct descendants of Muhammad, as divinely appointed leaders.
The Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, make up the majority of Muslims today and support the idea that the leaders (caliphs) do not necessarily have to be from Muhammad's lineage but should be elected for their effectiveness. Sunnis and Shias share many fundamental Islamic beliefs but differ in religious practices, interpretations of texts, and certain theological beliefs.
The distinction became more pronounced in the Middle East following the spread of Islam. When the Persian Empire, now Iran, adopted Shia Islam as its official religion in the early 16th century, it stood in contrast to the Sunni majority in surrounding regions, laying the groundwork for later political and religious conflicts, such as those in Iraq. Each sect has its own theological interpretations and religious practices, and despite the conflict, there have been periods of peaceful coexistence between the two groups.