Others are called Sunni Muslims, from the word meaning “tradition.” Thus, the distinction between the groups hinges on their interpretation of Ali’s relationship to Muhammad.

This group was called Shia Ali, or ‘Party of Ali’, from which comes the word Shia. While the main responsibility of Sunni Caliphs was to maintain law and order in the Muslim realm, as ...

One of the most crucial differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims is the importance that the Shiites give to Ali, whom the Sunni do not recognize as being the Prophet's rightful successor.

Sunni close SunniMuslims who believe in the successorship of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali as leaders of the Muslim community after the Prophet Muhammad. Muslims specifically set the duties out ...