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 is the Sunni viewpoint. A minority believed that Ali, the Prophet’s son-in-law should lead the community. These Muslims came to be known as Shi’a, which means ‘Party of Ali’ ...

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 ...

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.