Islam has two main branches: Sunni and Shiite. Most Muslims, around 90% fall into the Sunni category while the other 10% make up the Shiite. The two split due to the “controversy surrounding leadership of the Muslim community after the death of the Prophet Muhammad” (Brodd p501). Some Muslims thought that a new leader should be chosen by agreement; while the others thought that only the prophet’s descendants should become caliph. As the Muslims split into two due to the differences in the leadership, Sunni emerges at the more “conservative” of the two.

After the Prophet Muhammad's death, Abu Bakr became his caliph or successor. The Sunni branch believes that the first four caliphs, including Ali, rightfully took place as the leaders