The Sunni & Shia

"The Shiites (a name derived from the Arabic shiat Ali, "the party of Ali") constitute one of the two major branches of Islam, the other, larger branch being the Sunnites. Following the death of Muhammad, disagreement arose as to the necessary qualifications and exact function of his successors as leaders (Imams) of the Muslim community. The Shiites are those who insisted that only members of the Prophet's clan, specifically, the descendants of Muhammad's daughter Fatima and her husband Ali, could qualify. Although Ali became (655) the fourth caliph, he was murdered in 661, and the majority recognized the Umayyad Muawiya I as caliph. The Shiites, however, supported the claims of Ali's sons: Hasan, who died mysteriously c. 669, and Husein, who was killed by Umayyad troops at Kerbala in 680 (Kerbala, in Iraq, became the major pilgrimage center for the Shiites)." (source)

In 632 A.D., after the death of Muhammad, this whole ordeal started to take place. A position became open after his death, it was to rule and catty out the Muslim nation and faith, so it came down to two people; Abu Bakr and Ali. Abu Bakr was Muhammad's father-in-law and friend while Ali was his cousin and con-in law. When the decision was made, Abu Bakr ended up becoming the new Caliphate. Though, he died soon after in 634 A.D. After many Caliphs had come and gone, Ali finally made it. But he wasn't accepted by Muhammad's former wife, Aisha, who was Abu Bakr's daughter. She thought of him to poor in justice, so both Aisha and Ali fought forces at Camel that same year. After Aisha's forces were stopped, she apologized and let Ali rule in peace. Only a few years later Ali was killed by some of his own while on his way seek a compromise with an enemy. ( source 1, source 2)

The reason for the Sunni and Shiite's split is not because of religious differences but because of political ones. The Sunni wanted Abu Bakr to rule and the Shiites wanted Ali to rule. It was a true dispute because the Shia wanted someone of actual blood lineage to rule, though they didn't get the higher vote they still ended up with their ruler in the end. Ali was Muhammad's cousin, Abu Bakr was related through marriage. Today there is still a dispute between the two nations, but it is due to Uthman, a member of the wealthy Ummayad clan. He was also a former Sunni Caliphate that was killed. I can see why they are upset, over and over they continue to kill each other over something that took place a thousand years ago. (source 1, source 2, source 3)

Technically speaking the Sunni and Shia believe in the same thing; they both believe that the Quran is the Holy Book and they follow the Five Pillars of Islam. However, the Shiites are much more dramatic in prayer when it comes to martyrs. They also pray three times a day rather than five. On the topic of Sunni religious leaders, theyin Aisha and Abu Bakr, ect., to have an impact on the Islamic religion, and the Shia's want in accepting them as "ideal members of the faith." (source)

Book 1
Book 2