Muhammad's passing creates enduring rift

Persian art symbol of Muhammad's ascension to heaven

In 632, Muhammad's sudden death after a brief illness launched a profound disagreement, creating a schism in Islam which still remains unresolved. After Muhammad's death, Islam split into two major factions, Sunni and Shia, over who should assume leadership of Islam.

The Shia, about 15% of all Muslims today, believe that Muhammad's leadership of Islam should fall to his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib.

The Sunni, about 85% of all Muslims today, believe that Muhammad's leadership of Islam should fall to Abu Bakr, who also served as Muhammad's lieutenant in his campaigns of conquest to bring infidels unto submission to Allah through Islam.