Why did the religion of islam split?

Answer 1

There are different sects and sub-sects in almost all religions of the world. Islam is no exception. The main reason is difference in the level of understanding among people belonging to different socio-cultural backgrounds or vested interests.

The first split among Muslims came after the death of the third Rightful Caliph Hazrat Usman RAU. Those who advocated that Hazrat Ali RAU should have been chosen the Caliph after the death of the holy Prophet (SAW) declared them 'Shiyan-i-Ali.' It is interesting to note that during the Rightful Caliphate of first three Caliphs, Hazrat Ali RAU had been their advisor and active member of Muslim society.

The division in the Muslims affected the spread of Islam very badly. Thousands of Muslims were killed during civil wars fought between them. It also had a very negative effect on the Unity of Muslim Ummah. The clashes between the two major groups Sunnis and Shiyas have done great harm to the cause of Islam. The basic beliefs of the two are the same. Some extremists sometimes create disturbance, otherwise there is no serious enmity between the two. In many countries they are living peacefully together.

Answer 2

They split because the caliphs were saying that having such a big place will be hard to control so they split the Muslim community