Why did Islam split into two factions and what are the factions?

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

This is actually two questions which will each be addressed in turn.

Why did Islam Split?

There are numerous answers as to why Islam split which can be further investigated at the Related Question below: Why did Islam split into Sunnis and Shiites?

The simplest answer is this:

Disagreements over Succession after Mohammed's death.

The Muslim community was united while Mohammed was the leader of this community. Most Muslims hold, however, that he never specifically chose a successor to his leadership. There was a minority in the community that supported the candidacy of 'Ali, the Prophet's son-in-law, this political faction became known as the "Supporters of 'Ali" which in Arabic is Shiat 'Ali (where the modern term "Shiite" comes from). They derived their support from specific hadiths and events that they claimed showed that God had revealed to Mohammed that 'Ali would succeed him. The majority of Muslims held that these hadiths and events showed nothing more than that 'Ali was very pious, something they did not deny. Therefore they gave power to the man who was Mohammed's second-in-command and father-in-law Abu Bakr. This majority were called the People of the Customs [of the Prophet] which in Arabic is Ahl Sunna (from where the modern term "Sunni" comes from.)

How did the Split Affect the Middle East?

The Split had a number of incredibly important affects in the Middle East. It led to long-standing rivalries and conflicts between the two sects of Islam. Shiites were forcibly repressed in the Umayyad and subsequent Abbassid Caliphate. The Seljuks (Sunni Turks) had as their long-standing rival the Fatimids (Shiite Arabs) and they fought numerous wars over the control of the southern Levant. The revolt against the Idrissids (Shiite Arabs) in Morocco was inspired by Sunni Loyalists. Iran and Safavid Persia have openly discriminated against and forcibly converted Sunni Muslims to Shiite Islam. The bottom line is that the split has cost innumerable lives and increased suffering for all involved.

Answer 3

Actually it is not Islam that got divided, rather a group of so called muslim got dissected from Islam. Islam was complete revolution and a section of people did not accepted Islam by heart but because of political and social pressure they had no choice but to pretend to be muslims. Thus, when they got opportunity they seperated themselves from mainstream Islam. It is called counter revolutionary forces. Shiasm is later and more systematic manifestation of phenomenon of nifaq (Hypocracy). The main characteristics of Nifaq at the time of Prophet was enmity towards those who assisted prophet in achieving his mission and Concealing what their hearts believe and Shiasm also comes with same characteristics. Ka-Chow!

Answer 4

The maximum groups or sects in Muslim world are a result of colonialism so the effects of these sects were already calculated by British Empire.Now Colonialism is ever-folded chapter of the history but political power is yet in western pole.On the other hand Muslim world have reason able portion of Natural Resources but even then they are facing most destabilized political governments.