Key beliefs of Sunni and Shi'a Islam

Which event caused a split between members of the Sunni and Shi'a communities?

• Muhammad's birth

• Muhammad's death

• Muhammad's revelation

After Muhammad's death, what did the majority of Muslims think had the authority to guide the beliefs and behaviour of Muslims?

• They could choose who/what to be guided by

• The Qur'an and wise religious relatives

• The Qur'an and Sunnah (Muhammad's teachings and actions)

Which group form the majority of the global Islamic community?

• Sunni

• Shi'a

• They have equal members

How did Sunni Muslims decide on the next leader of the community after Muhammad's death?

• He volunteered himself as leader

• They elected him

• He declared himself as leader

What was the name of the Sunni Caliph (leader) the community elected?

• Hussayn

• Ali

• Abu Bakr

What is the role of a Caliph?

• to make new laws and guidance

• to act on behalf of God and Muhammad to make sure people followed God's laws

• to ask for suggestions from the community on what they wanted to do and how they wanted to do it

What does the word 'Sunni' mean?

• followers of the Sunnah

• friends of the prophet

• friends of the angels

• followers of the Caliphs

Shi'a Muslims instead believed that Muhammad had named his cousin to be his successor. What was his name?

• Ibrahim

• Abu Bakr

• Hussayn

• Ali

How do Shi'a Muslims believe leaders after Muhammad should be identified?

• elected by the community

• chosen by angels

• must be a descendent (relative) of Muhammad and chosen by God

• based on popularity

What do Shi'a Muslims call their leader?

• Hadith

• Imam

• Sunnah

• Caliph