Pathway to Paradise — Page 18
PATHWAY TO P ARADISE 18 practice. The development of sects within Islam began very early in Islamic history. In fact, upon the death of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him) and the appointment of the first Khalifa, Hazrat Abu Bakr, differences in the community began to surface almost immediately. These differences and disagreements heightened to such a degree that the unity of the Islamic community was threatened. Indeed, within thirty years, the followers of Islam split and separated into two different sects. These are : 1. The Sunnis This is the main sect of Muslims today. About 85% of the world’s Muslims are Sunnis. They accept the authority of the Khilafate Rashideen (the rightly guided successors) and follow closely the custom and practice (sunnah) of the Holy Prophet (peace and ble ssings of Allah be on him). They adhere to the Islamic law (Sharia) as interpreted by the four well - known jurists and Imams: Malik bin Anas, Abu Hanifa, Muhammad bin Idries al Shafi and Ahmad bin Hanbal. 2. The Shias The Shias form a separate faction, originating from their belief that only Hazrat Ali was the legitimate successor to the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). Hazrat Ali was the cousin and also son - in - law of the Holy Prophet, and Shias be lieve this blood relationship entitled only Ali and his descendants to inherit the spiritual “mantle” of the Holy Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be on him). They disown the three