What Is a Caliphate?

By jamie

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9. Shiite vs. Sunni

As mentioned, Ab Bakr was made the first caliph by the elders, and Sunni Muslims recognize him as such. Some Muslims, however, believed that Muhammed himself appointed Al ibn Ab lib as the first caliph and they don’t recognize Bakr as the first to truly hold that position.

Sunni Muslims believe that the heirs of all four of the first caliphs are legitimate leaders of Islam. Shiites, however, only see the heirs of Al ibn Ab lib as legitimate. This is one of the main differences between the two sects, and there has been much dispute, and even violence, between the two due to their differences.

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