What ultimately caused the split between the Sunni and Shi'a Muslims?

Question

Quizplus · Accepted Answer

The disagreement over the succession of leadership ultimately caused the split between the Sunni and Shi'a Muslims.
Key Takeaway: The Shi'a movement in Islam developed in the tenth century as a direct result of Sunni dominance over Islam. The Shi'a believed that the caliphate was both a political and a spiritual leader and such a position should only be held by a person who could claim to be a direct descendent from Mohammed. The Sunni, on the other hand, believed that caliphs are only political leaders and could claim no authority over religious matters.

What Ultimately Caused the Split Between the Sunni and Shi'a