| − | '''Sunnis''' are the largest denomination in [[Islam]], comprising about eighty five percent of all Muslims. Their difference with the minority [[Shia]] (or Shiite) Muslims arose soon after [[Muhammad]]'s [[death]], when a conflict arose over who his successor should be. The Sunnis believe that the first four [[caliph]]s--Muhammad's successors--rightfully took his place as the leaders of Muslims. They recognize the heirs of the four caliphs as legitimate [[religious]] leaders. These heirs ruled continuously in the [[Arab]] world until the break-up of the [[Ottoman Empire]] following the end of [[World War I]]. | + | '''Sunnis''' are the largest denomination in [[Islam]], comprising about eighty five percent of all Muslims. Their difference with the minority [[Shia]] (or Shiite) Muslims arose soon after [[Muhammad]]'s [[death]], when a conflict arose over who his successor should be. The Sunnis believe that the first four [[caliph]]s--Muhammad's successors--rightfully took his place as the leaders of Muslims. They recognize the heirs of the four caliphs as legitimate [[religious]] leaders. |