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Essay on The Islamic Schism
Islam is a religion that was founded by Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) some 1427 years ago. To be a Muslim Five basic elements are to be followed. First is to admit that there is only one God who has created the whole universe and Muhammad is the last messenger of God. Secondly to offer Prayers (called Salat in Arabic language) five times in a day. Thirdly is to keep fasts in the Islamic month of Ramadan. Fourth element is to carry out pilgrimage to Mecca (in Saudi Arabia) once in the life time.
Lastly is to give charity (called Zakat). Any one who does no believe and act on any one of these elements is not considered as a Muslim. The present branches found in Islam basically believe in all of the five basic elements but the difference is found in the method of execution of these basic elements of Islam. The people that have adopted any different beliefs have been declared as not Muslims but a separate religion. The Quran is the non disputed holy book amongst all factions of Muslims that contains the revelations on Prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him). Quran includes commandments and directions that constitute the muslin laws. The two main factions of Islam (Sunni and Shiite) have some different laws because of the different interpretation of some part of the holy book Quran.
This difference gradually developed after the death of the prophet Muhammad (Peace be Upon Him) when the claim over the legacy of prophet rose to select a Caliph. One group of Muslims was in favor of Abu Bakr, father in law and strong disciple of prophet and the other was in favor of Ali the son in law of prophet. Abu Bakr was elected as the first caliph of Muslims and the problem was solved for the time being.......
