The two main branches in Islam are the Sunnis and the Shi'a.

Sunni Muslims constitute the majority of the world's Muslim population at around 85%.

Approximately 15% of Muslims are Shi'a and are predominantly found in Iran, where they constitute the majority, Iraq, Pakistan, Bahrain, Lebanon, and Afghanistan; with some presence in other areas of the Persian gulf.

The name 'Sunni' comes from the word Sunnah, which means 'the example of the Prophet Muhammad'.

Shi'a, the word for 'party', refers to the 'followers of Ali or party of Ali' as Shi'a Muslims supported Ali's claim to leadership of the early Muslim community.

There are not profound differences in the fundamentals of the faith, or aqidah, between the two branches of Islam, but the division runs deep and can be strongly felt on certain points.