There are various sects, divisions of belief, that stem from the fundamental interpretations of seventh-century Islamic theology. This is much the same as what has happened within Christian denominations whose basic doctrines differ in their views regarding the person of Jesus Christ, worship, Salvation, and one's eternal destiny. The Jewish religion also has its branches of faith that differ from each other, such as: Orthodox, Reform, Conservative, the Messianic movement, etc. Therefore, whenever someone proclaims that they are a Muslim, it means that they belong to one of the several branches of Islam. This explains why many Muslims view terror as a misguided interpretation of their faith while many others regard terror as the path that Islam must take.

The two major Islamic groups are the Sunni and Shiite.
Sunnis comprise approximately eighty-percent of the entire Muslim population while Shiites account for less than fifteen-percent. Both of these groups have disputed over which has been granted the rightful succession to lead the Muslim faith. Herein is a brief overview of the varying sects that form the Islamic world:

 

SUNNIS:

As stated, Sunnis comprise the largest following of Muslims throughout the world. Sunnis consider their group to have been given the legitimate succession of leadership which took effect after the death of their prophet, Muhammad in the year 632 CE.

The successors, known as "caliphs," are elected heads of state. The first caliph to pick up the banner of Islam after Muhammad died was Muhammad's own father-in-law, Hadrat Abu Bakr, 632-634. The following three successors after Abu Bakr were: Hadrat Umar Farooq, 634-644; Hadrat Othman, 644-656; and Hadrat Ali, 656-661. Ali was a blood relative of Muhammad and the husband of Muhammad's only surviving daughter, Fatima. (Ali and Fatima were cousins)