An initial debate regarding Ali's succession as caliph caused the controversial split that formed the Sunni and Shiite groups. While the Sunnis adhere to an elective process, Shiites strongly believe that the rightful successors to lead Islam should originate from the bloodline of Muhammad, thus, Ali should have been first in the line of succession.

The term, Sunni, is defined as meaning "traditionalists." This group leans toward a stricter interpretation of the Qur'an and it is their belief that the office of Caliph should lead Muslims by a democratic consensus. Sunnis adhere to the documented teachings of Muhammad, known as Sunnah.

 

Sunnis consist of four sub-groups (schools of belief) which interpret how Muhammad lived. Muslims are then instructed to pattern their lives according to the accounts of Muhammad's life and lifestyle.

The four sub-groups are:

1) Hanabalites: Considered as one of the strictest in interpreting the Qur'an and in setting the guidelines on how Muslims must follow their faith. Followers of this group reside mostly in Iraq, Syria and Saudi Arabia.

2) Shafiites: This group is found in Indonesia, the Arabian Peninsula and Egypt. Religious guidelines are not as strict as other Islamic groups.

3) Malikhites: North Africa and the Sudan are the regions where this group resides. Malikhites allow other laws to be introduced into their faith and added to those derived from the teachings of Muhammad.

4) Hanafites: These are not as rigid in their adherence to the stricter Islamic teachings. The Hanafites are spread throughout regions of China, Turkey and India.

Geographical location plays a role in how strict the religious guidelines are, thus, interpretations will vary throughout Arab regions.