The Sunni-Shi'a split originated from disagreements over what issue?

• A. Conflicts about taxation policies.
• B. Disagreements over succession after Muhammad.
• C. Debates about worship style.
• D. Disputes over conversion to Islam after the Prophet.

Answer: (B)

The main issue is who should lead the Muslim community after Muhammad’s death and how that leadership is chosen. Sunnis argued that the community should select a leader through consultation and broad acceptance, valuing merit and consensus. Shi'a held that leadership rightly belongs to Ali and his descendants, as the Prophet designated them and they possess special spiritual authority. This disagreement over rightful succession and legitimacy after the Prophet’s death is what produced the split, shaping later differences in political and religious authority. Disputes over taxation, worship style, or conversion did not drive this division.