The continuing dispute between the sunnis and the shiites has exercised great influence on the islamic world. where did the difference in their views orginate

Isl am was divided to sunnis and shi tties

The division of Muslims into Sunnis and Shiites began after the death of the prophet. The Sunnis wanted to elect a caliph (successor) in a more democratic way and the Shiites wanted the succession to stay within the family, like in a monarchy. The Sunnis then elected Abu Bakr as the successor, but the Shiites wanted Ali because he was the prophet's cousin and they wanted the rule to stay within the family.