Sunni and shiite represent branches of islam based on

Sunni and shiite represent branches of islam based on a different belief upon who was the rightful successor to the Prophet Muhammad. Shiites believe that someone in Muhammad's family should have been the successor whereas the majority Sunni branch believes any righteous person who follows Muhammad customs could be. Both groups largely share the same general beliefs and practices (Allah as God, pilgrimage to Mecca, etc.) with slight variations on the status of clerics, interpretation of religious law, and prayer practices.