What are the two major denominations of Islam?

What are the two major denominations of Islam?

• A. Sunni and Shi'a
• B. Catholics and Protestants
• C. Mahayana and Theravada
• D. Confucianism and Taoism

Answer: (A)

Sunni and Shi'a are the two major denominations of Islam. They split after the Prophet Muhammad’s death over who should lead the Muslim community. Sunnis believe leadership should be chosen by the community and follow the example of the first four caliphs, emphasizing consensus and established practice. Shi’a believers hold that leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, beginning with Ali, and they stress the authority of the Imams in guiding religious matters. Both groups share core beliefs like monotheism, Muhammad as the Prophet, and the Quran, but they differ in leadership, religious authority, and some practices and laws. The other options point to religious traditions outside of Islam: Catholics and Protestants are Christianity; Mahayana and Theravada are Buddhism; Confucianism and Taoism are Chinese philosophical traditions.

Sunni and Shi'a are the two major denominations of Islam. They split after the Prophet Muhammad’s death over who should lead the Muslim community. Sunnis believe leadership should be chosen by the community and follow the example of the first four caliphs, emphasizing consensus and established practice. Shi’a believers hold that leadership should stay within the Prophet’s family, beginning with Ali, and they stress the authority of the Imams in guiding religious matters. Both groups share core beliefs like monotheism, Muhammad as the Prophet, and the Quran, but they differ in leadership, religious authority, and some practices and laws. The other options point to religious traditions outside of Islam: Catholics and Protestants are Christianity; Mahayana and Theravada are Buddhism; Confucianism and Taoism are Chinese philosophical traditions.