1. Disagreement over Ali’s right to succession
The major difference by which Shia Islam distinguishes itself from mainstream Islam is the belief that Ali was designated the immediate successor to the Caliphate upon the death of Muhammad, and that the first three Rightly Guided Caliphs unlawfully took the right to rule from him. Ali is central to Shiite Islam and he is venerated as an infallible. Sunnis, however, merely view him as a devoted and pious companion of the Prophet who rendered incredible services to the cause of Islam. The disagreement over succession after Muhammad passed away is therefore number one on our list of the major differences between Shia and Sunni Muslims.
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