Question

which of these is the key difference between sunnis and the shias?
choose one option
a
sunnis believe that the first four caliphs were muhammad’s rightful successors, while the shias believe that only ali was legitimate and only his heirs should rule.
b
sunnis believe that a caliph should be the leader of the muslim religion, while shias believe that a caliph should only lead the government.
c
sunnis believe that only ali and his heirs should rule, while shias believe that the first four caliphs were muhammad’s rightful successors.
d
sunnis believed that the first four caliphs were muhammad’s rightful successors, while the shias believed that the first three caliphs were muhammad’s rightful successors.

Explanation:

The core historical religious difference between Sunnis and Shias centers on the rightful successors to the Prophet Muhammad. Sunnis recognize the first four caliphs (Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, Ali) as legitimate, while Shias hold that only Ali (Muhammad's son-in-law) and his hereditary heirs were the rightful leaders.

Answer:

A. Sunnis believe that the first four caliphs were Muhammad’s rightful successors, while the Shias believe that only Ali was legitimate and only his heirs should rule.