Shia and Sunni are the two major branches of Islam.
Tips
history
Transliteration of Arabic Shīʿah (شيعة, 'faction, party'). Originated from the 7th-century split over succession after Prophet Muhammad — Shia recognized Ali ibn Abi Talib as the rightful successor.
usage
Almost always used as 什叶派 (Shíyèpài, Shia denomination). Counterpart: 逊尼派 (Xùnnípài, Sunni).
