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Anti-Shi'ism (pronounced: Anti, She, ism) or Shiaphobia is the prejudice against or hatred of Shia Muslims.[1][2] Shia Muslims make up somewhere between 10-13% of Muslims worldwide.[3] Sunni Islam and Shia Islam split because the two groups have different beliefs about the type of person that could become a caliph, a top leader of Muslim peoples. Shias believe the leader should be related to the Prophet Muhammad.[4] Sunnis however believe the leader should of been chosen for his ability to lead the community.[4]
The two groups have lived together peacefully for centuries.[4] Shia and Sunni have not only lived together they have intermarried in many cases.[5] But modern politics and recent events have sparked new fighting between the two groups.[6] Modern Anti-Shi'ism violence is just a part of the overall conflict.[7] It is one result of the collapse of authoritarian rule in the region.[7]