An Islamic sect refers to a distinct group within the broader religion of Islam that has its own beliefs, practices, and interpretations of the Quran and Hadith. The two largest sects are Sunni and Shia, which differ primarily in their views on leadership and authority following the death of the Prophet Muhammad. Each sect may have further subdivisions, leading to various schools of thought and practices. For example, Sunni Islam includes schools like Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali, while Shia Islam has branches such as Twelver and Ismaili. These differences contribute to the rich diversity within the Islamic faith.