Islamic sects refer to the various branches within the Islam religion, primarily divided into two main groups: Sunni and Shia. Sunnis make up the majority of Muslims worldwide, while Shia Muslims primarily reside in countries like Iran and Iraq. The differences between these sects often stem from historical disagreements over leadership and interpretation of Islamic teachings.
Within these two main groups, there are further subdivisions. For example, Sunnism includes various schools of thought, such as Hanafi, Maliki, Shafi'i, and Hanbali. Similarly, Shia Islam has its own branches, including Twelvers and Ismailis. Each sect has unique beliefs, practices, and interpretations of the Quran and Hadith.