Why there was a split in Islam in the creation of the 2 different sects?

The split in Islam that resulted in the formation of two distinct sects Sunni and Shia can be traced back to a disagreement over the succession of the Prophet Muhammad. After the death of the Prophet in 632 CE the Community of Believers was divided over who should take his place as leader of the Muslim community. Sunnis who form the majority of Muslims believe the rightful successor to Muhammad was Abu Bakr one of the Prophets closest companions. They also believe that the Islamic leadership should be based on consensus and the selection of the most qualified individual. Shias on the other hand believe that Muhammad chose his son-in-law Ali ibn Abi Talib to be his successor and that the leadership should only be passed down through his descendants. This disagreement over the rightful successor to the Prophet has led to the split of Sunni and Shia Islam.