After centuries of disagreements over the legacy of the Prophet Muhammad, the split between Islam's two main schools of thought is more apparent than ever, as the two theocratic regimes of the Middle East are increasingly hostile towards each other.

"Shias, Sunnis: Why is Islam torn apart?" the French newsweekly L'Obs writes on Friday's cover. "From Muhammad's death to the the rise of ISIS, centuries-old conflicts explained."

As the publications notes, Sunnis represent around 85% of the world's Muslim community and the Shias close to 15%.The Houthi rebellion in Yemen is being fought by a coalition led by Saudi Arabia but allegedly supported by the Iranians as the two countries fight for influence in the region.

The divide between the two branches of Islam is as much a major talking point among Muslims as others, as ISIS is murdering hoardes of Muslims affiliated with Shia in territories it has conquered.

ABOUT THE SOURCE: L'OBS is a left-leaning French weekly newsmagazine based in Paris.