In Islam, two main directions are distinguished: Shiites and Sunnis. Both have in common that the Quran and the example of Muhammad are the basis of their faith. Both perform prayers five times a day, fast in the month of Ramadan, and go on the Hajj, the pilgrimage to Mecca. The differences between these two directions can be compared to those of two different schools of thought. Muslims who regard the sayings and deeds of the Prophet Muhammad as binding are called Sunnis, and those who additionally hold the sayings and views of Ali (Muhammad's son-in-law) as authoritative and regard him as the political and spiritual successor of the Prophet are called Shiites. The term "Shia," from which Shiites is derived, means party—in this case, the party of Ali. It actually began as a political party intended to help Ali in his conflict with his opponents. Today, Shiites make up about 15% of the Muslim population. Most live in Iran and Iraq, while Muslims in other countries are mostly Sunnis.