Describe the split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad’s death Short
The split in the Muslim community after Muhammad's death is known as the Islamic schism or the Sunni-Shia divide. The disagreement stemmed from differing beliefs on who the rightful successor of Muhammad should be.
After Muhammad's death in 632 CE, a group known as the Sunni Muslims believed that the successor should be chosen through a process of election, consensus, or appointment. They supported Abu Bakr, one of Muhammad's closest companions, as the first caliph (successor) of Islam.
On the other hand, a faction known as the Shia Muslims believed that the successor to Muhammad should be a blood relative of the Prophet, specifically his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib. They argued that Muhammad had designated Ali as his rightful heir during his lifetime. Therefore, they supported Ali as the first caliph.
The tensions between the Sunnis and Shias grew over time, fueled by political, theological, and social factors. The Sunni caliphs held power and established their authority, while the Shia community felt marginalized and persecuted. This led to further division and eventually to the formation of separate Sunni and Shia sects within Islam.
The Sunni sect became the majority and adopted a more traditional and conservative approach to Islamic practice. They recognized the legitimacy of the first four caliphs following Muhammad, while also accepting the authority of the consensus of the Muslim community.
Meanwhile, the Shia sect, although in the minority, developed a distinct identity. They consider Ali and his descendants, known as Imams, as the true successors and leaders of the Muslim community. The Shia sect evolved with different branches, the largest being the Twelvers, who believe in twelve divinely-guided Imams, with the twelfth Imam being in occultation till his reappearance.
The Sunni-Shia split has persisted through history, resulting in various conflicts, tensions, and political divisions within the Muslim world. Despite efforts towards greater unity, the schism continues to shape the socio-political landscape of many regions with Muslim populations.
The split in the Muslim community after the death of Muhammad is known as the Sunni-Shiite split. This division occurred due to a disagreement over the succession of leadership and who should be the rightful successor to Muhammad as the leader of the Muslim community, known as the Caliph.
After Muhammad's death in 632 CE, the majority of Muslims, who later became known as Sunnis, believed that leadership should be based on consensus and chose Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad, as the first Caliph. Sunnis believed that any pious and competent Muslim could become the Caliph, as long as they were accepted by the community.
On the other hand, a small group of Muslims, who later became known as Shiites, believed that leadership should only be passed down through the bloodline of Muhammad and Ali, his cousin and son-in-law, should have been the immediate successor. They considered Ali as the rightful leader, and later his descendants, known as Imams, who they believed held divine authority.
This disagreement over succession led to a division within the Muslim community. Sunnis became the majority and spread across various regions, while the Shiite community remained a minority, but significant, especially in areas such as Iran, Iraq, Bahrain, and Lebanon.
It is important to note that Sunni and Shiite Muslims share the same core beliefs and practices of Islam but have some differences in aspects such as leadership and interpretation of certain religious texts. Despite the split, both Sunnis and Shiites continue to coexist and make up the diverse and global Muslim community today.
The split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad's death is known as the Sunni-Shiite split. Here's a brief explanation:
After the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, there was disagreement among Muslims about the rightful successor to lead the ummah (Muslim community). This disagreement ultimately led to a division within the Muslim community.
The majority of Muslims, who came to be known as Sunnis, believed that leadership should be based on consensus and that any qualified Muslim could become the leader. They believed that the first four caliphs (successors) of Muhammad, known as the Rashidun caliphs, were rightful leaders.
On the other hand, a minority group believed that leadership should be passed down strictly through Muhammad's bloodline. They believed that Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, should have been the immediate successor to Muhammad. They became known as Shiites, or Shias, which is derived from the Arabic term for "supporters of Ali."
The tensions between the Sunni and Shiite factions persisted and eventually resulted in conflicts, political rivalries, and theological disputes. Over time, differences in religious practices, religious law, and leadership structures between Sunnis and Shiites have further deepened the split.
It is important to note that this split has historical and political dimensions, and it is not purely rooted in religion. There are significant variations within each group, and not all Sunnis or Shiites agree on every aspect of their respective beliefs.