“In the two centuries following Muhammad’s death, the relationship between religious and secular authorities changed substantially.” In 1–2 sentences, develop a logical argument in support of this statement
During the early years after Muhammad's death, religious and secular authorities were interconnected, as Muslim leaders ruled both religious and political domains. However, over time, as Islamic empires expanded and grew more complex, the power and influence of secular authorities increased, leading to a separation between religious and secular governance.
One could argue that the establishment of the Caliphate after Muhammad's death centralized both religious and secular authority in the hands of the Caliph, illustrating a close relationship between the two. However, over time, as different dynasties and empires emerged, the dynamics shifted, and religious and secular authorities often came into conflict or operated independently, leading to a significant change in their relationship.
One can argue that the relationship between religious and secular authorities changed substantially in the two centuries following Muhammad's death due to the expansion of the Islamic empire, the rise of powerful caliphs, and the establishment of effective administrative systems that led to a greater integration of religious and political power.
