Describe the split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad’s death.
(4 points)
After Muhammad's death in 632 AD, there was a split in the Muslim community over who should succeed him as the leader of the Muslim ummah (community). One group, known as the Sunnis, believed that Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad, should be the first caliph and leader of the community. They believed that leadership should be chosen through consensus among the Muslim community.
On the other hand, another group, known as the Shiites, believed that leadership should remain within the bloodline of Muhammad. They supported Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, as the rightful successor. The Shiites believe in the concept of imamah, which is the belief in a line of spiritual and political leaders who are descendants of Muhammad through Ali and his wife Fatimah, Muhammad's daughter.
This split in the Muslim community led to the ongoing Sunni-Shiite divide that still exists today. The Sunni-Shiite split has continued throughout history, with conflicts and disagreements over religious beliefs, political leadership, and cultural practices.