Describe the split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad's death?
Following the death of Prophet Muhammad, the Muslim community went through a period of political and religious turmoil, which led to a split between the followers of Islam.
The first split happened regarding the succession of Prophet Muhammad. The majority of the Muslim community supported the election of Abu Bakr as the first caliph or leader of the Islamic community, while a minority supported Ali, who was the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad.
The supporters of Ali believed that the leadership of the community should be inherited through direct lineage. They also believed that Ali was chosen by the Prophet as his successor, and hence should have been the first caliph. On the other hand, the supporters of Abu Bakr argued that the leadership should be elected democratically by the community and that Abu Bakr was the most qualified person for the job.
The split between the two groups created the Shia-Sunni divide, which still exists today. The Shia Muslims believe that Ali was the rightful leader of the Muslim community, and that the leadership should be inherited through a direct lineage from the Prophet. The Sunni Muslims, on the other hand, believe that the leadership should be elected democratically, and Abu Bakr was the rightful successor to Muhammad.