“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.
One could argue that during the early years of Islam, religious and secular authority were consolidated under the Caliphate system, with the Caliphs holding both religious and political power, but over time the rise of regional dynasties and empires led to the separation of religious and secular authority, with the emergence of secular rulers who granted religious scholars more autonomy.
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, resulting in the establishment of a caliphate system where religious leaders began to wield political power and influence over governance.
One could argue that the shift from the early caliphate to the rise of dynastic rulers in the Islamic world marked a significant change in the relationship between religious and secular authorities, as the caliphs held both religious and political power whereas the subsequent dynasties separated these roles with the caliphs retaining only religious authority.
