Describe the split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad’s death.
The split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad's death is known as the Sunni-Shia divide. Following the death of Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, there was disagreement among the Muslim community regarding his successor. This disagreement stemmed from differing perspectives on the rightful Caliph (leader) and the nature of leadership in Islam.
The majority of Muslims, who would later be known as Sunnis, believed that the Caliph should be chosen through consensus among the community. They regarded Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad, as the rightly guided successor and the first Caliph.
On the other hand, a minority group who would become known as Shias believed that the Caliphate should remain within Muhammad's family, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law Ali. They argued for the hereditary succession and considered Ali as the first legitimate Caliph.
The division between Sunni and Shia Muslims was further fueled by political and social factors as the early Islamic state faced conflicts, power struggles, and different interpretations of Islamic teachings. Ali eventually became the fourth Caliph, but he faced opposition and was later assassinated, leading to a further schism within the community.
This initial disagreement over who should lead the Muslim community after Muhammad's death eventually resulted in broader theological, legal, and political differences between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Both branches have different beliefs, rituals, and practices, with Sunni Islam being the largest denomination globally, making up around 85-90% of Muslims, while Shia Islam forms the second-largest branch.