Describe the split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad’s death.
(4 points)
1. The split in the Muslim community after Muhammad's death was primarily between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam. This divide occurred due to disagreement over who should succeed Muhammad as the leader of the Muslim community.
2. The Sunni Muslims believed that the Caliph should be selected through community consensus, while the Shia Muslims believed that only descendants of Muhammad through his daughter Fatimah and her husband Ali should lead the community.
3. This split led to ongoing conflicts and power struggles between the Sunni and Shia branches of Islam, with both sides believing they were the rightful leaders of the Muslim community.
4. Today, Sunni Muslims make up the majority of the Muslim population, while Shia Muslims are a significant minority. The divide continues to have an impact on the Muslim world, with sectarian tensions and conflicts still present in countries with mixed Sunni and Shia populations.