SHORT
Describe the split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad’s death.
1 answer
After Muhammad's death, a split occurred in the Muslim community over who should succeed him as the leader of the Islamic faith. This divide led to the formation of two major sects: the Sunni and the Shia. Sunnis believed that Muhammad's successor should be elected based on the consensus of the community, while Shias believed that leadership should remain within Muhammad's bloodline through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. This disagreement has persisted throughout history and continues to be a major point of division within the Muslim community.