describe the split in the muslim community caused by muhammads death

1 answer

After the death of Muhammad, the Muslim community split into two major groups: the Sunni and the Shia.

The Sunni Muslims believed that Abu Bakr, a close companion of Muhammad, should be his successor as the leader of the Muslim community. They believed that leadership should be based on consensus and that the most qualified person should be chosen to lead.

On the other hand, the Shia Muslims believed that leadership should stay within the bloodline of Muhammad, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali ibn Abi Talib. They believed that leadership should be passed down through the family of the Prophet.

This split led to a division within the Muslim community that continues to this day, with Sunni Muslims making up the majority of Muslims worldwide and Shia Muslims being a minority. Despite their differences, both groups share a common belief in the teachings of Muhammad and the Quran.