Question

Question
Describe the split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad’s death. please write it in 3 sentences

Answer 1

The death of Muhammad in 632 CE led to a significant split in the Muslim community primarily over the question of leadership succession. This division resulted in the emergence of two main branches: Sunnis, who believed in the election of leaders based on consensus and merit, and Shia, who maintained that leadership should remain within Muhammad’s family, specifically favoring Ali, his cousin and son-in-law. This schism shaped the religious, political, and social landscape of the Muslim world and has continued to influence relations among different Muslim groups to this day.