The split in the Muslim community after Muhammad's death was caused by the issue of succession. After the death of Prophet Muhammad, there was no clear successor to lead the Muslim community.

Answer 1

This led to a significant division among the Muslims, which ultimately led to the formation of two major sects - Sunni and Shia.

The majority of Muslims believed that the successor should be chosen through consultation among the companions of the Prophet. They believed in selecting a competent leader who would uphold the principles and teachings of Islam. This group became known as Sunnis, representing the largest sect in the Muslim community.

On the other hand, a smaller group argued that the successor should be a direct descendant of Prophet Muhammad, specifically from his daughter Fatimah and her husband Ali. They believed in the concept of Imamat, which held that the successors of Prophet Muhammad had divine authority. This faction came to be known as Shias, or the Shia Muslims.

The dispute over succession also had political implications, as it intersected with various tribal, regional, and personal interests. These differences in opinion and power struggles intensified the divisions among Muslims.

The first four caliphs, known as the Rashidun caliphs, tried to maintain unity among the Muslims, but tensions persisted. The fourth caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib, faced opposition from within the Muslim community, leading to a series of civil wars, including the Battle of the Camel and the Battle of Siffin.

These conflicts solidified the split between the Sunnis and Shias. The Sunni Muslims recognized the legitimacy of the first three caliphs, Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman, while the Shia Muslims considered Ali as the rightful successor and the first Imam.

The division deepened with subsequent historical events, such as the martyrdom of Imam Hussein, the grandson of Prophet Muhammad, in the Battle of Karbala. This event further solidified the religious and political differences between Sunnis and Shias.

Today, the Sunni and Shia sects have distinct religious beliefs, practices, and rituals. While they share the core beliefs of Islam, their theological, legal, and political differences continue to shape their separate identities within the Muslim community.