Download - Early islam and modern division
EARLY ISLAMAND MODERN
DIVISION
632-661 CE
Leadership after Muhammad A caliph is a successor Responsibility = to act as the political
and military leader of the Muslims
The First Caliph: Abu Bakr Muhammad’s father-in-law & one of
Muhammad’s most respected companions
An assembly of tribal leaders in Medina chose Abu Bakr as successor
First task was to put down revolts by tribes in the area where Islam was not practiced
The Second Caliph: Umar
Muhammad’s long-time friend and advisor
Before his death, Abu Bakr appointed Umar as his successor.
Umar encouraged his armies to conquer more lands
The Third Caliph: Uthman Muhammad’s long-time friend and
advisor A council that was elected by
Umar before his death appointed Uthman to power
He continued to conquer other lands and expand the empire (pushed Muslim forces into North Africa)
The Fourth Caliph: Ali or Mu’awiya?
the Islamic Empire grew so rapidly that many cultures and people had to come together to unify
some groups didn’t want to Uthman was murdered by a group or
unhappy people from Egypt
Ali was the natural choice as Uthman’s succesorHe participated in elections beforeHe belonged to Muhammad’s
bloodlineMuhammad had trusted him also
Mu’awiya was a relative of Uthman a popular governor in Syria
Mu-awiya challenged Ali’s rise to leadership Ali tried to negotiate but there was no agreement
Ali ruled for 5 years before he was murdered. Mu’awiya then became caliph in 661 CE
Why did the Muslims divide in 2? BIG QUESTION: Who was
Muhammad’s rightful successor?
His descendents?
OR
Elected caliphs?
Shi’ites
Translates to “the party of Ali” Those who accept ONLY MEMBERS OF
MUHAMMAD’S FAMILY as his successors
Ali is given the title of Imam – meaning divinely guided as success
“Imam” took on a strong sense of spiritual authority
Sunnis
Those who claim to follow the Sunna, or example of the prophet Muhammad
They accept the election of the first 4 caliphs
They do not accept the concept of “Imam” but instead believe that every individual has a relationship with God
Both Sunnis and Shi’ites
All Muslims are united in their common belief in Allah
They all revere the Qu’ran as Allah’s word
Muhammad is recognized as Allah’s prophet by all
Statistics today…In the world In Iran
Sunnis 80% 10%
Shi’ites 20% 90%
What does this data tell us about the controversy between the groups today?