Question

After Muhammad's death, a division emerged between the Sunni and Shi'a sects regarding the leadership of the Muslim world. Sunni followers supported Abu Bakr, Muhammad's closest advisor, as the new leader, whereas the Shi'a favored Muhammad's cousin Ali. Despite Abu Bakr assuming leadership, tensions persisted, and subsequent disagreements escalated over the years, culminating in further strife following Ali's assassination. This eventually resulted in the formation of two distinct sects. What factors and events contributed to the divergence between Sunni and Shi'a beliefs and practices following Muhammad's death, and how did the leadership dispute play a role in shaping the historical trajectory of Islam?

Answer 1

The Sunni and Shia diverged following Muhammad's death due to a leadership dispute and subsequent conflicts. Sunni followers supported Abu Bakr, while Shi'a favored Muhammad's cousin Ali. This led to tensions and the formation of distinct sects within Islam.

Step-by-step explanation:

The divergence between Sunni and Shia beliefs and practices following Muhammad's death was influenced by several factors and events. The leadership dispute played a central role in shaping the historical trajectory of Islam.

After Muhammad's death, there was a division over who should lead the Muslim world. Sunni followers supported Abu Bakr, Muhammad's closest advisor, as the new leader, while Shi'a favored Muhammad's cousin Ali. This initial disagreement led to tensions and subsequent conflicts over the years.

The assassination of Ali further escalated the divide between Sunni and Shia. The Sunni believed that leadership could be held by any righteous and competent leader, while the Shia believed that leadership should only reside in the family of Muhammad, specifically through Ali. These differing beliefs and the conflicts that followed resulted in the formation of the Sunni and Shia sects within Islam.