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?