Question

What was the original cause of the split between Shia and Sunni Muslims within Islam? A. disagreement over the role of women in Islamic society B. disagreement over interpretations of the Qur'an C. disagreement over the role of religion in government D. disagreement over who should lead the faith Please select the best answer from the choices provided. A B C D

Answer 1

Answer:

The original cause of the split between Shia and Sunni Muslims within Islam was the disagreement over who should lead the faith.

Option: (D)

Explanation:

• The major reason behind the division of Islam into two large sects was the difference of opinion regarding who was the true heir of Prophet Muhammad.
• A small faction believed that Ali, who was the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, is the only eligible person to succeed Prophet Muhammad. This faction later came to be known as the Shia Muslims.
• On the other hand, there was a large faction that believed that Prophet Muhammad's successor should be chosen from among his devoted followers. This faction came to be known as the Sunni Muslims.

Answer 2

Answer:

D: disagreement over who should lead the faith

Explanation:

Since the believers of Islam believed that whoever succeeded the "Prophet" Muhammad should lead the faith, then there were many disagreements. After Muhammad’s death in 632 CE, his friend Abu Bakr was named caliph and ruler of the Islamic community, or Ummah. Sunni Muslims believe that Abu Bakr was the proper successor, while Shi’a Muslims believe that Ali should have succeeded Muhammad as a caliph. After Muhammad’s death and the rebellion of several tribes, Abu Bakr initiated several military campaigns to bring Arabia under Islam and into the caliphate. The Rashidun Caliphate (632–661) was led by Abu Bakr, then by Umar ibn Khattab as the second caliph, Uthman Ibn Affan as the third caliph, and Ali as the fourth caliph. Muslim armies conquered most of Arabia by 633, followed by North Africa, Mesopotamia, and Persia, significantly shaping the history of the world through the spread of Islam. I also took it on E2020. I hope I've helped. If you need further explanation, please comment below.