Question

Identify the key events following Muhammad’s death and the reasons for the split between the Shi’a and Sunni Muslims. Write your response in two to four sentences.

Answer 1

When the fourth caliph was murdered by other muslims causing a great disturbance. Some people wanted Ali as the caliph when others wanted someone else.When Ali was murdered the groups split eventually being caleled Sunni and Shi'a. 

Answer 2

Answer:

Muhammad did not name a successor.

A dispute over succession occurred.

Shi’as believed that only someone close to Muhammad could lead Islam.

Sunnis believed that the leader of Islam should come from the larger community.