Describe the split in the Muslim community
caused by Muhammad's death.
After the death of Prophet Muhammad, the Muslim community split into two major sects - Sunni and Shia. The split was primarily caused by a dispute over the leadership of the Islamic community, or Ummah.
Sunni Muslims believed that the leadership of the Muslim community should be determined by the consensus of the community, while Shia Muslims believed that the leadership should be passed down through blood relations from the family of Prophet Muhammad. This disagreement originated over who should succeed Prophet Muhammad as the leader of the Muslim community or the caliph.
Ultimately, the majority of Muslims became Sunni, while a minority became Shia. Over time, these two sects developed different religious practices, interpretations of Islamic law, and ritual practices. The divide between Sunni and Shia remains a significant aspect of Islamic history and contemporary politics.