Describe the split in the Muslim community caused by Muhammad’s death.
The split in the Muslim community following Muhammad's death primarily revolved around the issue of succession and leadership. There were two main groups that emerged: the Sunni and the Shia.
The Sunni Muslims believed that Muhammad's successor should be elected through a consensus among the community, and they ultimately chose Abu Bakr as the first caliph. They believed that leadership should be based on qualifications and abilities, rather than being determined by lineage.
On the other hand, the Shia Muslims believed that leadership should remain within Muhammad's family, specifically through his cousin and son-in-law, Ali. They believed that Muhammad had designated Ali as his successor, and that leadership should pass through his descendants. This led to the belief in the concept of the Imamate, where the rightful leaders of the Muslim community were the descendants of Ali and Muhammad's daughter, Fatimah.
The split between Sunni and Shia Muslims has persisted for centuries and has led to various theological and historical differences between the two groups. Despite these differences, both Sunni and Shia Muslims continue to share fundamental beliefs in Islam and hold Muhammad in high esteem as the final prophet.