The Development of the Muslim Empire and the Schism within Islam

The First Four Caliphs Muhammad died in 632 = Elders and leaders within the Islamic community chose the following men to be caliph (successor of the prophet) Abu Bakr (r ) Umar (r ) Uthman (r ) Ali (r ) * All four worked to expand the Islamic Empire

Abu Bakr (r ) Faced 2 major problems 1.Loss of loyalty with Muhammad’s death 2.Appearance of false prophets *Despite problems worked to expand empire Umar (r ) Continued to add to the Islamic territory Administered Islamic State by taxing both Muslims and non-Muslims

Uthman (r ) The first 6 years of reign = peaceful and prosperous but he came to face problems: 1.Expansion slows 2.Wealthy violating the zakat 3.Accused of nepotism *Killed in 656 by a mob

Ali (r ) Strong support from many Muslims Also faced resistance – especially from Syrian Gov. Muawiya (from the Umayyad Clan), Uthman’s cousin Results in Battle of Siffin

Division of the Umma (Islamic Community) 2 Caliphs – Muawiya reigns over Syria & Egypt Ali over Saudi Arabia and other areas 661 = attempts on both of their lives; Ali is killed, Muawiya not = Begins the reign of the Umayyads from Damascus, Syria

The Umayyads vs. Muhammad’s Family Muawiya dies in 680 = names son Yezid successor Opposition from Ali and Fatima’s son Hussain = Battle Result = schism w/in Islam = Sunnis and Shiites

Sunni “The Way” Shiite “The Party of Ali” Caliph = descendent of Muhammad Ali was chosen as first successor Hussain is a martyr Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon = largest % Any devout Muslims can rule Muhammad never chose successor 85-90% of Muslims Daily practices are similar Both share similar understanding of Islamic beliefs: concepts of piety, striving for goodness and social justice Both live by Five Pillars