The Islamic Leadership Conflict

The Origins of the Conflict Muhammad died in 632 C.E. Problem: Muhammad had no male heir and did not designate an heir before he died. After Muhammad passed away, Muslims were not in agreement about who should lead the Umma. Umma refers to “the whole community of Muslims bound together by ties of religion.”

Think-Pair-Share: With your elbow partner(s), respond to the following question: What factors should be considered when choosing a leader?

Shi’ah Represented 15 % of Muslims. Claimed Muhammad made a final speech before he died. Believed that Muhammad said he would leave his people the Qu’ran and his family. Felt that Muhammad’s speech meant that Ali should lead the community of Islam. Ali was Muhammad’s cousin and son-in- law.

Sunni Represented 85 % of Muslims. Believed that Muhammad never proclaimed how he wanted the Umma governed. Considered themselves the mainstream of Islamic faith and practice. Tended to support Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s friend and father-in-law.

What was tradition? The Arabian tribal communities would agree on a shaykh (old or wise man) to lead the community.

The Caliphs Caliph means “to succeed” The individuals who succeeded Muhammad were called Caliphs

Abu Bakr Ruled from 632- 634 CE He was a close friend and adviser of Muhammad Organized Muhammad’s revelations Collection of revelations came to be known as the Qur’an Involved in wars of apostasy Arabian tribes began to reject Muslim rule (particularly in Medina) Abu Bakr used military force to stop these tribes from exercising autonomy Extended Muslim rule to all of Arabia

Umar Ruled from 634- 644 CE Numerous successful military conquests during his rule Respected other religions Known as “commander of the faithful” Established a shura (committee) to help pick the next caliph Uthman was selected Assassinated by a bitter ex-servant

Uthman Ruled from 644- 656 CE Accused of favoritism Selected close friends to fill prestigious positions Developed an official version of the Qur’an Assassinated by a band of rebellious Egyptian soldiers.

Ali Ruled from 656- 661 CE Married to Fatima, Muhammad’s daughter Moved the caliphate (government) from Medina to Kufa (part of Iraq) Received criticism for failing to punish Uthman’s killers Syria, one of the Islamic provinces, challenged Ali’s authority

Ali Continued… Mu’awiya refused to step down as governor of Syria like Ali asked Ali wanted free migration to all parts of the Muslim empire but Mu’awiya did not Ali and Mu’awiya’s armies met in May 657 CE. Mu’awiya convinced Ali to go into negotiations during battle Many believed Ali made a mistake by agreeing to arbitration

Ali Continued… Amr ibn al-As was appointed arbitrator for Syria and Abu Musa al-Ash’ ari was appointed arbitrator for Iraq Arbitration efforts were disastrous for Ali Amr ibn al-As walked all over Abu Musa Ali was murdered by a Kharijite The Kharijites were an extremist group of Muslims who were angry over Ali’s decision to go to arbitration

Mu’awiya Syria was his power base Expanded the Muslim sphere of control (all the way to the gates of Constantinople at one point) Made the caliphate a dynasty when he chose his son, Yazid, as the next leader Some felt he ruined the reputation of caliphs Mostly a political leader and not a spiritual leader Shi’ah did not respect his authority but most of the Sunni did