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. 632-634) Umar (r. 634-644) Uthman (r. 644-656) Ali (r. 656-661) * All four are from Quraysh tribe

Abu Bakr (r. 632-634) Faced 2 major problems Loss of loyalty with Muhammad’s death Appearance of false prophets Despite problems worked to expand empire

Umar (r. 634-644) Continued to add to the Islamic territory Administered Islamic State by defining territory between lands where Islam was practiced dar al-Islam and land from which attacks were launched dar al-Harb

Uthman (r. 644-656) The first 6 years of reign = peaceful and prosperous but he came to face problems: Expansion slows Wealthy violating the zakat Accused of nepotism Killed in 656 by a mob

Ali (r. 656-661) 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 = son Yezid became successor Opposition from Ali and Fatima’s son Hussain = Battle Result = schism w/in Islam = Sunnis and Shiites

Sunni Shiite “The Way” “The Party of Ali” 85-90% of Muslims Muhammad never chose successor Devout Muslims can rule Caliph = descendent of Muhammad Ali was chosen as successor Hussain is a martyr Only an imam can interpret the Quran Iran, Iraq, and Lebanon = largest % 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