Succession to Muhammad

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Brooklyn Museum - Battle of Karbala - Abbas Al-Musavi - overall

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Succession to Muhammad refers to the events following the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, which led to a dispute over who should succeed him as the leader of the Islamic community (Ummah). This dispute resulted in the establishment of several distinct Islamic caliphates and has had a profound impact on the religious and political landscape of the Muslim world up to the present day.

Background

Muhammad, the founder of Islam, united the tribes of Arabia into a single religious polity. However, he did not appoint a successor or establish a method for selecting one. His death left the young Muslim community in a state of uncertainty and confusion over who should lead.

The Dispute

The main figures involved in the succession dispute were Abu Bakr, Ali ibn Abi Talib, Umar ibn al-Khattab, and Uthman ibn Affan. Abu Bakr, a close friend and father-in-law of Muhammad, was chosen as the first Caliph at a gathering in Saqifah, shortly after Muhammad's death. This decision was contested by some, including Ali, who was Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, believed by some to have been designated by Muhammad as his successor at the event of Ghadir Khumm.

Sunni and Shia Split

The dispute over Muhammad's succession is a key factor in the split between Sunni and Shia Muslims. Sunnis believe that Muhammad did not appoint a successor and that the community rightly chose Abu Bakr as the first caliph. Shias, however, believe that Muhammad appointed Ali as his successor at Ghadir Khumm and that Ali and his descendants are the rightful leaders of the Muslim community.

Rashidun Caliphate

The first four caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali—are collectively known as the Rashidun Caliphate. They are considered rightly-guided caliphs by Sunni Muslims. Their rule is often seen as a golden age of Islam, marked by major military expansions and the compilation of the Quran.

Aftermath

The conflict over succession led to several civil wars within the Islamic community, including the First and Second Fitna. These conflicts eventually resulted in the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate and later the Abbasid Caliphate in the Sunni tradition, and the Imamate in the Shia tradition, with each claiming legitimacy as the rightful leaders of the Muslim world.

Legacy

The question of succession to Muhammad has left a lasting legacy on the Islamic world, shaping not only religious but also political and social dynamics. The division between Sunni and Shia Muslims remains a significant aspect of Muslim identity and has influenced the course of Islamic history and politics.