The development of Islam; origins of Sunni and Shiʿah Revision Notes

Islam began in the 7th century CE with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) as its founder and final messenger. After his death in 632 CE, the Muslim community faced the critical question of who should lead them next. This question was not merely about political power but also about religious authority and guidance for the community (Ummah). The absence of a clear, universally accepted successor led to differing opinions and eventually to the formation of two major sects: Sunni and Shiʿah.

• Prophet Muhammad's death in 632 CE created a leadership vacuum.
• Leadership was crucial for maintaining religious and social unity.
• Disagreement over succession led to the Sunni-Shiʿah split.

Sunnis believe that the leader of the Muslim community, called the Caliph, should be chosen by consensus or election among the community's elders and leaders. Following this principle, Abu Bakr, a close companion and father-in-law of the Prophet, was selected as the first Caliph. Sunnis view Abu Bakr's leadership as legitimate because he was chosen through consultation and was respected for his piety and dedication.

After Abu Bakr's death, Sunnis accepted ʿUmar as the second Caliph, followed by ʿUthman as the third. Both were companions of the Prophet and are credited with expanding the Islamic state and consolidating its teachings. Their leadership is seen as a continuation of the Prophet's mission through community consensus rather than hereditary right.

This approach emphasises the importance of the community's choice and the leader's ability to uphold Islamic principles rather than familial ties to the Prophet.

• Abu Bakr chosen by community consensus as first Caliph.
• ʿUmar and ʿUthman succeeded Abu Bakr as legitimate leaders.
• Leadership based on election and merit, not family lineage.
• Caliphs expanded and unified the Muslim community.

Shiʿah Muslims hold that leadership should remain within the Prophet Muhammad's family, specifically appointing ʿAli, the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, as the rightful successor. They argue that the Prophet designated ʿAli as his successor, and leadership is a divine right passed through the Prophet's bloodline.

For Shiʿah, ʿAli's leadership is not only political but also spiritual, as he is seen as the first Imam with special knowledge and authority granted by God. This belief contrasts with the Sunni emphasis on community election.

The Shiʿah view explains the initial split as a result of political power being taken by others rather than following the Prophet's intended succession.

• Leadership should stay within the Prophet's family.
• ʿAli is considered the first rightful Imam and successor.
• Leadership combines political and spiritual authority.
• Succession is divinely appointed, not elected.

Shiʿah Islam teaches that after ʿAli, leadership continued through a line of twelve Imams, each divinely appointed and infallible in matters of faith and guidance. These Imams are spiritual and political leaders who preserve and interpret the true teachings of Islam.

The Twelve Imams are central to Shiʿah identity and theology. They are believed to be protected from error and sin, ensuring the purity of Islamic guidance. The last Imam, known as the Mahdi, is believed to be in occultation and will return to bring justice and peace.

This doctrine highlights the Shiʿah emphasis on divinely guided leadership as essential for the community's spiritual well-being, contrasting with Sunni acceptance of elected Caliphs.

• Twelve Imams are divinely appointed leaders after ʿAli.
• Imams are considered infallible and spiritual guides.
• The final Imam (Mahdi) is in occultation and will return.
• Imamate is central to Shiʿah religious belief and practice.