Answer to Question #124590 in History for Evelyn Ruvalcaba

Question

How do you account for the rise of the splits in the Islamic community, like the rise of the Kharijis and Shi‘a?

Answer 1

The emergent of splits in the Islamic community emanated from the controversial beliefs about what it entailed to be a Muslim. The disagreements began, especially after the death of Muhammad. Although Muhammad was regarded as the God-sent prophet mandated to preach His teaching, his death leads to a series of splitting among the believers. In this regard, the Kharijites believed that one could retain his/her Islamic status even after deviating from the ideal norms of the religion. On the other hand, Shi’a believed and followed the stipulation of Prophet Muhammad; however, after the death of the prophet, they held the view that God had appointed Ali to become his successor. The Kharijites were not pleased with the direction the religion was heading and killed Ali inside a mosque while he was praying in 661. This scenario escalated the splitting of Islamic believers