Ahmad Syafiq Muntahal Birri

 Historical Origins of Sunnism and Shī‘ism Historians often focus on the turbulent nature of early Islamic history, in particular on the period immediately after the death of the Prophet Muḥammad and during the first century of Islam. The Prophet died in 632 CE, after a remarkably successful career that brought together the divergent and warring tribes of Arabia. These tribes became allied to Medina, the seat of power at the time of the Prophet. Conversions to Islam included individuals and clans, and, sometimes, whole tribes. At the time of the Prophet’s death, the Medinan community was comprised largely of Meccan migrants (muhājirūn) and the Medinan Muslims (ansār): each of which retained their tribal identities in addition to being Muslim. The Prophet’s death meant the community of Muslims – primarily situated in Medina, but also surrounding regions – were left without a leader. Even before the Prophet was buried, leading figures within the Medinan Muslim community met at the me...