History Assignment: Islamic History and the Caliphate

This assignment explores the history of the early Islamic Caliphate, focusing on key figures and events. It begins by examining the role of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth Caliph in Islam, and his significance to both Sunni and Shia Muslims. It then differentiates between the Sunni and Shia perspectives on the Imam. The assignment further delves into the tumultuous five-year reign of Ali, highlighting the tensions arising from the murder of Uthman and the subsequent First Civil War. Finally, it discusses the Umayyad dynasty, their rule, and the factors that contributed to the Sunni-Shia divide. The assignment provides a concise overview of these crucial periods and figures in Islamic history.

Running head: HISTORY
History
Name of the Student
Name of the University
Author Note

1HISTORY
Table of Contents
Question 2.................................................................................................................................2
Question 3.................................................................................................................................2
Question 4.................................................................................................................................2
Question 5.................................................................................................................................3
Reference List...........................................................................................................................4

2HISTORY
Question 2
Ans: Ali, also known to many as Ali ibn Abi Talib was known to the Muslims as the fourth
Caliph of Islam and is an important figure of authority to both the Shia’s and the Sunni
Muslims.
Ali missed out on the first, second and the third elections of the Caliphate of the country
because of the fact that he was involved in the various wars that the country was engulfed
during that time. This caused him to miss out on the Caliphates..
Question 3
Ans: In the religion of Islam, the “Imam” is referred to a person who holds considerable
power and authority to be decaled as the leader of the people following the religion of Islam
itself.
Among the Muslims, the Shia’s and the Sunnis have different views of the imams
themselves. Shia Muslims consider the Imam to be a man of God and influential leader of the
community. Sunnis on the other hand, do not have an Imam in that sense of the term itself.
The Sunnis consider the imam to be an important person who heads the prayer meetings and
other religious offerings.
Question 4
Ans: Ali, also known as the fourth Caliph of the religion of Islam had a short reign of only
five years. However, the period of his rule is considered to be tumultuous for the Muslims.
The main reason for this is the fact that Ali on becoming the Caliph, did not punish those
accused of murdering Uthman. This caused tensions between the Umayyad’s and Ali himself.
The period also gave rise to the First Civil War, also known as the First Fitna. Hence, Ali’s
short reign is considered to be a tumultuous one.

3HISTORY
Question 5
Ans: The Umayyad’s were the first major Muslim dynasty to rule the Kingdom of the
Caliphate itself.
The Umayyad’s made the differences between the Shia and the Sunni by oppression the
Shia’s and also on the basis of their beliefs. The Umayyad belonging to the Sunni group,
believed that the position of ruler is obtained from majority supporters, while the Shia’s
believe that the position of ruler is obtained from Allah himself.

4HISTORY
Reference List
Ansary, T. (2009). Destiny disrupted: A history of the world through Islamic eyes.
PublicAffairs.