Islam after Muhammad's death

How did the issue of choosing leaders divide the Muslims?

Rebels murdered Uthman and took power and set up a hereditary dynasty(Umayyads). This started a civil war with Ali(Muhammad's cousin in law). Many believed Umayyads strayed from Islam and focused more on wealth. Many wanted peace but a few resisted because they felt the Caliph should be a relative of Muhammad and not from a single family

Who were the leaders who Spread Islam after Muhammad's death

Abu Bakr becomes the first Caliph. He was Muhammad's closest friend and advisor. Umar, Ulhmanm and Ali were the next three Caliph after Abu

How did the caliphs who expanded the Muslim Empire treat those they conquered?

First, expanded empire by swift and disciplined armies. Second, used treaties to expand empire.Third, Success was viewed as Allah's support which ignited their faith to fight. Fourth, Byzantine and Persian armies in the north were weak from fighting each other for many years so Muslim Empire took advantage. Fifth, Byzantine and Persian armies perseccuted captured enemies for not following their religion. Muslims let conquered people to decide on their own. Sixth, under Muslim rule, they blended cultures into their own without conflict.

Sunnis

Group that accepted Umayyads rule and whomever was elected as the Caliph

Shi'a

Group that believed Caliph should be relatives of Muhammad

Caliph

It means successor in Arabic