RLG100Y1 Lecture Notes - Lecture 20: Sufism, Dhikr, Hadith Studies
Document Summary
Caliphate/khalifat: institution of leadership after the passing of muhammed, the caliph, the religious head is authoritative but not prophetic. There was controversy over who should lead, different groups wanted leadership to stay in. But abu bakr became caliph first, ali was 4th caliph. By the time ali was caliph, there was already much internal conflict: he did not prosecute the murderers of the 3rd caliph which caused controversy. Tried to steer the community to unity: but there were different factions, armed conflict. Community becomes very split: sunni: majority, shia: minority, believed ali was righteous successor of muhammed, leadership should go through his line. Islam at this time controlled huge amounts of territory. No (cid:862)clergy(cid:863) or official i(cid:374)terpreters of the di(cid:448)i(cid:374)e: open to anyone who has ideas. If we generally live a moral life (outlined by sharia) then we can enjoy the comforts of the world.
