AFTER HIS DEATH, ISLAM SPLIT INTO FACTIONS
The early period of the caliphs was the “golden age” of Islamic conquest.
The caliphs subjugated Damascus, Iraq, Jerusalem, Egypt, and Persia.
90% of all Muslims today are Sunni. Bin-Ladin’s stated goal is to restore the age of the caliphs.
The two sons of Ali, Hasan and Husain, are regarded by Shi’ites as the second and third imams. Ali, Hasan, and Husain were all murdered by Sunni opponents.
Shi’ites believe the 12th imam will one day return as Mahdi. In the meantime, they recognize the authority of the ayatollah. Iran is the leading Shi’ite nation.