The Expansion of Islam

Muhammad (Salalah Aleyhi Wa~Alehi Wassalam's) new faith was not widely accepted in his hometown of Mecca. Therefore, he and his followers moved to Medina which means "City of the Prophet (PBUH)." This movement is known as the Hijirat or "the flight". It marks the turning point in Islam and serves as the beginning date on Islamic calendars.

At first, Muhammad (Salalah Aleyhi Wa~Alehi Wassalam) was sympathetic to both Christians and Jews, but after their rejection of his teaching, he turned from Jerusalem as the center of worship for Islam to Mecca. He realized he must return to Mecca, and he did, conquering the city. Islam quickly spread throughout the area.

When Muhammad (Salalah Aleyhi Wa~Alehi Wassalam) died, he left no document appointing a successor. Some people thought that one of the original converts who had taught with Muhammad (Salalah Aleyhi Wa~Alehi Wassalam), some wanted a member of a powerful political family in the area, and others felt that 'Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad (Salalah Aleyhi Wa~Alehi Wassalam) had been divinely designated as successor. An early believer, Abu Bakr was appointed, but died within two years.

Eventually, a power struggle developed as different groups of Muslims believed their method of establishing a successor were the best. The largest argument was over whether the successor should be elected or chosen through heredity. This controversy produced the main body of Islam known as the Sunnis (followers of the prophet's way) and other numerous sects including the Shi'a and the Sufis. The Sunnis are the majority in Islam today.

The Shi'a are the group of Muslims who believe that the successorship should remain within Muhammad (Salalah Aleyhi Wa~Alehi Wassalam's) family, and that leaders are spiritually chosen, not politically chosen. They carry with them the pain of Muhammad (Salalah Aleyhi Wa~Alehi Wassalam's) son-in-law, 'Ali, who was murdered by Mu'awiya in order to obtain power. Today, the Shi'a dominate Iran.

The Sufis are a group who believes that orthodox Islam is too mechanical and impersonal. This group of Islamic mystics seek for direct personal experience of the Divine.

Nationalism in the Arab world since the rise of Israel as a political power has kept Islam strong. It is a rapidly spreading religion because of its cultural and political appeal and its universal message of peace, temperance and the brotherhood of man.