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The Post-Muhammad Era of Conflicts
University of Gävle, Faculty of Education and Business Studies, Department of Humanities.
2025 (English)Independent thesis Advanced level (degree of Master (Two Years)), 20 credits / 30 HE creditsStudent thesis
Abstract [en]

This thesis undertakes a comprehensive exploration of the economic, political, and religious dimensions of the various conflicts that emerged in the post-Muhammad era. The primary focus is on understanding how these aspects shaped the historical events and differing interpretations within the Sunni and Shia traditions. Through an in-depth analysis of key events, including the dispute over the land of Fadak, the sermon of Fatima Zahra, the refusal of Ali and his followers to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr, the Saqifah meeting, and the confrontation at Fatima's house, this study seeks to unravel the complex dynamics that contributed to the early Sunni-Shia conflict. The thesis employs a diverse methodology, incorporating primary sources such as Qur'anic verses, Hadith collections, and historical accounts from early Muslim scholars, alongside secondary sources from theological texts within both Sunni and Shia traditions. 

This multidimensional approach ensures a balanced and nuanced analysis that accounts for the varying interpretations of these events. The analysis reveals that the historical narratives surrounding these conflicts are not only shaped by theological beliefs but also by the socio-political and economic contexts of the immediate post-Prophetic period. Key findings of the thesis suggest that the early Sunni-Shia conflict was not solely a political struggle for power but also a profound disagreement over leadership, governance, and the socio-economic structure of the Muslim community. The competing narratives of Sunni and Shia scholars regarding the attack on Fatima's house, for example, reflect the broader theological, ideological, and historical divides within the two sects. 

By addressing these dimensions, this thesis contributes to the ongoing scholarly dialogue on the early Islamic period, offering insights into how theological, political, and economic factors intertwined to shape the divergent Sunni and Shia perspectives. In conclusion, the thesis emphasizes the importance of a holistic approach to understanding early Islamic history, one that recognizes the intertwined nature of economic, political, and religious influences on the conflicts of the post-Muhammad era. The findings underscore the significance of contextualizing these events within their broader historical and socio-political environments, and highlight the lasting impact of these early disputes on the formation of Islamic thought and community.

Place, publisher, year, edition, pages
2025. , p. 58
Keywords [en]
Fadak, Saqifah, Caliphate, Zakat, Muhajirun, Ansar, Ahlulbayt
National Category
Religious Studies
Identifiers
URN: urn:nbn:se:hig:diva-46655OAI: oai:DiVA.org:hig-46655DiVA, id: diva2:1946977
Subject / course
Religious studies
Educational program
Master Programme in Religious Studies
Presentation
2025-01-15, Gävle University, 12:00 (English)
Supervisors
Examiners
Available from: 2025-03-25 Created: 2025-03-24 Last updated: 2025-10-02Bibliographically approved

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CiteExportLink to record
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Cite
Citation style
  • apa
  • harvard-cite-them-right
  • ieee
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Output format
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