Which of the following best characterizes the split between Sunni and Shia Muslims during the time period after the death of Muhammad?

(A) A disagreement about the rightful successor to Muhammad’s rule (B) A disagreement about the best location for pilgrimage activities in Mecca (C) A disagreement about the legal status of women within Islam (D) A disagreement about the Muslim theological understanding of GodExplanation: After the death of Muhammad, there was considerable debate among Muhammad’s followers about the appropriate authority structure of the new religion. The Shia belief was that Muhammad’s son-in-law, Ali, was the rightful heir to Muhammad’s authority. The Sunni belief was that authority within Islam should not be hereditary but rather drawn from a broader segment of believers. Therefore, (A) is the best answer.