For many, the history of the Muslim world from its beginning in the seventh century down to the end of the thirteenth century, has been marked both by a strong sense of unity and deep divisions. Do you agree with that characterization of the Muslim world during that period of time? Indicate why or why not.

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From the Islamic conquests led by the Prophet Muhammad’s successor Abu Bakr in the mid-7th century to the end of the Abbasid Caliphate in the 13th century, the Islamic empire was the world’s dominant power. At its greatest extent, the Umayyad and Abbasid Caliphates stretched from Spain and Morocco in the west to Pakistan in the east. Despite Islam’s remarkable expansion, divisions were always present within the ummah. From the outset, Muhammad’s followers argued over the Prophet’s proper successor. The sect that believed Abu Bakr, Muhammad’s first convert and cousin, should lead the ummah eventually came to be known as Sunni Muslims. A smaller group, who believed that Ali, Muhammad’s son-in law, should lead the ummah were called Shia (Murphy)....