Muslim Texts



Overview

The Quran is the only text which is recognized by all Muslims, regardless of sect. It was given by Muhammad (570-632 AD) over a period of 23 years, starting when he was around 40 years old.

After Muhammad's death, his followers split into two major sects:

  • Sunni - Followed Aisha, Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman
  • Shia - Followed Muhammad's cousin, Ali ibn Abi Talib

Each group, in addition to the Quran, regard as authoritative various Hadith collections, which are oral traditions of things that Muhammad, his companions, or in the case of the Shia, their Imams, said.

Additionally, various Muslims regard different Tafsir, which is Quranic commentary, as authoritative to various degrees, with different branches regarding different commentators.