Consolidation and Division in the Islamic Community
	n Muhammad, the last of the prophets, could not have a successor possessing his attributes. n He had not established a procedure for selecting a new leader. n After a troubled process Abu Bakr was chosen as caliph, the leader of the Islamic community. n Breakaway tribes and rival prophets were defeated during the Ridda wars to restore Islamic unity. n Arab armies invaded the weak Byzantine and Sassanid empire where they were joined by Bedouins who had migrated earlier.