Which group includes the Umayyads?

Which group includes the Umayyads?

• A. Shi'a
• B. Mawali
• C. Sunnis
• D. Dhimmis

Answer: (C)

Sunnis recognize the caliphate as legitimate political and religious leadership chosen or accepted by the Muslim community, and the Umayyad dynasty fits that pattern as a line of rulers widely regarded as rightful caliphs within mainstream Islam. After the era of the Prophet’s companions, Sunnis accepted the Umayyad succession and its dynastic rule, even though it shifted away from a simple community-elected leadership to hereditary rule. Shia Muslims, by contrast, emphasize that leadership should remain within Ali’s family, which is why they do not include the Umayyads as rightful rulers. Mawali describes non-Arab Muslim converts, and dhimmis are non-Muslims living under Muslim rule with protected status; neither term designates a bloc that includes the Umayyads as rulers.

Sunnis recognize the caliphate as legitimate political and religious leadership chosen or accepted by the Muslim community, and the Umayyad dynasty fits that pattern as a line of rulers widely regarded as rightful caliphs within mainstream Islam. After the era of the Prophet’s companions, Sunnis accepted the Umayyad succession and its dynastic rule, even though it shifted away from a simple community-elected leadership to hereditary rule. Shia Muslims, by contrast, emphasize that leadership should remain within Ali’s family, which is why they do not include the Umayyads as rightful rulers. Mawali describes non-Arab Muslim converts, and dhimmis are non-Muslims living under Muslim rule with protected status; neither term designates a bloc that includes the Umayyads as rulers.