Islamic creed: between origin and establishment

The creed issue played a significant role in the emergence of sects and schools of thought in Islam, unlike the previous Abrahamic religions, which engaged the minds of researchers. Islam came free from the priesthood and explicitly emphasized reflection and thought, which led to the Qur'an's preservation during the Prophet's lifetime (peace be upon him). Muslims believed that the Prophet Muhammad was the Seal of the Prophets and the final messenger of a message that had not yet been fully declared, as many of the ancient doctrinal schools had infiltrated the Arabian Peninsula. When Islam spread, it encountered these various doctrinal approaches, which led to the creation of forums for debate between its proponents and early Muslim scholars on matters related to philosophy, mysticism, and theological disputes. The state's structure contributed to the rise of conflicts, particularly between Ali (may Allah honour his face) and Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, which gave rise to sects such as the Khawarij, Shi'ah, Qadariyyah, Murji'ah, those advocating for the return of the Imam, and those supporting the concept of the transmigration of souls. The rationalists and traditionalists also emerged alongside the Batiniyyah, which fuelled further division between the proponents of conservatism and the advocates of innovation.