... , Muslims, although past the zenith of their power in the world, had considerable strength, even though less than a third of the worlds population. Two main branches of Islam: Sunni and Shiite. Shiites believe that Muslims must be led by a descendent of Muhammad. Sunni do not share this believe, only believing in the primacy of the Shariah, sacred Muslim law. Other than ... the modern age (1492), three great Muslim empires were established: Ottoman empire in Asia Minor, which wielded substantial world power until after World War I; Safavid Empire in Iran (the major Shiite nation); and th...

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• Approx Pages: 16
• Grade Level: High School