The contemporary divisions witnessed in Islam can be traced with the rivalry and competition between Banu Umayyad and Banu Hashim clan?

Yes, the rivalry between the Banu Umayyad and Banu Hashim clans played a significant role in shaping the divisions within Islam. The Banu Umayyad clan, led by Muawiya ibn Abi Sufyan, held power and influence in the early Islamic community, particularly during the Umayyad Caliphate. On the other hand, the Banu Hashim clan, to which the Prophet Muhammad belonged, faced persecution and marginalization at the hands of the Umayyads.

This rivalry intensified after the assassination of Ali ibn Abi Talib, the fourth caliph and a member of the Banu Hashim clan. The Umayyads consolidated their power and established a hereditary system of rule, which further alienated the Banu Hashim and their supporters. This led to the emergence of the Shia-Sunni divide, with the Shia Muslims supporting Ali and his descendants as the rightful leaders of the Islamic community, while the Sunni Muslims accepted the legitimacy of the Umayyad and subsequent caliphates.

The legacy of this rivalry continues to influence contemporary divisions within Islam, with Shia and Sunni Muslims often at odds over issues of leadership, authority, and interpretation of religious texts. The historical animosity between the Banu Umayyad and Banu Hashim clans serves as a backdrop to the complex and multifaceted divisions within the Islamic world today.