The First Four Caliphs of Islamic World

Who were they?

The first four Islamic rulers to take over from the Prophet Muhammad were known as the Four Caliphs. Because each of them received their education in Islam straight from Muhammad, they are frequently referred to as the “Rightly Guided” Caliphs. In the early years of Islam, they also acted as Muhammad’s closest companions and counsellors.

The Caliphate of Rashidun

Historians refer to the time under the Four Caliphs’ rule as the Rashidun Caliphate. From 632 to 661 CE, the Rashidun Caliphate ruled for 30 years. After it came the Umayyad Caliphate. The Caliphate’s initial capital was located at Medina. Later, the capital was relocated to Kufa.

1. Abu Bakr

From 632 to 634 CE, Abu Bakr served as the first caliph. The early convert to Islam, Abu Bakr was Muhammad’s father-in-law. He had the moniker “The Truthful.” After Muhammad’s death, Abu Bakr put down rebellions by numerous Arab tribes during his brief tenure as caliph and established the Caliphate as the dominant power in the area.

2. Umar ibn al-Khattab

Umar ibn al-Khattab served as the second caliph. He is typically referred to as Umar. The ten-year rule of Umar began in 634-644 CE. The Islamic Empire grew rapidly at this time. He took over the Middle East, defeating the Iraqi Sassanids in the process. Later, he seized control of a number of neighbouring countries, including Egypt, Syria, and North Africa. When a Persian slave killed Umar, his rule came to an end.

3. Uthman ibn Affan

Uthman ibn Affan served as the third caliph. From 644 to 656 CE, he reigned as Caliph for 12 years. The Prophet Muhammad and Uthman were close friends, as were the other Four Caliphs. Most notably, Uthman is credited with establishing an official Quranic text from an Abu Bakri compilation. Then, a copy of this version was utilised going forward as the norm. In 656 CE, rebels assassinated Uthman at home.

4. Ali ibn Abi Talib

Ali ibn Abi Talib served as the fourth caliph. Ali was the son-in-law and cousin of Muhammad. He was wed to Fatimah, the youngest daughter of Muhammad. Many people believe that he was the first guy to convert to Islam. From 656 to 661 CE, Ali ruled. Ali was regarded as a wise leader who produced a large number of speeches and proverbs. He was murdered while performing prayer in Kufa’s Great Mosque.

The Four Caliphs of the Islamic Empire: Interesting Facts

In Arabic, “ibn” denotes “son of” in the names mentioned above. Therefore, Uthman ibn Affan is Arabic for “Uthman son of Affan.”

As Al-Farooq, Umar was referred to as “the one who distinguishes between right and wrong.”

Muhammad’s son-in-law was Uthman. He did wed two of Muhammad’s daughters, though. After the first daughter passed away, he wed the second.

The daughter of Muhammad and Ali, Fatimah is revered and significant in the Islamic faith.

Abu Bakr presided over the first Hajj (Mecca pilgrimage) in Islamic history under Muhammad.

Umar was a tall, robust man with a reputation for being an excellent wrestler and athlete.

Ali’s death resulted in the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate.