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632
Death of Muhammad / The First Caliph
in 632, Muhammad died. Leaders at the time appointed the first Caliph, Abu Bakr. -
634
The Second Caliph, Umar
After the death of Abu Bakr in 634, he appointed his successor, Umar the second Caliph. Umar is best known for establishing the Electoral College -
645
The Death of Umar / Uthman Elected Caliph
In 645, Uthman was elected Caliph by the Elector College. He is best known for checking and revising the text of the Qur'an -
656
Ali Becomes the Caliph
Ali was the son-in-law to Muhammad and was said to be the Imam because he fell under the blanket of the blessed family of the last true prophet, Muhammad. His followers were known as the Party of Ali, or Shi'a Ali, which is where the name Shi'a today comes from. -
661
Hasan Appointed Caliph After Ali
The second Imam, Hasan was named Caliph to the displeasure of many. This was the beginning of the division amongst the people, which led to the last true Caliph was said to be Ali.