The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs

Demise of Prophet Muhammad

Jun 8, 632

Prophet Muhammad was born in Mecca and was the last prophet in Islam. The demise of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) is followed by the leadership of Four Caliphs, who took over the role of tradition leadership of Islam successively. His grave can be found in the Green Dome, Medina.

First Caliph - Abu Bakr

Jun 9, 632

Abu Bakr, was a senior companion and the father-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (pbuh) (through his daughter Aisha). He became the first Caliph after Prophet's death.

Sunnis believe that although prophet Muhammad (pbuh) did not appoint a successor, Abu Bakr was elected the first caliph because he was more suited for the position. Shias believe that Muhammad named his successor, Ali, at Ghadir Khumm. These beliefs started many heated arguments in later years.

Ridda Wars

Jan 1, 633

Ridda (Apostasy) Wars started as local uprisings when Abu Bakr was appointed. The Ridda Wars were against some of the tribes around Medina that did not declare their allegiance (biat) to the Caliph. These tribal uprisings were defeated by Abu Bakr.

Death of Abu Bakr

Aug 23, 634

Abu Bakr only reigned as Caliph for two years, before he was died from an illness. He was known as a man of holiness and piety.

Second Caliph - Umar ibn al-Khattab

Aug 24, 634

Umar ibn al-Khattab became the Second Caliph after Abu Bakr. He followed the practices of Abu Bakr, with a stronger and uncompromising emphasis. Before accepting Islam, Umar ibn al-Khattab was actually one of the enemies of prophet Muhammad (pbuh).

Muslims Capture Jerusalem

Apr 1, 637

Jerusalem is a sacred place to Jews, Christians and Muslims. Jerusalem became part of the Eastern War of Conquest started by Abu Bakr. However, Abu Bakr died before Jerusalem could be taken. Umar conquered Jerusalem when he took the Caliphate.

Death of Umar ibn al khattab

Nov 3, 644

Umar, in the height of his reign was assassinated. He is known as the Caliph who established many administrative practices and institutions.

Third Caliph - Uthman Ibn Affan

Nov 4, 644

Uthman Ibn Affan was the third caliph to rule after the death of the Prophet (pbuh). He centralized the administration of the caliphate and established an official version of the Quran. Uthman Ibn Affan is critically important in Islamic history because his death marked the beginning of open religious and political conflicts within the Islamic community.

First Definitive Written Edition of Qur'an

Jan 1, 650

Uthman Ibn Affan became the first to put the whole of the Quran into writing. This helped the religion of Islam to spread across the world, and become a major religion of today.

Death of Uthman Ibn Affan

Jun 17, 656

Some of the practices of Uthman created a strong opposition among Muslims against his rule. The opposition eventually grew so strong that led to his assassination. This death would lay the ground work for the eventual rift within Islam that still exist to this day.

Fourth Caliph - Ali ibn Abi Talib

Jun 18, 656

Ali Ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of the Islamic prophet Muhammad (pbuh). Ali Ibn Abi Talib was the first young male who accepted Islam. After migrating to Medina, he married prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) daughter Fatimah. Ali took part in the early caravan raids from Mecca and later in almost all the battles fought by the Muslim community. He was appointed caliph by prophet Muhammad's (pbuh) Companions (Sahaba).

Movement of Capital to Kufa

Jan 1, 657

Caliph Ali ibn abi talib moved the capital of Islam to Kufa, Iraq, and cemented a political and cultural center outside Arabia.

Battle of Siffin

Jul 26, 657

The Battle of Siffin was the third uprising against the righteous Caliphs after the Radda Wars and uprising against Uthman. occurred. This war was led to the start of Ummayad Dynasty which was the end of righteous Caliphs.

Death of Ali ibn Abi Talib

Jan 27, 661

Ali ibn Abi Talib was assassinated by the Kharijite Ibn Maljam (a violent extremist group) while praying in his mosque in Kufa. This group was against both Ali ibn Abi Talib and uprisers. It is said that Yazid (the son of Mu'awiya) orchestrated Ali ibn Abi Talib's son, Husayn ibn Ali's assasination.