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573
More Information Birth of Abu Bakr, the First Caliph
Abu Bakr was born in Mecca some time in 573 CE, to a rich family in the Banu Taym clan of the Quraysh tribe. He spent his early childhood like other Arab children of the time among the Bedouins who called themselves the people of the camel, and developed a particular fondness for camels. In his early years he played with the camel foals and goats, and his love for camels earned him the nickname "Abu Bakr", the father of the foal of the camel. -
573
Birth of Abu Bakr, the First Caliph
Abu Bakr was a senior companion and the father-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad. Abu Bakr became the first openly declared Muslim outside Muhammad's family. Abu Bakr served as a trusted advisor to Muhammad. He ruled over the Rashidun Caliphate from 632 to 634 CE when he became the first Muslim Caliph following Muhammad's death. As caliph, Abu Bakr succeeded to the political and administrative functions previously exercised by Muhammad. -
576
Birth of Uthman, the Third Caliph
Uthman was a companion of Prophet Muhammad, and the third Rightly Guided Caliph. Born into a prominent Meccan clan of the Quraysh tribe, he played a major role in early Islamic history, succeeding Umar as caliph at age 67. He was also the prophet's son-in-law twice, being married to two of the prophet’s daughters Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum. Under the leadership of Uthman, the empire expanded into Iran in 650 and some areas of Afghanistan in 651. -
576
More Information Birth of Uthman, the Third Caliph
Uthman was born in Ta’if. He was born into the wealthy Umayyad clan of the Quraysh tribe of Mecca, seven years after Muhammad. Uthman's father, Affan, died young while travelling abroad but left a large inheritance to Uthman. Uthman followed the same profession as his father, and his business flourished, making him one of the richest men among the Qurayshi tribe. -
583
More Information Birth of Umar, the Second Caliph
Umar was born in Mecca to the Banu Adi clan. He is said to have belonged to a middle-class family. In his youth he used to tend to his father's camels in the plains near Mecca. Despite literacy being uncommon in pre-Islamic Arabia, Umar learned to read and write in his youth. Though not a poet himself, he developed a love for poetry and literature. According to the tradition of Quraish, while still in his teenage years, Umar learned martial arts, horse riding and wrestling. -
583
Birth of Umar, the Second Caliph
Umar was one of the most powerful and influential Muslim caliphs in history. He was a friend of Prophet Muhammad. He succeeded Abu Bakr as the second caliph of the Rashidun Caliphate. He was an expert Islamic jurist known for his pious and just nature, which earned him the epithet Al-Farooq ("the one who distinguishes between right and wrong"). Under Umar, the caliphate expanded at an unprecedented rate, ruling the Sasanian Empire and more than two-thirds of the Byzantine Empire. -
Jan 1, 601
Birth of Ali, the Fourth Caliph
Ali was the cousin and son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad, ruling over the Islamic caliphate from 656 to 661. Ali was the only person born in the sacred sanctuary of the Kaaba in Mecca, the holiest place in Islam. Ali was the first young male who accepted Islam. After migrating to Medina, he married Muhammad's daughter Fatima. Ali took part in the early caravan raids from Mecca and later in almost all the battles fought by the nascent Muslim community. -
Nov 27, 601
More Information Birth of Ali, the Fourth Caliph
Ali's father Abu Talib was the custodian of the Ka'bah and a sheikh of the Banu Hashim, an important branch of the powerful Quraysh tribe. He was also an uncle of Muhammad. According to a tradition, Muhammad was the first person whom Ali saw as he took the newborn in his hands. Muhammad named him Ali, meaning "the exalted one". Muhammad had a close relationship with Ali's parents. When Muhammad was orphaned and later lost his grandfather Abdul Muttalib, Ali's father took him into his house. -
Jan 1, 632
Death of Prophet Muhammad; Abu Bakr becomes the First Caliph.
The Prophet's closest friend, Abu Bakr, was not present when the Prophet passed away. When Abu Bakr came out of the Prophet's apartment and broke the news, disbelief and dismay gripped the community of Muslims. But the Muslim community was now faced with another serious problem: that of choosing a leader. After some discussion among the Companions of the Prophet who had assembled in order to select a leader, it became apparent that no one was better suited for this responsibility than Abu Bakr. -
Feb 1, 632
Picture of Death of Prophet Muhammad; Abu Bakr becomes the First Caliph.
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Jan 1, 633
Preserving the Qu'ran
Abu Bakr was instrumental in preserving the Qur'an in written form. It is said that after the hard-won victory over Musaylimah in the Battle of Yamama fought in 632, Umar saw that many of the Muslims who had memorized the Qur'an (about 300 to 700 people) had died in battle. Fearing that the Qur'an may be lost or corrupted, Umar requested the Caliph Abu Bakr to authorize the compilation and preservation of the scriptures in written format. -
Jan 1, 633
More Information Preserving the Qu'ran
Abu Bakr called for Zayd bin Thaabit, a youth of perfect character, and commissioned him to compile the Quran into one volume. At first Zayd objected (because this idea had nor been approved by the Prophet). Then he agreed, but felt that the commission was an extremely difficult task. He had to collect every verse and every chapter from those who owned them, and then classify them in the order, which was prescribed by the Prophet. Zayd, however, was very successful with compiling the Qu'ran. -
Apr 1, 633
Establishing the Bayt al-mal
Bayt al-mal means "House of Wealth". Historically, it was a financial institution responsible for the administration of taxes in Islamic states, particularly in the early Islamic Caliphate. It served as a royal treasury for the caliphs and sultans, managing personal finances and government expenditures. Further, it administered distributions of zakat revenues for public works. Abu Bakr was the first Muslim ruler to establish the Bay al-mal. -
Apr 1, 633
Picture of Establishing the Bayt al-mal
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Jun 1, 633
Picture of Abu Bakr resolves problems with surrounding tribes
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Jun 1, 633
Abu Bakr resolves problems with surrounding tribes
As the news of the Prophet's death spread, a number of tribes rebelled and refused to pay Zakat and imposters started saying that the Prophethood had passed on to them. Abu Bakr insisted that the Divine Law cannot be divided, that there is no distinction between the obligations of Zakat and Salat. When the tribes revolted, Abu Bakr himself led the charge, forcing them to retreat. He made relentless war on the false claimants to prophethood, most of whom submitted and again professed lslam. -
Sep 1, 633
Expansion of the Rashidun Empire
Abu Bakr initiated the expansion of the Rashidun Empire by destroying both the Persian and Byzantine Empires through one of his strongest military leaders Khalid -- who was a man of supreme courage and a born leader. Khalid's military genius came to full flower during the Caliphate of Abu Bakr. Throughout Abu Bakr's reign, Khalid led his troops from one victory to another against the attacking Romans. -
Sep 2, 633
Picture of Expansion of the Rashidun Empire
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Jan 1, 634
Death of Abu Bakr; Umar becomes the Second Caliph
The soundness of Umar's judgment, his devotion to the Prophet, his outspokenness and uprightness won for him a trust and confidence from the Prophet which was second only to that given to Abu Bakr. During the Caliphate of Abu Bakr, Umar was his closest assistant and adviser. During his last illness, Abu Bakr had conferred with his people. When Abu Bakr died, all the people of Medina swore allegiance to Umar, and on 23 Jamadi-al-Akhir, 13 A.H., he was proclaimed Caliph. -
Jan 1, 634
Picture of Death of Abu Bakr; Umar becomes the Second Caliph
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Jan 2, 634
More Information Winning the People's Trust
In the Ridda wars, thousands of prisoners from rebel and apostate tribes were taken away as slaves during the expeditions. Umar ordered the general amnesty for the prisoners, and their immediate emancipation. This made Umar quite popular among the Bedouin tribes. With necessary public support with him, Umar took a bold decision of retrieving Khalid ibn Walid from supreme command on the Roman front. -
Jan 2, 634
Winning the People's Trust
Even though almost all of the Muslims had given their pledge of loyalty to Umar, he was rather more feared than loved. The first challenge for Umar was to win over his subjects and members of Majlis al Shura. Umar was a gifted orator, and he would use his ability to get a soft corner in the hearts of people. Umar's stress was on the well-being of poor and underprivileged people. He followed Abu Bakr's decision over the disputed land of Fidak, and continued its status as a state property. -
Jan 1, 637
Picture of Battle of Yarmouk; Jerusalem is captured; Umar conquers 36,000 cities and castles, and builds 1,400 mosques
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Jan 1, 637
Battle of Yarmouk; Jerusalem is captured; Umar conquers 36,000 cities and castles, and builds 1,400 mosques
Umar defeated the Byzantine forces in Battle of Yarmouk fought in August 636. Muslim victory pertinently ended Byzantine rule south of Anatolia, and Jerusalem fall in April 637. Umar conquered Jerusalem, but permitted Jews to practice their religion freely and live in Jerusalem. By the end of 637, Umar had conquered several cities around the area of Jerusalem and had built 1,400 mosques. -
Jan 1, 638
Umar Builds Canals
When Basra was established during Umar's rule, he started building canals for conveying drinking water and for irrigation. After the city was built, Umar appointed Abu Musa Ashaari as its first governor. Umar began building two important canals linking Basra with the Tigris River. These were al-Ubulla River and the Ma'qil River. The two canals were the basis for the agricultural development for the whole Basra region and used for drinking water. -
Jan 1, 638
More Information Umar Builds Canals
Umar also devised the policy of cultivating barren lands by assigning such lands to those who undertook to cultivate them. This policy continued during the Umayyad period and it resulted in the cultivation of large areas of barren lands through the construction of irrigation canals by the state and by individuals. -
Sep 1, 638
The Great Famine
In 638, Arabia fell into severe drought followed by a famine. Bedouin people began to die because of hunger and epidemic disease. Soon the reserves of food at Medina began to run out, and Umar wrote to the provincial governors of Syria, Palestine, and Iraq for aid. A state of emergency was declared in Medina and Arabia. The timely aid of Umar's governors saved the lives of thousands of people throughout Arabia. -
Sep 2, 638
More Information The Great Famine
Once an adequate supply of rations reached Medina, Umar dispatched his men to the routes of Iraq, Palestine, and Syria to take the supply caravans to the desert settlements deeper into Arabia, which in turn, saved millions from starvation. For internally displaced people, Umar hosted a dinner every night at Medina. By early 639, conditions began to improve. It rained in Arabia and as soon as the famine ended, Umar personally supervised the rehabilitation of the displaced people. -
Jan 1, 639
Umar institutes the Muslim Calendar
In 639, Umar started the Muslim calendar -- counting it from the lunar month, Muharram, in the year of the Prophet's migration to Medina, 16 July in 622. Umar chose the strictly lunar calendar as the official calendar, and no intercalation is permitted. Previously, this calendar had been kept by a minority of Arabs and had been in progress according to the lunar cycle since 358. -
Jan 1, 639
Picture of Umar institutes the Muslim Calendar
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Jan 1, 644
Murder of Umar by a Persian slave
After Umar returned from a pilgrimage trip, he raised his hands and prayed to God to "summon hime back to thyself". Some time later, when Umar went to the mosque, a Magian named Abu Lulu Feroze, who had a grudge against Umar on a personal matter, attacked him with a dagger and stabbed him several times. Umar reeled and fell to the ground. Umar died in the first week of Muharram, 24 A.H., and was buried by the side of the Prophet. -
Jan 1, 649
Picture of Uthman succeeds as the third caliph
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Jan 1, 649
Uthman succeeds as the third caliph
Before Umar died, he appointed a committee consisting of 6 good men to select the Caliph from among themselves. He also outlined the procedure to be followed if any differences of opinion should arise. After two days of discussion among the candidates, the choice was finally limited to Uthman and Ali. Abdul Rahman came to the mosque together with other Muslims, and after a brief speech and questioning of the two men, swore allegiance to Uthman. All those present did the same. -
Jan 1, 650
Uthman's Financial Reforms
Umar had fixed the allowance of the people and on assuming office, Uthman increased it by about 25%. Umar had placed a ban on the sale of lands and the purchase of agricultural lands in conquered territories. Uthman withdrew these restrictions, in view of the fact that the trade could not flourish. Uthman also permitted people to draw loans from the public treasury. Uthman followed the policy devised by Umar and there were more conquests, and the revenues from land increased considerably. -
Jan 2, 650
More Information Uthman's Financial Reforms
During the time of Uthman there was some relaxation in such strictness. Uthman did not draw any allowance from the treasury for his personal use, nor did he receive a salary, he was a wealthy man with sufficient resources of his own, but unlike Umar, he accepted gifts. Uthman honestly expressed that he had the right to utilize the public funds according to his best judgment, and no one criticized him for that. The economic reforms introduced by Uthman had far reaching effects. -
Jan 1, 651
Economic Developments of Uthman
During the caliphate of Uthman as many as five thousand new mosques were constructed. Uthman enlarged, extended, and embellished the Prophet's mosque at Madina. He enlarged and extended the Holy Kaaba as well. With the expansion in army, the cantonments were extended and enlarged. More barracks were constructed for the soldiers. Stables for the cavalry were extended. . During the caliphate of Uthman, guest houses were provided in main cities. More and more markets were constructed. -
Jan 2, 651
More Information Economic Developments of Uthman
In the cities, particular attention was directed towards the provision of water supply. In Madina, a number of wells were dug to provide drinking water for the people. The water supply in Makkah was also improved. Water was brought to Kufa and Basra by canals. -
Jan 3, 651
Distribution of the Qu'ran
Uthman's most notable contribution to the religion of God was the compilation of a complete and authoritative text of the Qur'an. A large number of copies of this text were made and distributed all over the Muslim world. He authorized an official version of the Qur’an and had all other copies burned. As the Qur’an reciters had enormous influence over the masses, this action helped to assert the hegemony of the caliphate in religious affairs and to further the unification of the empire. -
Jan 4, 651
Picture of Distribution of the Qu'ran
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Jan 1, 652
Military Achievements of Uthman
In the time of Uthman, the military organization set up under Umar was duly maintained. The Governor of each province acted as the commander of the forces. Most of Persia, Azarbauan, and Armenia revolted and these areas had to be reconquerd. Further conquests were made. In the west the whole of North Africa was conquered. From North Africa the Muslims crossed over to Spain and occupied a part thereof. -
Jan 2, 652
More Information Military Achievements of Uthman
In the Mediterranean the islands of Cypress and Rhodes were conquered during the reign of Uthman. Under Uthman the Muslims became a naval power for the first time. They undertook some fifty military operations against the Byzantines. In the war against the Byzantines many forts were captured in Asia Minor. A campaign was undertaken against Constantinople itself, but it had to be abandoned because of the disturbed state of home politics. -
Jan 1, 654
"Anti-government Propaganda"
The situation was becoming tense and so Uthman's administration had to investigate the origins and extent of anti-government propaganda and its aims. Some time around 654, Uthman called all the governors of his 12 provinces to Medina to discuss the problem. In this Council of Governors, Uthman directed the governors that they should adopt all the expedients they had suggested, according to local circumstances. The emissaries who had been sent reported that all was well in Kufa, Basra and Syria. -
Jan 2, 654
More Information "Anti-government Propaganda"
The emissaries reported that the people were satisfied with the administration, and they had no legitimate grievance against it. Some individuals in various locations had some personal grievances of minor character, with which the people at large were not concerned. Ammar ibn Yasir, the emissary to Egypt, however, did not return to Medina. The rebels had carried on with their propaganda in favour of the Caliphate of Ali. -
Jan 1, 656
Death/Seige of Uthman
During the second half of Uthman's rule, rebels arose. The rebels demanded that he abdicate. He would gladly have followed this course of action, but he was bound by a solemn pledge he had given to the Prophet. After a long siege, the rebels broke into Uthman's house and murdered him. Uthman breathed his last on the afternoon of Friday, 17 Dhul Hijja, 35 A.H. -
Jan 2, 656
Ali becomes the Fourth Caliph
After Uthman's martyrdom, the office of the caliphate remained unfilled for two or three days. Many people insisted that Ali should take up the office, but he was embarrassed by the fact that the people who pressed him hardest were the rebels, and he therefore declined at first. When the notable Companions of the Prophet urged him, however, he finally agreed. -
Jan 3, 656
Picture of Ali becomes the Fourth Caliph
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Nov 7, 656
Ali Punishes the Rebels who Killed Uthman
Ali is pressured to take revenge on the rebels who killed Uthman, in particular by Muhammad's widow, Ayesha. When his army comes against the rebel army, neither side initially wants to fight, but battle breaks out despite the reluctance. This represents the first time two Muslim forces fight against each other. Ali's forces are victorious and the rebels are put down. After the Battle of Bassorah Ali transferred his capital from Medina to Kufa, the Muslim garrison city in Iraq. -
Nov 8, 656
Picture of Ali Punishes the Rebels who Killed Uthman
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Dec 1, 656
The First Fitna
The First Fitna is followed the assassination of Uthman and ended, on the whole, by Muawiyah's assumption of the caliphate. Ali was first opposed by a faction led by Talhah, Al-Zubayr and Muhammad's wife, Aisha. This group was known as disobedients by their enemies. First they gathered in Mecca then moved to Basra with the expectation of finding the necessary forces and resources to mobilize people. The two parties met at the Battle of Bassorah in 656, where Ali emerged victorious. -
Dec 1, 656
More Information The First Fitna
Ali was challenged by Muawiyah I, the governor of Levant and the cousin of Uthman, who refused Ali's demands for allegiance and called for revenge for Uthman. Ali opened negotiations with him with the hope of regaining his allegiance but Muawiyah insisted on Levant autonomy under his rule. Although Ali exchanged several letters with Muawiyah, he was unable to dismiss the latter, nor persuade him to pledge allegiance. -
Jul 26, 657
The Battle of Siffin
Skirmishes between the parties led to the Battle of Siffin in 657. After a week of combat was followed by a violent battle known as Laylat al-harir (the night of clamor) the Muawiyah's army were on the point of being routed when Amr ibn al-Aas advised Muawiyah to have his soldiers hoist mushaf (either parchments inscribed with verses of the Qur'an, or complete copies of it) on their spearheads in order to cause disagreement and confusion in Ali's army. -
Jul 27, 657
Picture of Battle of Siffin
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Aug 1, 657
Arbitration to Settle the Matter of Who Becomes Caliph
The two armies finally agreed to settle the matter of who should be Caliph by arbitration. The refusal of the largest bloc in Ali's army to fight was the decisive factor in his acceptance of the arbitration. The question as to whether the arbiter would represent Ali or the Kufans caused a further split in Ali's army. The Kharijites, later opposed the decision to choose Abu Musa blaming Ali for his appointment and rebelled and Ali had to fight with them in the Battle of Nahrawan. -
Aug 1, 657
More Information Arbitration to Settle the Matter of Who Becomes Caliph
The arbitration resulted in the dissolution of Ali's coalition and some have opined that this was Muawiyah's intention. Muawiyah's army invaded and plundered cities, which Ali's governors couldn't prevent and people didn't support him to fight with them. Muawiyah overpowered Egypt, Yemen and other areas. This civil war created permanent divisions within the Muslim community and Muslims were divided over who had the legitimate right to occupy the caliphate. -
Jan 1, 659
Battle of Nahrawan
After the conclusion to the Battle of Siffin, Ali returned with his army back to Kufa. During the march, a group of 12,000 men kept themselves at a distance from the main part of the army. People who now joined the Kharijite were instrumental in getting the Muslims to fight in the Battle of the Camel. They had started the battle while Ali was still negotiating. There was some reluctance amongst Ali's army to fight, so Ali sent Ayyub al-Ansari with an offer of amnesty. -
Jan 2, 659
More Information Battle of Nahrawan
These Kharijites swore that they would fight Ali ibn Abi Talib at any cost. Abu Ayyub al-Ansari declared "Whoever comes under this banner or separates from that party and goes to Kufa or al-Mada'in would get amnesty and he would not be questioned." The Kharijites attacked Ali's army, all except nine men were slain. Ali's army suffered only eight casualties. -
Jan 1, 661
Ali is assassinated -- which marks the end of the Rashidun Caliphate
A fanatical group called Kharijites, consisting of people who had broken away from Ali due to his compromise with Muawiya, claimed that neither Ali, Muawiya, nor Amr bin al-Aas, were worthy of rule.They vowed to kill all three rulers, and assassins were dispatched in three directions. The assassins who were deputed to kill Muawiya and Amr did not succeed, but the assassin who was commissioned to kill Ali, accomplished his task. On the 20th of Ramadan, 40 A.H., Ali passed away.
