4 Caliphs of Islam
After the death of the Prophet (pbuh)
The era that followed the death of Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) is called the era of the Four Caliphs. During this period, Islam flourished and spread far beyond the limits of the Arabian Peninsula.
“Khulafaa-e-Rashidun” or the ” Rightly Guided Caliphs.” ( THE FOUR CALIPHS)
The four Caliphs in Islam are attributed to Mercy & Respect. As famously mentioned:
“The fountain of Kawthar possesses four pillars, commanded by:
1. Abu Bakr (Abdullah ibn Abi Qahafa)
(Al- Siddiq – the truthful)-g> After the prophet’s death, Abu Bakr was elected as caliph on the recommendation of Umar.
Abu Bakr (RA) was known for his generosity and soft hearted, but he was also strict.Moreover,he was known to be a firm men as he was the master handler of chaos when some of the Muslims didn’t want to believe that the Prophet (SWS) had died.
Among them was Umar Ibn Khattab who was holding a sword in his hand and going around saying he will chop the head of anyone who says that the Prophet (SWS) is dead.
On seeing this situation Abu Bakr stood and recited this verse:
“Muhammad is no more than a messenger; an indeed many a messenger has passed away before him. So what if he dies or is killed! Will you then turn your back on your heels (as disbelievers)? And he who turns back on his heels will not do the least harm to Allah. And Allah give reward to those who are grateful.” (Qu’ran 3: 144)
He went on to say:
‘whoever worshipped Muhammad let him know that Muhammad is dead. Whoever worshipped Allah, he should know that Allah is Alive forever’
He is buried beside the prophet in Medina.
2. Umar Ibn Al-Khattab
Following Abu Bakr’s death, Umar was elected as caliph.He is described as being the most tough and courageous( The Conqueror).Umar is buried beside the Prophet (SWS) in the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.
The Green Dome القبة الخضراء is a green-coloured dome built above the tomb of Prophet Muhammad and Abu Bakr and Umar. The dome is located in the south-east corner of Al-Masjid al-Nabawi ( Mosque of the prophet) in Medina.
The first two Caliphs, Abu Bakr and Umar are buried next to the Prophet.>
3. Uthman Ibn Affan.
Al-Ghani- the most generous.He isn’t just known for his generosity, he was also known to be modest, charitable and also kind hearted. After Umar’s death, he was elected to be caliph.Moreover, he is remembered as Al-Mus-haf Al-Uthmani (Uthman’s Mus-haf) which is considered to the mastered copy of the Holy Qur’an.He Uthman (RA) was reciting the Qur’an at the time of his death, and his blood was spilled over his Mushaf (Holy Quran).
4. Ali Ibn Abu Talib
Ali is the son of Abu Talib, the Prophet’s Muhammad (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) uncle.He was the second person after Khadija, the first wife of Muhammed, to accept Islam in Makkah.
Besides being known for his braveness he was also known for his humility and otherworldliness.His martyrdom is considered as the ending point of the Four Caliph’s period.
