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Islamic history

The Rightly Guided Caliphs

The four leaders who ruled after the Prophet ﷺ passed away.

632–661 CE
early
5 min

Overview

The four leaders who ruled after the Prophet ﷺ passed away. He kept the ummah together when the Prophet ﷺ passed away and began compiling the Quran. Umar and Uthman spread Islam with fairness. Ali faced trials but stayed firm on the Quran and Sunnah.

Key takeaways

  • Short rule focused on stability
  • Fought those who refused zakah falsely
  • Judges were held accountable
  • Public treasury was not private wealth

Timeline of ideas

1

Abu Bakr and unity

He kept the ummah together when the Prophet ﷺ passed away and began compiling the Quran.

  • Short rule focused on stability
  • Fought those who refused zakah falsely
2

Expansion with justice

Umar and Uthman spread Islam with fairness. Ali faced trials but stayed firm on the Quran and Sunnah.

  • Judges were held accountable
  • Public treasury was not private wealth