The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs Flashcards
What occured after Muhammad’s death?
A political crisis erupted surrounding who would lead the ummah. For the next 30 years, the Islamic world was ruled by 4 caliphs, also known as the Rashidun Caliphate.
This ensured its long term survival and spread in the wider community.
What is the role of caliphs?
They are close to Muhammad during his life and maintained Muslim orthodoxy after Muhammad’s death
They act in accordance to the key principles of Islam
Abu Bakr
Father of Aisha, trusted friend
Restored stability to Islam, put his fortune into rebuilding the Islamic community, strengthened and consolidated community and the state, initiated the writing of the Qu’ran.
Umar Ibn al-Khattab
Father of Hafsa
Political administrator- Extended the empire to Egypt, Iraq, Persia, Syria and Armenia, effective military leader- conquered Jerusalem, created Mosque and established. a caliph election comittee)
Uthman Ali Affan
Son in law to Muhammad
First 6 years promoting peace, extending the empire to Libya and East Europe, completed the Qu’ran, and caused rebellion and uprising due to his nepotism. He was a harsh ruler, money crisis- many enemies and was assassinated)
Al Ibn Ali Talib
Husband to Fatima
After declining the caliphate originally, he accepted it- tensions, civil war, political upheaval.
-Muawiya accused Ali of being apart of Uthmans death- trigger that caused the schism as he Muawiya was selected
What is the Sunni and the Shi’a split?
Emerged out of great disagreements around who should be selected as leader of the umma.
What are Sunni Muslims?
Leader should be chosen from the descendents of the tribe of Muhammad, but not necessarily his family.
What are Shi’a muslims?
Leader must be a descendent of Muhammad- smaller percentage of muslims
