Who is a Caliph?
The leader of a caliphate is called the caliph, meaning
deputy or representative. All caliphs are believed to be the successor to
Prophet Muhammad. Muhammad was not a caliph; according to the Quran he was the last
and greatest of the prophets.
That means no one can replace Muhammad as the messenger of
God. The caliph, for example, is not always seen as holding special spiritual
authority. But he is meant to preside over the caliphate in the absence of
Muhammad.
The debate over who was the rightful representative of the
prophet began immediately after his death. While
the majority supported Abu Bakr – one of the prophet’s closest
companions – a minority opted for his young son-in-law and cousin, Ali.
Abu Bakr’s supporters would come to be known as Sunni
Muslims, who believe that Muhammad did not leave instructions regarding his
successor. Those who felt Ali was appointed by the prophet to be the political
and spiritual leader of the fledgling Muslim community became known as Shiite
Muslims.
Abu Bakr was the first caliph and Ali the fourth.
The
second and third caliphs were Umar and Uthman. Under Umar, the caliphate
expanded to include many regions of the world such as the lands of the former
Byzantine and Sassanian empires in Asia Minor, Persia and Central Asia. Uthman
is credited with compiling the Quran.
Who are the 4 caliphs in Islam?
The Four Caliphs were the first four leaders of Islam that
succeeded the Prophet Muhammad. They are sometimes called the "Rightly
Guided" Caliphs because each of them learned about Islam directly from
Muhammad. They also served as Muhammad's closest friends and advisors during
the early years of Islam.
The Rashidun Caliphate
The time period under
the leadership of the Four Caliphs is called the Rashidun Caliphate by
historians. The Rashidun Caliphate lasted for 30 years from 632 CE to 661 CE.
It was followed by the Umayyad Caliphate. The city of Medina served as the
first capital of the Caliphate. The capital was later moved to Kufa.
Abu Bakr
The first caliph was Abu Bakr who
ruled from 632-634 CE. Abu Bakr was the father-in-law of Muhammad and was an
early convert to Islam. He was known as "The Truthful." During his
short reign as caliph, Abu Bakr put down rebellions by various Arab tribes
after Muhammad died and established the Caliphate as the ruling force in the
region.
Umar ibn al-Khattab
The second caliph was Umar ibn
al-Khattab. He is generally known just as Umar. Umar ruled for 10 years from
634-644 CE. During this time, the Islamic Empire expanded greatly. He took
control of the Middle East including conquering the Sassanids of Iraq. He then
took control of many surrounding areas including Egypt, Syria, and North Africa.
Umar's reign came to an end when he was murdered by a Persian slave.
Uthman ibn Affan
The third caliph was Uthman ibn
Affan. He was Caliph for 12 years from 644-656 CE. Like the other Four Caliphs,
Uthman was a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad. Uthman is most known for
having an official version of the Quran established from one originally put
together by Abu Bakr. This version was then copied and used as the standard
version moving forward. Uthman was killed by rebels in his home in 656 CE.
Ali ibn Abi Talib
The fourth caliph was Ali ibn Abi
Talib. Ali was Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law. He was married to Muhammad's
youngest daughter Fatimah. He is considered by many to be the first male
convert to Islam. Ali ruled from 656-661 CE. Ali was known as a wise leader who
wrote many speeches and proverbs. He was assassinated while praying in the
Great Mosque of Kufa.
Who was the last caliph?
Abdülmecid II, (born May 30, 1868, Constantinople, Ottoman Empire
[now Istanbul, Turkey]—died August 23, 1944, Paris, France), the last caliph and crown prince of the Ottoman dynasty of Turkey.
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