Khaleefa

The First Four Caliphs
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.

Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu – May Allah be pleased with him)”]
Hadhrat Umar (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu – May Allah be pleased with him)
Hadhrat Uthman (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu – May Allah be pleased with him)
Hadhrat Ali (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu – May Allah be pleased with him)

1) Hadhrat Abu Bakr (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu – May Allah be pleased with him)

• 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.

2) Hadhrat Umar (Radhi Allahu ‘anhu – May Allah be pleased with him)

• 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.