Who Were The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs Of Islam?

Assalamu Alaykum

After the passing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Muslim community faced a massive shock. For years, Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had guided the Muslim Ummah with sacred revelations, wisdom, and mercy. After his departure, the Ummah needed leadership—meaning a leader who could manage and guide the community after Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and maintain unity. Consequently, some prominent companions (Sahaba) gathered to arrange for a Caliph to lead the Ummah. These prominent Sahaba elected the leader. Let us learn about these four Rashidun Caliphs one by one.

What Is a Caliph in Islam?

First, let us understand what a Caliph is. Caliph means a successor or leader. This role was established because, after the passing of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, leadership was essential to guide the Muslim Ummah and keep it united. A Caliph is one who governs according to the Quran and Sunnah, establishes justice, and protects the religion. The four Caliphs who ruled after the Prophet ﷺ are considered the best companions and leaders in the history of Islam after the Prophets. The Prophet ﷺ said:

“Hold fast to my Sunnah and the Sunnah of the Rightly Guided Caliphs after me.” (Sunan Abu Dawood)

First Caliph: Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (رضي الله عنه)

Who was Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه? He was the closest companion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He was the first adult male to embrace Islam. Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه always stood by the Prophet ﷺ, especially during the most difficult times. He was given the title "As-Siddiq" (The Truthful) because of his unwavering belief, notably during the incident of Isra and Mi'raj. When the disbelievers rejected the Prophet’s ﷺ account of the Night Journey, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه believed him without a moment's doubt.

He became the first Caliph of Islam and held the position from (632 to 634 CE). When Prophet Muhammad ﷺ left this world, many people falsely claimed to be prophets. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه fought against these false claims and kept the Ummah united. Under his rule, he initiated the compilation of the Quran. During the Battle of Yamama, many Muslims who had memorized the Quran were martyred. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه then ordered Zayd ibn Thabit رضي الله عنه to collect all written fragments and oral recitations into a single book to preserve the Quran.

Second Caliph: Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (Al-Faruq) (رضي الله عنه)

Umar Ibn Al-Khattab رضي الله عنه was a companion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and one of the early reverts to Islam. He was also known as "Al-Faruq," which means the one who distinguishes between right and wrong. He was known for his strength, justice, and fear of Allah. Although he initially opposed Islam, he later accepted it. There is a famous Hadith in Tirmidhi where the Prophet ﷺ said:

“If there were to be a prophet after me, it would have been Umar.” (Tirmidhi)

 

He became the second Caliph and served from (634 to 644 CE). His rule is considered one of the most just governments in history. During his reign, the Islamic empire expanded, and he established courts, police stations, and the public treasury (Bait-ul-Mal). He also established the Islamic (Hijri) calendar. Umar Al-Faruq رضي الله عنه ensured justice for everyone, whether Muslim or non-Muslim. He used to patrol the streets alone at night to see if anyone was in trouble or hungry. He feared Allah's punishment lest any human or animal go hungry in his kingdom.

Third Caliph: Uthman Ibn Affan (Dhu al-Nurayn) (رضي الله عنه)

Uthman Ibn Affan رضي الله عنه was an early revert and a companion of the Prophet ﷺ. He was known as "Dhu al-Nurayn" (Possessor of Two Lights) because he married two of the Prophet’s ﷺ daughters, Ruqayyah and Umm Kulthum رضي الله عنها. He was famous for his modesty, generosity, and kindness. He was a wealthy businessman and trader. A famous narration mentions that when Abu Bakr and Umar visited the Prophet ﷺ while he was resting, he remained relaxed. But when Uthman Ibn Affan رضي الله عنها sought permission to enter, the Prophet ﷺ immediately sat up and adjusted his clothes. When Aisha رضي الله عنها asked why, the Prophet ﷺ replied:

“Should I not feel shy before a man whom even the angels feel shy of?” (Sahih Muslim)

He served as the third Caliph from (644 to 656 CE). Though he ruled during a time of peace and wealth, he faced many internal problems. During his reign, the Quran was standardized into the official book format we have today. He also expanded Masjid al-Haram and Masjid al-Nabawi and financially supported the Ummah, such as funding the Well of Rumah and the Army of Usra with gold, camels, and horses.

Fourth Caliph: Ali Ibn Abi Talib (Hyder) (رضي الله عنه)

Ali Ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه was one of the earliest to accept Islam, doing so at the age of ten. He was the son-in-law of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the son of Abu Talib رضي الله عنه, the Prophet’s uncle. He was renowned for his bravery, knowledge, and wisdom. Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said:

“I am the city of knowledge, and Ali is its gate.” 

 

He served as the fourth Caliph from (656 to 661 CE). His era was filled with difficulties due to internal conflicts within the Ummah. Ali Ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه possessed deep knowledge of the Quran and was known for his just judgments. He fought alongside the other Caliphs and companions in many battles. His famous sword, Zulfiqar, is known to all. He was called "Hyder," meaning "Lion," and "Asadullah" (Lion of Allah) because of his incredible courage.

Conclusion

These four Caliphs took the responsibility of the Ummah after Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. Known as the Rashidun (Rightly Guided) Caliphs, these four are superior to the other companions. Also Know As Ameer Ul Momineen (Leader/Commander of the Believers) Their lives were built on faith, sacrifice, justice, and devotion to Allah. Even while ruling a vast kingdom, they remained humble and lived like common people rather than in grand palaces. I hope you have learned something from this article about who the Rashidun Caliphs were, how they were elected, and the nature of their governance.

That is all for today. We will meet on a new topic next. Take care of yourself and your family. May Allah forgive all our sins and accept our supplications. Ameen.

Assalamu Alaykum