Rashidun

The Rashidun caliphs (الخلفاء الراشدون, rightly guided caliphs), often simply called the Rashidun, are the first four caliphs (lit.: 'successors') who led the Muslim community following the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad: Abu Bakr (632-634), Umar (634-644), Uthman (644-656), and Ali (656-661). The reign of these caliphs, called the Rashidun Caliphate (632–661), is considered in Sunni Islam to have been 'rightly guided' (Arabic: ), meaning that it constitutes a model () to be followed and emulated from a religious point of view. Succession to Muhammad The first four caliphs who succeeded Muhammad are known as the Rashidun (rightly-guided) Caliphs. Abu Bakr (573–634; 632-634) Umar ibn al-Khattab (c. 583–644; r. 634–644) – often known simply as Umar or Omar Uthman ibn Affan (c. 573–656; r. 644–656) – often known simply as Uthman, Othman, or Osman Ali ibn Abi Talib (c. 600–661; r. 656–661) – often known simply as Ali The succession to Muhammad is the central issue that divides the Muslim community. Sunni Islam, according to the author Carl Ernst, accepts the political status quo of their succession, regardless of its justice, whereas Shia Muslims largely reject the legitimacy of the first three caliphs, and maintain that Muhammad had appointed Ali as his successor. Abu Bakr Abu Bakr, (أَبُو بَكْرٍ), c. 573 CE unknown exact date 634/13 AH) was a senior companion of Muhammad (sahabah) and his father-in-law. He ruled over the Rashidun Caliphate from 632 to 634 CE when he became the first Muslim Caliph following Muhammad's death. As caliph, Abu Bakr continued the political and administrative functions previously exercised by Muhammad. Abu Bakr was called As-Siddiq (اَلـصِّـدِّيْـق, "The Truthful"), and was known by that title among later generations of Sunni Muslims. He prevented the recently converted Muslims from dispersing, kept the community united, and consolidated Islamic grip on the region by containing the Ridda, while extending the Dar Al Islam all the way to the Red Sea. Umar Umar ibn al-Khattab (ʿUmar ibn al-Khattāb, c.