The Rightly guided Caliphs
Upon the death of the Prophet, Abu Bakr, the friend of the
Prophet and the first adult male to embrace Islam, became
caliph. Abu Bakr ruled for two years to be succeeded by 'Umar
who was caliph for a decade and during whose rule Islam spread
extensively east and west conquering the Persian empire, Syria
and Egypt. It was 'Umar who marched on foot at the end of the
Muslim army into Jerusalem and ordered the protection of
Christian sites. 'Umar also established the first public
treasury and a sophisticated financial administration. He
established many of the basic practices of Islamic government.
'Umar was succeeded by 'Uthman who ruled for some twelve
years during which time the Islamic expansion continued. He is
also known as the caliph who had the definitive text of the
Noble Quran copied and sent to the four corners of the Islamic
world. He was in turn succeeded by 'Ali who is known to this day
for his eloquent sermons and letters, and also for his bravery.
With his death the rule of the "rightly guided" caliphs, who
hold a special place of respect in the hearts of Muslims, came
to an end.
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