Jawwad Ahmed 50943 Zain Ali 51102

The four rightly guided Caliphs

Hazrat Abu Bakr
After the death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) the Muslim ummah went into a depression. Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) played a great role in restoring peace in the minds of the Muslims. By saying: He who worshipped Muhammad, let him know that Muhammad being mortal is dead; he who worships the Allah of Muhammad, let him know that He lives forever." Hence reminding Muslims that Allah is eternal and Prophet Muhammad (P.B.U.H) was just his messenger. Also Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) said: I have been elected your Ameer, although I am not better than you. Help me, if I am in the right; set me right if I am in the wrong; obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Prophet; when I disobey Him and His Prophet, then obey me not. Telling his people to follow him only when he is on the right path. He did not compromise on anything in which the Sunnah of the Prophet would not be followed. Such as when tribes who swore allegiance to the Prophet (P.B.U.H) but after his death they refuse to pay Zakat. This was unacceptable to the Caliph thus he informed that even if they withhold a string it is his duty to fight them. Not only did he spread Islam but also fought false prophets. Other contributions include compilation of the Holy Quran. He also lived a very simple life thus setting an example for further Caliphs.

Hazrat Umer bin Khatab:

Hazrat Umer bin Khatab was made Caliph according to the will of Hazrat Abu Bakr. He was known as Ameer-al-Momineen. His conversion was of immense importance. After, his embracing Islam Muslims began to pray openly in Makkah. An example can be when he was migrating to Medina he openly announced:

"I am migrating to Medina. If anyone wants to check me, let him come out. I am sure that his mother would cry for his life" No one had the courage to touch him. During his Caliphate Persian and the Byzantine Empire were the super powers at the time, and they both wanted to eliminate Islam. Not only did Hazrat Umer (R.A) defended Islam but also defended them. He also made significant contributions toward administration side such as he established the Majlis-e-Shura. Made new laws according to the Holy Quran and Sunnah. Divided states and appointed governors known as Wali. Established new departments such as education, police and also finance. Also the system of pension was also introduced by him.

Hazrat Usman
He was the third Caliph. He was elected after the six nominees set by Hazrat Umar. During his Caliphate the Islamic Empire grew both in the east and in the west. Hazrat Umar was a strong MAN. Hazrat Usman was known to be a kind hearted man. Foreign powers felt that it would be easier to remove the Muslim power under Hazrat Usman's Caliphate. The rebels were mostly Persians from the east and the Byzantines from the west. Hazrat Usman defeated these armies with great skill. The Islamic empire grew from Morocco to Kabul. The first Four years reminded of the great caliphate of Hazrat Umar. The last Four years were troublesome as several allegations were posed on him such as the burning of the holy Qur'an and appointing insufficient governors. He died on the 18th of Zil hajj 35 A.H. His greatest contribution was circulating the official copies of the Qur'an.

Hazrat Ali
Was the fourth and final Caliph. His caliphate mainly went through Civil wars between him and Ameer Muawiya. These wars gave birth to the Kharijites. The main reason behind the wars was that he wasn't doing justice to Hazrat Usman's death. After several Battles it was Decide that Ameer Muawiya would rule Egypt and Syria while the rest would be ruled by Hazrat Ali. He was attacked by Ibn Muljim during morning prayers on the 18th of Ramadan and he died on the 21st 40 A.H. He was a Hafiz and could quote any verse suiting every occasion. HE was kind and Forgiving man and a brave warrior. He had the Titles Asadullah and Haider-e-Karrar.