The Rightly guided Caliphs
Upon the death of the Prophet (P.B.U.H), 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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