Islamic Studies · Lesson 8

Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman and ‘Ali

JAMBWAECNECO

What the syllabus asks

JAMB: 17 The Rightly Guided Caliphs: lives and contributions of Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman and ‘Ali

WAEC: Khulafa’ ar-Rashidun: biographies, contributions to Islam, lessons from their lives

NECO: Khulafa’ ar-Rashidun: biographies, contributions to Islam, lessons from their lives

What you will learn

Trace the biographies of the four Rightly-Guided Caliphs.
Explain how each caliph was chosen.
Evaluate the contributions of Abu Bakr, including the Riddah wars and the collection of the Qur’an.
Evaluate ‘Umar’s conquests and administrative reforms.
Evaluate ‘Uthman’s contributions and explain the causes of unrest in his reign.
Evaluate ‘Ali’s caliphate and the challenges he faced.
Draw lessons from their lives for Muslims and leaders today.

Key points

Four caliphs, 11–40 AH; chosen by shura and bay‘ah.
Abu Bakr: as-Siddiq; Hijrah; first speech; Riddah wars; Yamamah; Qur’an collected; died 13 AH.
‘Umar: conversion; al-Faruq; Amir al-Mu’minin; conquests (Yarmuk, Qadisiyyah, Jerusalem, Egypt, Nahawand).
‘Umar’s institutions: provinces, qadis, diwan, Bayt al-Mal, Hijri calendar, garrison towns; killed 23 AH.
‘Uthman: Dhun-Nurayn; Rumah; Tabuk; standard mushaf; navy; unrest; killed 35 AH.
‘Ali: first child convert; Hijrah bed; Khaybar; Camel, Siffin, Khawarij; Kufah; killed 40 AH.
Lessons: trust, shura, justice, simplicity, Qur’an, tolerance, unity.

Start here: Who were the Rightly-Guided Caliphs?

After the Prophet’s death, the Muslims were led by four caliphs (khalifah, successor/representative) known as al-Khulafa’ ar-Rashidun, “the Rightly-Guided Caliphs”: Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman and ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with them). Their period lasted about thirty years (11–40 AH / 632–661 CE). The Prophet (SAW) urged Muslims to keep to “the Sunnah of the Khulafa ar-Rashideen, those who guide to the right way” (Hadith 28, ir4).

Common features of their rule: they were close Companions and among the earliest Muslims; they were chosen through consultation and public allegiance (bay‘ah), not inheritance; they lived simply and saw office as a trust; they ruled by the Qur’an and Sunnah and consulted the Companions; they spread Islam and built the institutions of the state.

How each was chosen (a common exam question):

Abu Bakr: at the meeting of Saqifah Bani Sa‘idah, the Ansar and Muhajirun debated; ‘Umar gave his hand to Abu Bakr, then the others did; general allegiance followed in the mosque.
‘Umar: nominated by Abu Bakr on his deathbed after consulting senior Companions, and accepted by the people.
‘Uthman: chosen by a council (shura) of six appointed by ‘Umar: ‘Uthman, ‘Ali, ‘Abd ar-Rahman ibn ‘Awf, Sa‘d ibn Abi Waqqas, az-Zubayr and Talhah; ‘Abd ar-Rahman consulted widely and declared allegiance to ‘Uthman.
‘Ali: given allegiance in Madinah after ‘Uthman was killed, in a time of crisis.

Note on different perspectives. Sunni Muslims honour all four in this order. Shi‘i Muslims believe that ‘Ali should have been the first successor. This lesson follows the syllabus and presents events with respect for all the Companions.

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Practice questions

1. The first Rightly-Guided Caliph was

Abu Bakr as-Siddiq
‘Umar ibn al-Khattab
‘Uthman ibn ‘Affan
‘Ali ibn Abi Talib

Show answer

A: Abu Bakr as-Siddiq
632–634 CE (11–13 AH).

2. Abu Bakr’s title as-Siddiq means

the distinguisher
possessor of two lights
the lion
the truthful (who confirms the truth)

Show answer

D: the truthful (who confirms the truth)
He confirmed the Night Journey at once.

3. ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab ruled

644–656 CE
656–661 CE
634–644 CE
632–634 CE

Show answer

C: 634–644 CE
13–23 AH.

4. The caliph who introduced the Hijri calendar and the diwan was

‘Ali
‘Umar
Abu Bakr
‘Uthman

Show answer

B: ‘Umar
The diwan was a register for stipends.

5. ‘Umar’s title al-Faruq means

the one who distinguishes truth from falsehood
the truthful
possessor of two lights
the generous

Show answer

A: the one who distinguishes truth from falsehood
A title given to ‘Umar.

Key words

Khalifah: Successor; caliph.
Khulafa’ ar-Rashidun: The Rightly-Guided Caliphs.
Bay‘ah: Pledge of allegiance.
Saqifah: The hall of Banu Sa‘idah where Abu Bakr was chosen.
Riddah: Apostasy; the wars against it.
Amir al-Mu’minin: Commander of the Faithful.
Diwan: Register of stipends; government office.
Qadi: Judge.
Wali: Provincial governor.
Dhun-Nurayn: Possessor of the two lights (‘Uthman).
Fitnah: Civil strife.
Tahkim: Arbitration (after Siffin).

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