The Spread of Islam What happened after the death of the prophet?

The First Four Caliphs What is a caliph? Caliph or “deputy” refers to the Islamic rulers after the death of Muhammad. Abu-Bakr is the first Caliph ( C.E.). The first four Caliphs expand the Islamic empire. Caliphs have both religious and civil authority.

The Islamic Empire, C.E.

Abu-Bakr, the First Caliph ( C.E.) Known as the Sahabah- senior companion. Father-in-law of Muhammad. Later known as Al-Siddiq (The Truthful). Kept recently converted Muslims from dispersing. Extended Islamic empire to the Red Sea.

Umar ibn al-Khattab, the Second Caliph ( C.E.) Succeeded Abu Bakr on August 23, 634 C.E. Expanded Islamic empire to include the Sassanid Persian Empire and more than two thirds of the Eastern Roman Empire. Executed firm political and administrative control. Major conquests include: Syria, Egypt, Damascus, and Jerusalem.

Uthman ibn Affan, the Third Caliph ( C.E.) Best known for forming the committee which compiled the basic text of the Qur’an as it exists today. Expanded empire into Fars (present-day Iran), Khorasan (present-day Afghanistan) and Armenia.

Ali ibn Abi Talib, the Fourth Caliph ( C.E.) Initially refused role of Caliph. Dismissed several provincial governors, some of whom were related to Uthman. Moved capital from Medina to Kufa. Caliphate (position and reign of the Caliph) coincided with the First Fitna- a Muslim civil war over who had the legitimate right to the caliphate.

Conquest after the First Fitna Tunisia, 661 C.E. Iberian Peninsula, except for the northern third, 711 C.E. Sind, the southern Indus Valley, 711 C.E.

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Vocabulary Review Caliph: “deputy”, have religious and civil authority. Sahabah: senior companion. Al-Siddiq: The Truthful. Qur’an (Koran): holy scripture of Islam. Caliphate: position and reign of the Caliph. First Fitna: a Muslim civil war over who had the legitimate right to the caliphate.