Elections of Four Rightly Guided Caliphs:
Election of Abu Bakr
After Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed away, the Muslim community was very worried about staying
united. News of his death spread quickly, and the Ansar (local Muslims of Madinah) gathered at a place
called Saqifah Banu Sa'idah to discuss choosing a leader from among themselves. Abu Bakr, one of the
Prophet’s closest friends, realized that choosing a leader was urgent to keep the Muhajirin (Muslims from
Makkah) and the Ansar united. Abu Bakr, along with Umar and other Muhajirin, went to the meeting to
help the Muslims make a united decision.
At Saqifah, the Ansar were divided into two groups, the Aus and Khazraj tribes. Abu Bakr spoke to them
kindly, explaining that the Muhajirin had a strong connection with the Prophet, as they came from the
Quraysh tribe, which was respected in Arabia. Abu Bakr suggested that the Prophet’s followers should
ideally be led by the Muhajirin, who had supported him from the beginning. Abu Bakr’s calm and wise
words helped to ease the tensions in the room, and everyone started to agree on unity.
In a humble gesture, Abu Bakr suggested that Umar or Abu Ubaidah should be the leader instead of
himself. However, Umar quickly took Abu Bakr’s hand and pledged loyalty to him as the best choice. The
Ansar, led by Bashir bin Sa’d, also agreed, and they pledged their loyalty to Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr’s calm and
wise leadership helped the Muslims avoid any division at this critical moment.
Election of Umar ibn Al-Khattab
Before he passed away in 13 AH, Abu Bakr chose Umar to succeed him as the next leader. He believed
Umar’s strength and determination would be important for guiding the growing Muslim community.
Before his death, Abu Bakr gave Umar final advice, telling him to focus on his religious duties and not let
worldly matters distract him. This advice showed Abu Bakr’s dedication to Islamic leadership.
After Abu Bakr passed away, Umar took on the leadership role, though some people had mixed feelings
about it. Umar called on the Muslims to engage in jihad (struggle for the cause of Islam) and expand Islamic
rule. At first, some people hesitated, but by the fourth day, people like Abu Ubaid bin Mas'ud volunteered
to help. As more Companions joined, Umar showed his strong leadership by choosing skilled commanders
and organizing expeditions, making the Muslim state stronger.
Under Umar’s rule, Islam spread to many new lands. His dedication to justice and fairness helped build a
large Islamic empire and created a legacy of both religious and government leadership that many people
still admire today.
Election of Uthman ibn Affan
In 23 AH, after Umar’s death, he had set up a council of six respected Companions to choose the next
leader. These Companions were Ali, Uthman, Talhah, Zubair, Abdur-Rahman bin Auf, and Sa’d bin Abu
Waqqas. Umar said that if they couldn’t decide, his son Abdullah bin Umar would help, though he was not
allowed to become the leader himself. This council showed that Umar wanted the decision to be made
through consultation (shura), so the community would remain united.
The council met to discuss and finally, Abdur-Rahman bin Auf, who was respected for his fair character,
decided to step down and take on the responsibility of choosing the Caliph. He spent time consulting with
leaders and people in the community. After gathering opinions, he found that Uthman had the most
support. Abdur-Rahman announced Uthman as the Caliph, and everyone, including Ali, pledged their
loyalty. This ensured a peaceful transition of power.
As Caliph, Uthman’s time was one of prosperity. He expanded the Islamic territories and organized the
Muslim community better. He also made sure the Qur’an was copied in its final, standardized form, which
was a very important step in preserving Islamic teachings. However, during his time, challenges grew due
to changes in wealth and governance, which led to some difficulties.
Election of Ali ibn Abi Talib
After Uthman was assassinated in 35 AH, Madinah was very unsettled, and the people were very upset.
They asked Ali to take on the role of Caliph. Ali was cautious and initially said he would accept only if the
Companions who had fought in the Battle of Badr also supported him. When they agreed, Ali became the
Caliph. But there were already divisions and challenges to his leadership from the start.
Talhah and Zubair, who were respected Companions, initially pledged their loyalty to Ali. Later, however,
they raised issues with Ali’s governance. These disagreements led to the Battle of the Camel, the first civil
war in Islamic history. Even with these challenges, Ali tried his best to rule justly and bring back the fair
principles of Islam. His leadership showed a strong commitment to keeping the community united, despite
facing conflict and challenges until his martyrdom.
Ali’s caliphate was a time of difficulties as the Islamic empire grew and became more diverse. His legacy is
respected for his courage, justice, and dedication, as he tried to guide the community through a complex
time.
Problems faced by Abu Bakr (R.A)
Introduction:
After the Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬passed away, some new Muslims in Yemen and Najd had not fully
accepted Islam in their hearts. This led people like Aswad and Musailamah to falsely claim they were
prophets. When the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬died, these impostors tried to take advantage of the Muslim community’s
sadness and confusion. They misled some people and attempted to gain power. This spread of lies and
hypocrisy greatly worried the true believers. However, because of the Prophet ‫'ﷺ‬s guidance, these
Muslims were strong and determined, helping to keep the Muslim community united.
The Spread of Apostasy:
After the Prophet ‫'ﷺ‬s death, many tribes in Arabia left Islam, except for the cities of Al-Madinah, Makkah,
and Ta'if. Abu Bakr (R.A), the first Caliph, received reports that enemies of Islam were planning to attack AlMadinah. But despite this threat, Abu Bakr continued the mission to Syria that the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬had started,
led by Usamah bin Zaid. Some Companions advised him to delay this mission due to the danger, but Abu
Bakr was firm. He declared he would follow the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬last instructions no matter what. Although
some Companions thought Usamah was too young at 17 to lead, Abu Bakr defended Usamah, saying the
Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬had chosen him for this role.
Wisdom of the Caliph:
Abu Bakr showed his respect for Usamah by walking alongside him as he led the army. Abu Bakr also gave
Usamah ten important instructions: don’t steal, lie, or betray; don’t kill children, women, or the elderly;
don’t destroy trees or kill animals unless needed for food; invite people to Islam; respect those you meet;
begin meals in Allah’s name; avoid fighting those in places of worship; and strictly follow the Prophet’s ‫ﷺ‬
orders. Before Usamah left, Abu Bakr requested that Usamah allow Umar to stay in Al-Madinah to help
him, and Usamah agreed.
Usamah’s Success:
Usamah’s army succeeded in defeating the Romans and returned to Al-Madinah after forty days, bringing
spoils and prisoners. This victory showed the world that Muslims were still strong even after the Prophet
‫'ﷺ‬s death. It also lifted the Muslims’ spirits and gave them resources, thanks to Abu Bakr’s wise leadership
and Usamah’s bravery.
The Trial of Apostasy:
When the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬died, some tribes refused to pay Zakat, which is a key part of Islam. This wasn’t
about rejecting Allah, but more about tribes feeling their pride was hurt by paying Zakat. Leaders like
Musailamah and Tulaihah used this to turn people against the Muslim state. Abu Bakr took this very
seriously and declared that anyone who refused to pay Zakat was rebelling against Islam. Some
companions disagreed with him, but he remained determined.
Military and Strategic Response:
Abu Bakr set up defenses around Al-Madinah and led forces to fight any immediate threats. He issued a
firm message that Islam would continue after the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬death. He also prepared multiple
detachments to deal with the rebellious tribes, assigning strong commanders like Khalid bin Walid and
Ikramah bin Abu Jahl. These commanders offered the tribes a chance to come back to Islam before
fighting, showing Abu Bakr’s preference for peace.
Tulaihah al-Asadi:
Tulaihah was a soothsayer from Banu Asad who, just before the Prophet ‫'ﷺ‬s death, claimed to be a
prophet. He gathered support from many tribes. Khalid bin Walid was sent to stop him. In the Battle of
Buzakhah, Tulaihah pretended to receive “revelations” during the battle, but his ally Uyainah soon realized
he was lying and abandoned him. Tulaihah’s forces lost, and many of his followers returned to Islam.
Tulaihah himself eventually repented and became a Muslim again.
Sajah’s Claim to Prophethood and Her Defeat:
Sajah, a woman from the Taghlib tribe, claimed to be a prophetess and gathered around four thousand
supporters. She planned to attack Al-Madinah but was discouraged when she heard Khalid bin Walid was
approaching. To avoid a direct fight, she visited Musailamah, another false prophet. They agreed to join
forces, and Sajah even married him. But later, Khalid’s army frightened her troops, causing them to flee.
Sajah managed to escape but lost her power and lived in obscurity.
Musailamah the Liar:
Musailamah, a leader from the Banu Hanifah tribe, claimed to be a prophet and even sent a letter to the
Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬claiming they should share Arabia. The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬called him “the liar” and rejected his claim.
After the Prophet ‫’ﷺ‬s death, Musailamah gathered a huge army. Ikramah first tried to stop him but failed.
Then Abu Bakr sent Khalid bin Walid, who eventually defeated Musailamah’s forces. Musailamah was killed
by Wahshi, ending his false prophethood.
Hatm bin Dubai'ah:
In Bahrain, after the Prophet ‫’ﷺ‬s death, the Banu Abdul-Qais tribe initially rejected Islam but later
repented and returned. However, Hatm bin Dubai'ah from Banu Bakr bin Wa’il led a rebellion. Abu Bakr
sent Ala' bin Al-Hadrami to confront him. After a long standoff, Ala' launched a fierce attack, killing Hatm
and scattering his forces. This defeat brought peace and stability to Bahrain.
Laqit bin Malik:
Laqit from Oman declared himself a prophet, leading people in Oman and Mahrah to reject Islam. Abu Bakr
sent three commanders—Hudhaifah, Arfajah, and Ikramah—to bring them back to Islam. Despite an initial
disadvantage, the Muslim army won a decisive victory, killing many of Laqit’s men and capturing
thousands. With this victory, Oman returned to Islam, and peace was restored in the region.
In all these challenges, Abu Bakr’s strong leadership, wisdom, and commitment helped maintain the unity
and strength of the Muslim Ummah after the Prophet ‫’ﷺ‬s death.
Abu Bakr and Islamic Empire’s Expansion
After Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬passed away, Abu Bakr became the first caliph, facing many challenges in
preserving and expanding the Islamic state. He led the Muslims in unifying Arabia and preparing them for
significant battles with powerful empires. Under his leadership, the Islamic empire began expanding
beyond the Arabian Peninsula, confronting both the Persian and Roman Empires, which were the two
strongest forces in the region.
Background: The Roman and Persian Empires
During Prophet Muhammad ‫’ﷺ‬s time, the Persian and Roman empires dominated much of the world.
The Persian Empire, ruled by the Sassanid dynasty, covered a vast region from the Persian Gulf to the Indus
River, with cities full of wealth and power. On the other side, the Roman Empire, split into the Eastern and
Western Roman Empires, was a vast state with its capital in Rome, while the Eastern Roman (Byzantine)
Empire had its capital in Constantinople. The two empires were often at war, which weakened them and
created opportunities for Islamic expansion.
Early Raids and Strategy
Abu Bakr began by organizing the Muslim state and stabilizing it from internal threats. Once the unity of
the Muslims was secured, he prepared for expansion into Persian and Roman territories. At first, he sent
small groups to test the defenses of the Persian Empire, ensuring that the Muslims would be ready for
larger campaigns. When it became clear that the Muslim forces could face these empires, Abu Bakr
authorized more significant attacks.
Battle of Dhat-us-Salasil
The first major campaign began when Khalid bin Walid, a brilliant general, led 18,000 Muslim soldiers
against the Persians in Iraq. Khalid targeted the city of Hafir, where the Persian governor Hurmuz awaited
with a powerful army. Khalid invited Hurmuz to accept Islam, but Hurmuz responded by gathering a large
force. To increase the Muslim army's chances, Khalid divided it into three parts, each led by strong
commanders, and they advanced toward the city.
Hurmuz accepted Khalid’s challenge to a duel, but Khalid swiftly overpowered him, killing him in combat.
Witnessing Hurmuz's defeat, the Persian soldiers tried to attack but were quickly routed by the Muslim
forces. Many Persians wore chains in battle as a sign of commitment to either win or die, giving this battle
its name, “Battle of Chains.” The Muslims took valuable Persian spoils, including Hurmuz’s crown, and
gained control of the area.
Battle of Qarin
Following Hurmuz’s defeat, the Persian emperor sent reinforcements, but the Muslims were prepared. Led
by Khalid, the Muslim forces engaged the Persians by a canal, killing the Persian generals Qarin, Qibad, and
Anushjan. The Persian army suffered a major loss, with thousands killed or drowned while trying to escape.
Battle of Walajah
The Persian emperor then sent a famous general, Andarzagar, to fight Khalid. Reinforced by another
Persian general named Bahman, the Persian forces prepared to attack the Muslims at Walajah. Despite the
intense battle, Khalid’s tactics led the Muslims to victory. Bahman and his army fled to Ullais, gathering
more Persian soldiers and Arab allies to make a last stand.
Battle of Ullais and the Conquest of Hirah
At Ullais, Khalid faced an enormous Persian-Arab army. He killed their leader, Malik bin Qais, in a duel,
causing the Persian ranks to lose morale. In a fierce battle, the Muslims achieved a significant victory, with
thousands of Persian casualties. Khalid then marched on Hirah, an important Persian city. The city's ruler
negotiated peace with Khalid, paying a tribute, which allowed Hirah to come under Muslim control without
further bloodshed.
Conquest of Anbar and Ain-ut-Tamr
Khalid continued his successful campaign by advancing toward Anbar, where the Persians attempted to
defend with a high wall and heavy arrow fire. To overcome this, Khalid cleverly used the bodies of camels
to create a ramp, allowing the Muslim soldiers to reach the Persians. After fierce fighting, the Persians
surrendered, and Anbar was conquered. Khalid then moved on to Ain-ut-Tamr, where the local leader,
Uqbah, tried to defend the city with Persian support. Khalid captured him, and Ain-ut-Tamr also fell to the
Muslims.
The Battle of Firad
Firad, a key location at the border of Persia, Syria, and Arabia, became the next major battleground. Here,
several Arab tribes and Roman soldiers gathered to resist the Muslims. When Khalid arrived, the enemy
asked to cross the Euphrates River, and he agreed. After crossing, the Muslims engaged in a fierce battle
and won, despite being heavily outnumbered. Thousands of Roman and allied soldiers perished, marking a
decisive victory for the Muslims.
Campaign in Syria and the Battle of Ajnadein
Abu Bakr then turned his attention to Syria, a Roman-controlled region. In 634 A.D., he organized an army
of about 28,000 soldiers and divided them into four groups, each under a respected commander: Amr bin
Aas, Yazeed bin Abu Sufyan, Shurahbil bin Hasnah, and Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah. Khalid was later sent to
reinforce them.
The first major battle in Syria took place at Basra, where Khalid’s forces managed to surprise the Byzantine
forces, leading to their surrender. Later, the Battle of Ajnadein became a landmark victory for the Muslims
against the Romans. With 40,000 Muslim soldiers against a vast Roman army, Khalid's brilliant strategies
enabled the Muslims to win, causing great losses for the Romans and forcing them to retreat.
Results and Impact of the Campaigns
The early campaigns led by Abu Bakr, especially those commanded by Khalid bin Walid, greatly expanded
the Islamic state. Iraq and parts of Syria came under Muslim control, showing the strength and discipline of
the new Islamic state. Abu Bakr’s leadership and Khalid’s military skills helped Islam spread into areas once
controlled by powerful empires, setting the stage for the Islamic empire to grow even further under future
caliphs. Abu Bakr’s short but impactful caliphate proved that the Islamic state was resilient and capable of
challenging the strongest empires of the time. His foresight, Khalid’s tactics, and the unity among Muslims
allowed the Islamic empire to expand beyond Arabia, laying the foundation for an era of rapid growth and
influence.
Abu Bakr’s policy in administering the Islamic State:
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) established key principles for governing the Islamic state after the Prophet
Muhammad (SAWS) passed away. His leadership was built on the teachings of the Prophet, emphasizing
peace, justice, and spreading Islam. Through his policies, Abu Bakr (RA) strengthened the Islamic state,
focusing on both fair governance and the welfare of the people. Under his leadership, Islam began to
spread beyond Madinah and Makkah, reaching as far as Iraq and Iran. The following are some major
aspects of his administration.
1. Establishing the System of Caliphate
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) introduced the system of the Caliphate, or Khilafat, to ensure collective and
consultative governance. He valued the advice of prominent Companions, such as Hazrat Umar (RA),
Hazrat Uthman (RA), and Hazrat Ali (RA), before making major decisions. He believed that consulting
experienced advisors was essential for unity and effective leadership. To retain their guidance, he even
persuaded Hazrat Usamah’s army to leave Hazrat Umar (RA) in Madinah, thus keeping his best advisors
close for counsel.
2. Welfare of the People
Abu Bakr (RA) prioritized the prosperity and well-being of the people. To better serve the population, he
divided the state into smaller provinces, each led by an official, or "Amil." These officials managed local
matters with honesty and responsibility. To organize central governance, he assigned specific duties to key
Companions. Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) handled revenue matters, Hazrat Umar (RA) was appointed Chief
Justice, while Hazrat Uthman (RA) and Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (RA) managed state documentation. Abu Bakr
(RA) advised these leaders to serve with integrity and reminded them to fear Allah (SWT), saying, “He who
fears Allah (SWT) receives His blessings and reward.”
3. System of Accountability
Abu Bakr (RA) maintained strict accountability within his administration. He believed that leaders should
be answerable for their actions to prevent misuse of power. For instance, when an officer named Malik bin
Nawaira resisted paying Zakat, Abu Bakr (RA) sent Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (RA) to resolve the matter.
However, Hazrat Khalid (RA) acted harshly by killing Malik, which led to complaints. Although Abu Bakr
(RA) found this action regrettable, he balanced his response carefully. He rebuked Hazrat Khalid (RA) but
allowed him to continue his military role because of his exceptional skills in warfare.
4. Enforcement of Islamic Punishments
Although Abu Bakr (RA) was kind and forgiving, he strictly followed Islamic law when handling criminal
matters. He encouraged people to seek forgiveness from Allah (SWT) for their private sins, believing that
repentance should stay between a person and their Creator. However, he also took appropriate actions
against public crimes. For example, he set a punishment of 40 lashes for drinking alcohol and appointed
Hazrat Abdullah bin Masood (RA) to oversee enforcement of punishments. When Hazrat Ali (RA) suggested
a severe punishment for robbery, Abu Bakr (RA) supported this decision after consulting other
Companions.
5. Fair Distribution of Wealth
Abu Bakr (RA) managed the wealth of the Islamic state fairly and equitably. In his first year, he distributed
revenue equally among all citizens, regardless of their status or when they embraced Islam. He maintained
that wealth was a communal right and not tied to a person’s piety or closeness to Allah (SWT). This
practice of equal distribution was unprecedented and aimed to prevent social divisions. He also established
Bait-ul-Maal, or the public treasury, though he kept only what was necessary, leaving no wealth behind
after his death.
6. Doctrine of Warfare
Abu Bakr (RA) was dedicated to the principles of just warfare. He believed that battles should be fought
solely for the sake of Allah (SWT) and the dignity of Islam, not for personal gain or revenge. Before sending
his commanders into battle, he would walk with them, giving them guidance and reminders of their
mission's sacred purpose. Abu Bakr (RA) also allocated funds specifically for military needs, following the
Prophet’s (SAWS) tradition of using a part of the state’s revenue for defense. He ensured that the army
followed strict ethical standards, addressing any racial or tribal biases to maintain unity within the forces.
7. System of Reform and Removing Harmful Customs
Abu Bakr (RA) worked to eliminate customs that contradicted Islamic teachings. He would correct practices
that reflected ignorance rather than true faith. For example, when he noticed a woman performing Hajj
silently, a pre-Islamic custom, he informed her that Islam did not support such actions. He believed that
such reforms were essential to keeping the faith pure and free of innovations that did not align with the
Prophet’s (SAWS) teachings.
8. Protecting and Promoting Faith
Abu Bakr (RA) focused on nurturing and preserving the Islamic faith within the state. He supervised the
compilation of the Holy Qur’an to ensure that the word of Allah (SWT) remained protected and unaltered.
For judicial matters, he established a dedicated department and appointed knowledgeable Companions
like Hazrat Umar (RA), Hazrat Uthman (RA), and Hazrat Ali (RA) to provide reliable rulings. This helped
Muslims seek legal guidance according to Shariah law. However, he was cautious with Hadiths and
personally burned some collected records to prevent any possible misuse.
9. Missionary Activities and Spreading Islam
Abu Bakr (RA) encouraged peaceful invitations to Islam in distant lands, strengthening the faith among
different tribes. He sent letters inviting tribes to accept Islam, leading to many conversions. Through his
guidance, influential leaders like Hazrat Khalid bin Waleed (RA) succeeded in bringing tribes in Iraq and
Syria into Islam, while Christians and other groups in Arabia also accepted the faith. This policy of
spreading Islam without force resulted in the wider acceptance of Islam in new territories.
Abu Bakr (RA)’s administration laid a solid foundation for the Islamic state. His emphasis on justice, equal
distribution of wealth, and accountability of leaders set high standards for future Caliphs. Through his wise
and fair policies, he preserved the unity of the Muslim community and expanded Islam peacefully. His
contributions ensured that the state continued to thrive under the values of Islam, rooted in the teachings
of the Prophet Muhammad (SAWS).