Islam after the death of Muhammed

Rashidun Caliphate (632-661)

Abu Bakr. First Caliphate (632-644).

632 First Muslim Ruler

Considered first Rashidun Caliph by Sunni’s (regarded as a usurper by Shia’s).

His daughter, Aisha, had been one of Muhammed’s wives.

She was betrothed to Muhammed when she was 6 or 7 years old, but remained with her parents until she was 9 years when the marriage was consummated.

632-4 Abu Bakr’s Caliphate lasted 2years and 3 months.

632-3 Wars of Ridda (apostasy) – against rebellious tribes in Arabia.

633 ‘Futuhat’ (Muslim conquests) begin. Muslim conquest of southern Mesopotamia

Umar. Second Caliphate (634-644).

634 Caliph Umar – most powerful of the four Rashidun Caliphs.

His daughter, Hafsa, married Mohammed when she was 20 and he was 56.

Muslim armies under Umar took control of Egypt, Syria, Palestine, Mesopotamia, North African coast, parts of Persian and Byzantine Empires

637 Jerusalem captured

Umar overthrew 36,000 cities or castles.

Destroyed 4,000 churches

Built 1400 mosques

644 Umar murdered by Persian slave. 644

Uthman. Third Caliphate (644-656).

644 Conquests continue under the third Rashidun Caliph Uthman.

650 Caliph Uthman forms committee to compile the text of the Koran.

656 Uthman murdered.

Ali. Fourth Caliphate (656-661).

656 Ali becomes fourth Rashidun Caliph (regarded as first Imam by Shia’s).

657 Battle of Siffin. Muawiya, governor of Syria rebels against Ali, result of the battle is indecisive.

659 Arbitration at Adruh is opposed by Ali's supporters.

661 Murder of Ali