Caliphs

He was born three years after the Year of the Elephant, and he was one of the noblemen and ambassadors of the Quraish. Whenever fighting occurred between the Quraish and other tribes, they used to deputize 'Umar as their enoy. They also used to deputize him in the gatherings of boasting that were held during the Days of ignorance.

When the Prophet -peace and blessings be upon him- passed away, he was followed in leadership by caliphs.

The first four to carry this hard and honourable task were Abu Bakr, Omar, Uthman and Ali, may Allah be pleased with them.

Click on the images for the biographies of these precious men.

The four rightly guided caliphs.

He was born in Mekkah, and his mother named him Haider (which means lion). The Prophet took him and cared for him to lighten the burden on his father who had many children. It is implicity understood that Allah's Messenger did this as a sign of gratitude to his paternal uncle, Abu Talib, who had cared for him during his childhood, and he was the best guardian after his father's death. Thus 'Ali was brought up under the care of Allah's Messenger.

It was not strange that 'Uthman was one of the earliest who embraced Islam. He was inclined towards goodness by nature, and he naturally disliked anything that decreased a man's valor. He was known for his extreme shyness, and he possessed many good qualities even before he became a Muslim.

'Ali ibn abi Talib.

'Uthman ibn 'Affan

'Umar ibn al-Khattab.

Abu Bakr as-Siddiq.

He was the friend of Allah's Messenger during his youth up until his old age. In good times or in times of distress, he remained a loyal companion. He was called 'the Truthful' because he believes in the Prophet when everyone else had turned his back on him. Him Imaan was strong, and he was known for his eloquent speech and considerate treatment of people. He was well known for his great generosity; and whatever wealth he had, he treated it as if it belonged to the community of believers.