By Oliva 
After the passing away of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W), the Islamic state was ruled by Rashidun Caliphate which consisted of four Caliphs;
- Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A)
- Hazrat Umer (R.A)
- Hazrat Usman (R.A)
- Hazrat Ali (R.A)
Caliphs were religious and political leaders of Muslim world. They were close friends of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W). They ruled under the guidance of the Holy Quran and teachings of Holy Prophet (S.A.W). The Rashidun Caliphate lasted for 30 years. It has been an ideal model for every subsequent Muslim rule.
1. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A
Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) was a close friend of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W). His named was Abdullah and kuniyyat (family name) was Abu Bakr. His title was Siddique. He was a man of good habits. He was very soft hearted and loving.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) was the first among men to accept Islam.He spent his whole life in the company of Rasoolullah (S.A.W). He had great love and affection for Rasoolullah (S.A.W).
Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (R.A) daughter Hazrat Ayesha (R.A) was married to Rasoolullah (S.A.W). After the death of Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) Hazrat Abu Bake (R.A). elected as the first caliph of Islam. He remained caliph for more than two years.
2. Hazrat Umer Farooq R.A
Hazrat Umer (R.A) was elected as the second caliph of Islam. Before submitting to Islam, Hazrat Umer (R.A) was against Islam. Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) had a wish that Umar (R.A) might accept Islam. ALLAH (SWT) answered his prayers and guided Umar (R.A) to the path of Islam. After Umar (R.A) had embraced Islam, Muslim gained strenght and started to pray inside the Kaaba. That is why Rasooullah (S.A.W) gave him the title of “Farooq” (the one who distinguish between right and wrong). Hazrat Umer (R.A) become a distinguishing factor between Muslim and disbelievers. He(R.A) loved Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) very much. His daughter Hazrat Hafsa (R.A) was married to Holy Prophet (S.A.W). Umer (R.A) served Islam and the Muslims as caliph for ten and a half years.
3. Hazrat Usman Ghani R.A
Hazrat Usman (R.A) was a very pious man. He was a friend of Abu Bakar (R.A). When Abu Bakr (R.A) invited him ot Islam , he accepted it instantly. Hazrat Usman (R.A) was a very rich maerchant. He was known as ‘Ghani’ because he was very generous and spent generously in the way of ALLAH (SWT). He always helped the Muslims in times of need.
Usman (RA) is also called the “Zun Noorain”___ the holder of two lights___ because he married with two daughters of Hazrat Muhammad (SAW). After the martyrdom of Umar (RA), he became the third caliph of Islam. He remaind in office for 12 years.
4. Hazrat Ali Murtaza R.A
Hazrat Ali R.A was the son of Hazrat Abu Talib , the uncle of Holy Prophet S.A.W. From his early childhood, Ali R.A lived wih Rasoolullah S.A.W. Hence he was brought up in the care of Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W.
Ali R.A was the first among children to accept Islam. He was at that time only 10 years old. He wrote letters and treaties, for Rasoolullah S.A.W. Ali R.A was very courageous man. For this reason, Muslims refer to him as ‘Asadullah’, meaning ‘the Lion of ALLAH’. During the war of Khtber, Rasoolullah S.A.W handed Hazrat Ali R.A the Islamic flag and ALLAH SWT granted him victory.
Hazrat Muhammad S.A.W married his beloved daughter Hazrat Fatima R.A to Ali R.A . Hazrat Hassan and Hazrat Hussian R.A were the sons of Hazrat Ali R.A. Rasoolullah S.A.W loved Hassan R.A and Hussain R.A very much. After the martyrdom of Hazrat Usman R.A, Ali R.A became the fourth caliph of Islam. He performed his duties as caliph for almost five yeaers.
Final Thoughts
The era of the Rashidun Caliphate holds a unique and honored place in Islamic history. The leadership, wisdom, and sacrifices of the four rightly guided Caliphs—Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A), Hazrat Umer Farooq (R.A), Hazrat Usman Ghani (R.A), and Hazrat Ali Murtaza (R.A)—serve as timeless examples of true Islamic governance. They ruled with justice, compassion, and complete adherence to the Holy Quran and the teachings of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (S.A.W).
Their dedication to spreading Islam, maintaining unity among Muslims, and protecting the faith laid the foundation for future generations. Even today, their lives and leadership continue to inspire Muslims around the world to uphold justice, truth, and moral values in all aspects of life.
FAQs
Who was the first caliph of Islam?
Answer: Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A was the first caliph of Islam.
Why was Hazrat Usman R.A called the ‘holder of two light’?
Answer: People called Usman (R.A) the ‘holder of two lights’ because he married two daughters of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W).
Who was the second caliph of Islam?
Answer: Hazrat Ali R.A was the second caliph of Islam
At what age did Hazrat Ali R.A accept Islam?
Answer: Hazrat Ali R.A accept Islam when he was just 10 years old.
Who was the third caliph of Islam?
Answer: Hazrat Usman R.A was the third caliph of Islam.
Who was the forth caliph of Islam?
Answer: Hazrat Ali R.A was the forth caliph of Islam.