A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Pious Caliphate
~ 45 ~
PIOUS CALIPHATE
The first four caliphs are known as the rightly guided caliphs. They
were successors of the Prophet in the real sense of the word. They
were all senior companions of the Prophet. They were chosen by
the Muslims for their closeness to the Prophet and for their
outstanding character. They were humble, unselfish, tolerant, God-
fearing and well-versed in the Quran. They remained in close touch
with the people. They refused to take any luxuries for themselves.
Masters of a vast empire they continued to lead simple lives just as
the Prophet had done. During the 30 years of their rule Islam
made great progress. This period of Islamic rule is the golden
period of justice and fair play. That is why these caliphs are called
rightly guided, for they ruled the people of their time exactly in
accordance with the teachings of the Quran and the Sunnah of the
Prophet. They considered themselves as simple servants of God.
ABU BAKR AS-SIDDIQ - THE FIRST CALIPH
(632-34)
Abu Bakr was a rich merchant of Makkah, belonging to the
Quraysh tribe. At the time when Muhammad, may peace be upon
him, was endowed with prophethood, Abu Bakr had gone to
Yaman on business. When he came back, people immediately came
to him to give him the ‘strange’ news of Muhammad receiving
revelations from Gabriel. Having been the Prophet’s close friend
since boyhood ( born in Makkah in 573 A.D., he was just three
