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Rashidun Caliphate

Type Object Region Arabian Peninsula Time 632–661

The Rashidun Caliphate (632–661) was the early Islamic polity led successively by Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali after the founding of Islam, with M…

Timeline

  1. 632–634Medina · Arabian PeninsulaAfter Muhammad's death, the Muslim community in Medina elected Abu Bakr as the first caliph, establishing the dual authority of religious leader and secular commander, with shura consultation as the mechanism for succession and major decisions.
  2. 634–644Syria and Iraq · MesopotamiaUmar launched large-scale conquests against the Byzantines and Sasanians, occupying Syria, Palestine, Egypt, and the Persian heartland, and established provincial governors (amils) and the dīnār tax system; the empire's territory expanded dramatically.
  3. 656–661Kufa, Iraq · IraqAfter Uthman's assassination, the first civil war broke out (Battle of the Camel, Battle of Siffin); Ali ruled in Kufa but could not unify all factions. After his assassination, Hasan reconciled with Muawiya, ending the Rashidun era, and the Umayyad Caliphate took its place.

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