Comment On The Importance In Islam Of The Four Pious Caliphs.

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Comment On The Importance In Islam Of The Four Pious Caliphs.

2 Answers

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Answer 1

Using the modern names for the countries, Abu Bakr spread Islam to Syria and Iraq, then 'Umar spread further to Iran. Palestine and Egypt. After Umar was assassinated in 644, Uthman ben Affan did not expand the Islamic empire, but did enforce a single 'official' version of the Qur'an and had all others destroyed. He was an unsatisfactory Caliph and was finally assassinated in 656 and replaced by Ali ben Ali Talib, who managed things so badly that by the time of his assassination in 661 (it was dangerous being Caliph!), his influence extended only to central and southern Iraq. The entire Islam Empire was then re-united under Muawiya, not one of the classic 4 Caliphs but clearly a better man than the second two!

Answer 2

The Muslim Government under the first four Caliphs remained just as the Holy Prophet SAW meant it to be- not only alive to the needs of the people, but also popular in the truest sense of the word. The short reign of AbuBakr was not enough for the promulgation of the required measures; but soon after the enthronement of Hazrat Omer, to quote a writer of authority, "commenced that sleepless care for the welfare of the subject nations which are characterized the early Muslim Governments."

The head of the state or the Vicegerent of Holy Prophet SAW styled by the Muslims as the Caliph was to be chosen as a popular vote. Hazrat AbuBakr (RA) and Omer were elected to the caliphate in this way, but Omer having established the Electoral College for the election of the Caliph, the next two was chosen by the College.

But unfortunately, with the assassination of Hazrat Ali (RA), ended the period of democracy in Islam; and there was established an autocracy with later corrupted itself into despotism.