Subhanna Allah. Would you believe me if I told you that many of us, as Muslims, can not name for you the names of the Khulifah ar Rashideen (The rightly guided successors of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him)). You would be surprised, when giving classes and this is mentioned that there are so many people that ask about who they were. Even when many of the people are able to name them, getting a list in order becomes even harder.
Thus, we want to nip this problem in the bud right now. What I am doing below, is putting the list together for you, so that you can have them and memorize them at your own convenience. This will enable you, in sha Allah, to discuss with people history, and be able to picture the issue in detail, and be able to tie it in with the Khalifa (successor) in which these issues fell in their era.
Their names in order:
Abu Bakr as Sadeeq
Umar bin al Khataab
Uthmaan bin Afaan
Ali bin Abi Taalib
These are those that took the leadership of the Muslim Ummah after the death of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him), one after another. This is just one more issue that we, as Muslims should know. It will allow us to begin to ask some of the questions, when we have the opportunity to sit with the people of knowledge. We can ask them to explain to us about their rule over the Muslim Ummah, and about some of the issues that happened right after the death of the Prophet (may Allah’s peace and blessings be upon him). This is a major benefit, because not only were they Khulafa, but they were all companions. Therefore, knowing about them, their lives and their reign over the Muslim world is a huge benefit and inspiration for every Muslim.
