Abu Bakr and the four caliphs together

Last time

Before we start: last time, in Categories, compilation and checking of Hadiths, you learned these points. Here they are again on one card. Keep them in mind, because today builds on them.

The first caliph

When the Prophet, peace be upon him, died, the community had to decide who would lead. Abu Bakr was chosen, and almost at once he faced false prophets, rebellions and the fear that the Qur'an could be lost. His caliphate set the pattern for the three caliphs after him. This lesson covers his election, his achievements, and the leadership qualities shared by all four.

The election

Umar took Abu Bakr to the Saqifa of Bani Saida, where the Ansar had gathered to elect a caliph. Abu Bakr argued persuasively why a man from the Quraysh should lead the Muslims. The Ansar suggested having two leaders. Abu Ubayda's intervention helped, and in the end Abu Bakr was nominated. When the Prophet's death caused disbelief, he had said that the Prophet had died but God is alive and will never die. After his election he made a speech, which can add development to an answer.

The four false prophets

Several leaders declared themselves prophets. Four posed a threat: al-Aswad, Tulayha, Sajah and Musaylima. The mark scheme asks you to write about any two and how Abu Bakr dealt with them. Tulayha, of the Banu Asad, briefly embraced Islam in 630, then rebelled. He was defeated by Khalid ibn Walid and escaped to Syria; his followers accepted Islam. He later became Muslim and fought in many battles. Sajah, a Christian soothsayer of the Banu Tamim, marched to Madina with 40 000. When Tulayha was defeated she joined Musaylima and married him. After his defeat she converted. Musaylima ibn al-Kadhdhab was the most dangerous. He was wealthy and influential, claimed to receive revelations, and founded a new creed. Al-Aswad's followers regrouped after his death and were defeated by Firuz, sent by Abu Bakr.