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ISL271Arts2 Unitsintermediate

The Rightly Guided Caliphs and the Umayyads

This course introduces students to the history of the four Orthodox Caliphs, emphasizing their biographies and contributions to the development of Islam. It traces the overthrow of the Caliphate by Mu'āwiyah bn Abī Sufyān and the subsequent foundation of the Umayyad dynasty. The course covers the Umayyad dynasty's century-long reign, from 23AH to 123 AH, and the key figures and events that shaped this era.

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20h
Study Time
13
Weeks
2h
Per Week
none
Math Level
Course Keywords
CaliphateUmayyadsShūrāIslamic HistoryMu'āwiyah

Course Overview

Everything you need to know about this course

Course Difficulty

Intermediate Level
Builds on foundational knowledge
65%
intermediate
📚
Math Level
No Math
📖
Learning Type
Theoretical Focus

Course Topics

Key areas covered in this course

1

The Rightly Guided Caliphs

2

The Umayyad Dynasty

3

Islamic Political History

4

The Institution of the Caliphate

5

The Concept of Shūrā

6

Early Islamic Governance

Total Topics6 topics

Ready to Start

No specific requirements needed

This course is designed to be accessible to all students. You can start immediately without any prior knowledge or specific preparation.

Assessment Methods

How your progress will be evaluated (3 methods)

assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

tutor-marked assignments

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Written Assessment

final examination

Comprehensive evaluation of course material understanding

Computer Based Test

Career Opportunities

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Historian

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Archivist

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Political Analyst

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Religious Studies Scholar

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Industry Applications

Real-world sectors where you can apply your knowledge

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Study Schedule Beta

A structured 13-week journey through the course content

Week
1

Module 1: The Death of Prophet Muhammad and Assumption of Caliphate by Abubakr

2h

Unit 1: The Death of Prophet Muhammad (Ş), the Khilāfah and the Shūrā

2 study hours
  • •Read about the events surrounding Prophet Muhammad's death and its immediate aftermath.
  • •Define the terms Khilāfah and Shūrā.
  • •Identify the key figures involved in the initial discussions about succession.
Week
2

Module 1: The Death of Prophet Muhammad and Assumption of Caliphate by Abubakr

2h

Unit 2: Caliph Abu Bakr (632-634 CE)

2 study hours
  • •Study Abu Bakr's early life and his conversion to Islam.
  • •Analyze the factors that led to his election as the first Caliph.
  • •Examine his initial challenges and his approach to leadership.
Week
3

Module 1: The Death of Prophet Muhammad and Assumption of Caliphate by Abubakr

2h

Unit 3: The 'Riddah' Wars, Abubakr`s Achievements and Death

2 study hours
  • •Define Riddah and its causes.
  • •Identify the false prophets who emerged during Abu Bakr's reign.
  • •Analyze Abu Bakr's strategies for suppressing the Riddah Wars and their impact.
Week
4

Module 2: The Caliphate of 'Umar bn al-Khaţţāb (632 – 644 CE)

2h

Unit 1: Early Life of 'Umar and His Acceptance of Islam

2 study hours
  • •Study 'Umar's life before Islam and his conversion.
  • •Analyze the factors that contributed to his acceptance of Islam.
  • •Examine his services to Islam before becoming Caliph.
Week
5

Module 2: The Caliphate of 'Umar bn al-Khaţţāb (632 – 644 CE)

2h

Unit 2: 'Umar's Election as the Caliph in 634CE and His Reign

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the events surrounding 'Umar's election as the second Caliph.
  • •Study the wars and victories achieved during his reign.
  • •Examine the reasons for the success of the Arab armies under 'Umar.
Week
6

Module 2: The Caliphate of 'Umar bn al-Khaţţāb (632 – 644 CE)

2h

Unit 3: Services and Achievements of 'Umar (R. A.), Death, and Burial

2 study hours
  • •Study 'Umar's administrative and religious roles.
  • •Analyze his achievements and contributions to the Islamic state.
  • •Examine the circumstances surrounding his assassination and death.
Week
7

Module 3: Caliph 'Uthmān bn 'Affān (644 – 656 CE; 24 – 36 AH) and Caliph 'Alī bn Abī Ţālib (657-662 CE; 36 – 41)

2h

Unit 1: Caliph 'Uthmān bn 'Affān (644 – 656 CE; 24 – 36 AH)

2 study hours
  • •Study 'Uthmān's early life, conversion to Islam, and character.
  • •Analyze his services to Islam before becoming Caliph.
  • •Examine the events surrounding his election as the third Caliph.
Week
8

Module 3: Caliph 'Uthmān bn 'Affān (644 – 656 CE; 24 – 36 AH) and Caliph 'Alī bn Abī Ţālib (657-662 CE; 36 – 41)

2h

Unit 2: Caliph 'Alī bn Abu Tālib (657-662 CE; 36 – 41 AH)

2 study hours
  • •Study 'Alī's birth, parentage, and early life.
  • •Analyze his bravery and virtue.
  • •Examine the events surrounding his election as the fourth Caliph and his initial policies.
Week
9

Module 3: Caliph 'Uthmān bn 'Affān (644 – 656 CE; 24 – 36 AH) and Caliph 'Alī bn Abī Ţālib (657-662 CE; 36 – 41)

2h

Unit 3: Civil Wars Fought by 'Alī and His Death

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the causes and consequences of the Battle of the Camel.
  • •Study the rebellion of Mu'āwiyah and the Battle of Siffin.
  • •Examine the circumstances surrounding 'Alī's assassination and his qualities.
Week
10

Module 4:

2h

Unit 1: The Fall of The Caliphate and Mu'āwiyah's Foundation of The Umayyad Dynasty

2 study hours
  • •Analyze the factors that led to the fall of the Caliphate.
  • •Study Mu'āwiyah's assumption of power and the foundation of the Umayyad dynasty.
  • •Examine the changes introduced by Mu'āwiyah to the Caliphate.
Week
11

Module 4:

2h

Unit 2: External Relation during Mu'āwiyah's Caliphate

2 study hours
  • •Study the external relations during Mu'āwiyah's Caliphate.
  • •Analyze the consolidation and expansion in the eastern territories.
  • •Examine the conquest and expansion in Africa and the Byzantine territories.
Week
12

Module 4:

4h

Unit 3: Marwān Bn Al-Hakam and Abdu `l-Malik Bn Marwān

2 study hours
  • •Study the reigns of Marwān bn Al-Hakam and Abdu `l-Malik Bn Marwān.
  • •Analyze the rise of Mukhtār and its significance.
  • •Examine the defeat of the Kharijites and the fall of 'Abdullah.

Unit 4: Abdu `L-Malik Bn Marwān (Contd)

2 study hours
  • •Continue studying the reign of Abdu `l-Malik Bn Marwān.
  • •Focus on his administrative reforms and character.
  • •Examine the events surrounding his death and succession.
Week
13

Module 5:

4h

Unit 1: Al-Walīd bn Abdu `l-Malik (86 – 96 AH/ 705 - 715 AD)

2 study hours
  • •Study the reign of Al-Walīd bn Abdu `l-Malik.
  • •Analyze the services of 'Umar bn 'Abdu `l-'Azīz, Hajjāj bn Yūsuf, and Mūsā bn Nuşayr.
  • •Examine the domestic development and character of Al-Walīd.

Unit 2: Sulayman bn Abdu `l-Malik (96 - 99 AH / 715 - 717 AD) and 'Umar bn Abdu l-'Azīz (99 - 101 AH; 717 – 720 CE)

2 study hours
  • •Study the reigns of Sulayman bn Abdu `l-Malik and 'Umar bn Abdu l-'Azīz.
  • •Analyze the internal situation and external wars during their reigns.
  • •Examine the reforms and character of 'Umar bn Abdu l-'Azīz.

This study schedule is in beta and may not be accurate. Please use it as a guide and consult the course outline for the most accurate information.

Course PDF Material

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Study Tips & Exam Preparation

Expert tips to help you succeed in this course

1

Create a timeline of key events, including the reigns of each Caliph and major battles.

2

Develop character profiles for each Caliph, noting their strengths, weaknesses, and key decisions.

3

Focus on understanding the causes and consequences of major conflicts, such as the Riddah Wars and the Battle of Siffin.

4

Practice essay questions that require comparing and contrasting the leadership styles of different Caliphs.

5

Review the primary sources and key quotations from the Qur'an and Hadith related to governance and leadership.

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