The Rightly Guided Caliphs and the Umayyads

1. Define the Caliphate and the role of the Caliph in early Islam.
2. Explain the concept of Shūrā and its application in selecting rulers.
3. List the names of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs and their respective periods of reign.
4. Highlight the major achievements of each of the Caliphs.
5. Assess the contributions of the Caliphs and the Umayyad dynasty to Islamic history.

13 weeks, about 30 hours in total. Yours will differ.

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

   • Unit 1: The Death of Prophet Muhammad (Ş), the Khilāfah and the Shūrā · 2 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..

2. Week 2Module 1: The Death of Prophet Muhammad and Assumption of Caliphate by Abubakr

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

3. Week 3Module 1: The Death of Prophet Muhammad and Assumption of Caliphate by Abubakr

   • Unit 3: The 'Riddah' Wars, Abubakr`s Achievements and Death · 2 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..

4. Week 4Module 2: The Caliphate of 'Umar bn al-Khaţţāb (632 – 644 CE)

   • Unit 1: Early Life of 'Umar and His Acceptance of Islam · 2 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..

5. Week 5Module 2: The Caliphate of 'Umar bn al-Khaţţāb (632 – 644 CE)

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

6. Week 6Module 2: The Caliphate of 'Umar bn al-Khaţţāb (632 – 644 CE)

   • Unit 3: Services and Achievements of 'Umar (R. A.), Death, and Burial · 2 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..

7. Week 7Module 3: Caliph 'Uthmān bn 'Affān (644 – 656 CE; 24 – 36 AH) and Caliph 'Alī bn Abī Ţālib (657-662 CE; 36 – 41)

   • Unit 1: Caliph 'Uthmān bn 'Affān (644 – 656 CE; 24 – 36 AH) · 2 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..

8. Week 8Module 3: Caliph 'Uthmān bn 'Affān (644 – 656 CE; 24 – 36 AH) and Caliph 'Alī bn Abī Ţālib (657-662 CE; 36 – 41)

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

9. Week 9Module 3: Caliph 'Uthmān bn 'Affān (644 – 656 CE; 24 – 36 AH) and Caliph 'Alī bn Abī Ţālib (657-662 CE; 36 – 41)

   • Unit 3: Civil Wars Fought by 'Alī and His Death · 2 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..

10. Week 10Module 4:

    • Unit 1: The Fall of The Caliphate and Mu'āwiyah's Foundation of The Umayyad Dynasty · 2 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..

11. Week 11Module 4:

    • Unit 2: External Relation during Mu'āwiyah's Caliphate · 2 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..

12. Week 12Module 4:

    • Unit 3: Marwān Bn Al-Hakam and Abdu `l-Malik Bn Marwān · 2 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 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..

13. Week 13Module 5:

    • Unit 1: Al-Walīd bn Abdu `l-Malik (86 – 96 AH/ 705 - 715 AD) · 2 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 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..