The Rightly Guided Caliphs
Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
Caliph 11–13 AH (632–634 CE)The first free adult man to accept Islam and the Prophet's companion in the migration. He held the community together after the Prophet's death and ordered the Quran collected into one volume.
Umar ibn al-Khattab
Caliph 13–23 AH (634–644 CE)Known as al-Faruq, famous for his justice and simplicity. The state expanded under him; he organized its administration and adopted the Hijri calendar.
Uthman ibn Affan
Caliph 23–35 AH (644–656 CE)Called Dhu al-Nurayn ("of the two lights") for marrying two of the Prophet's daughters. Known for modesty and generosity, he united Muslims on one standard copy of the Quran sent to every region.
Ali ibn Abi Talib
Caliph 35–40 AH (656–661 CE)The Prophet's cousin and husband of his daughter Fatimah, and the first child to accept Islam. Renowned for knowledge, courage and wise judgment.
The ten promised Paradise
Ten Companions whom the Prophet ﷺ named together in one hadith and gave the glad tidings of Paradise (At-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud):
- Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
- Umar ibn al-Khattab
- Uthman ibn Affan
- Ali ibn Abi Talib
- Talhah ibn Ubaydillah
- Al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam
- Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf
- Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas
- Sa'id ibn Zayd
- Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah
Notable women Companions
Khadijah bint Khuwaylid
The Prophet's first wife and the very first person to believe in him; she supported him with her wealth and her heart in the hardest years.
Aisha bint Abi Bakr
Wife of the Prophet ﷺ and one of the most learned in law and Sunnah; she narrated over two thousand hadith and senior Companions consulted her.
Fatimah al-Zahra
Daughter of the Prophet ﷺ and among the dearest to him; wife of Ali and mother of al-Hasan and al-Husayn.
Umm Salamah
Wife of the Prophet ﷺ, known for her wisdom; her advice at Hudaybiyyah resolved a difficult moment.
Sumayyah bint Khayyat
The first martyr in Islam, who held firm to her faith under torture in Makkah.
Nusaybah bint Ka'b (Umm Umarah)
Defended the Prophet ﷺ with her own life at the Battle of Uhud.
Asma bint Abi Bakr
Called "she of the two belts" because she tore her belt to carry food to the Prophet ﷺ and her father during the migration.
Frequently asked questions
Who is a Companion (Sahabi)?
Someone who met the Prophet ﷺ as a believer and died as a Muslim.
Who are the Rightly Guided Caliphs?
Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, Umar ibn al-Khattab, Uthman ibn Affan and Ali ibn Abi Talib.
Texts and translations are under scholarly review.