Who were the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs?

The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs, known as Rashidun Caliphs, were Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali. This period immediately followed the death of the Prophet Muhammad and is significant in Islamic history for the establishment of the caliphate, which was the system of governance for the Muslim community.

Abu Bakr was the first caliph and served as a close companion to Muhammad, consolidating the community following the Prophet's death. Umar, the second caliph, expanded the Islamic empire significantly and established many administrative practices. Uthman, the third caliph, is known for compiling the Quran in its written form. Lastly, Ali, the fourth caliph and a cousin and son-in-law of Muhammad, is revered for his leadership during a turbulent time in Islamic history and is especially significant in Shia Islam.

The other options include figures who played important roles in early Islamic history but do not represent the collective leadership recognized as the Four Rightly Guided Caliphs. For instance, while Abu Hurairah was a prominent companion of Muhammad known for narrating hadiths, and figures like Talha and Zubair were notable for their participation in early Islamic events, they were not cal