Coming soonLive · 4 weeks · Beginner-friendly

The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs

Leadership, expansion and the foundations of Islamic civilisation.

with Ustadh Maheer Hasan

Following the passing of the Prophet ﷺ, the Muslim community faced one of the greatest challenges in its history: preserving unity while continuing the mission entrusted to it. Under the leadership of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali رضي الله عنهم, Islam expanded beyond Arabia, mighty empires were defeated, and the foundations of Islamic governance were firmly established.

Duration: 4 weeks
Schedule: Dates to be announced
Investment: £20

Join waitlist →View outline

Course poster for The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs — Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali.

This four-week course explores the lives, achievements, and challenges faced by each of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs. Through their leadership, participants will gain a deeper appreciation for the principles of justice, sacrifice, consultation and faith that characterised this remarkable period.

Preservation → Expansion → Trial → Legacy

What you'll learn

How the Muslim community responded to the death of the Prophet ﷺ
The major achievements and challenges faced by each caliph
How Islam spread beyond Arabia during the Rashidun period
The principles of leadership and justice that guided the early Muslims
The origins of some of the political divisions that later emerged in Islamic history
The lasting legacy of the Rashidun Caliphate

Who should attend

This is a beginner-friendly cohort — open to all, whatever your starting point.

Anyone interested in Islamic history and the lives of the Companions
Students, educators and lifelong learners
Those seeking a deeper understanding of the early Muslim community
No prior knowledge required

Course outline

4 weeks · Weekly live sessions · Recommended reading: The History of the Khalifahs Who Took the Right Way by Imam al-Suyūṭī

Week 01

Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq رضي الله عنه – Preserving the Ummah

How did Abu Bakr save the Muslim community after the death of the Prophet ﷺ?

The passing of the Prophet ﷺ
The events of Saqifah
Abu Bakr's appointment as Caliph
The Ridda Wars and preservation of unity
The beginnings of expansion into Iraq and Syria
The compilation of the Qur'an

Week 02

Umar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb رضي الله عنه – The Architect of Empire

How did Umar transform Islam into a world power?

The defeat of the Byzantine and Sasanian Empires
The Battles of Yarmouk and al-Qadisiyyah
The capture of Jerusalem
Administrative reforms and the Bayt al-Mal
The establishment of the Islamic calendar
Umar's justice and leadership

Week 03

Uthman ibn Affan رضي الله عنه – Expansion and Trial

Why did the reign of Uthman end in crisis?

Expansion into North Africa and Central Asia
The development of the Muslim navy
The standardisation of the Qur'an
Growing opposition to Uthman
The siege of his house and his martyrdom
The beginnings of internal division

Week 04

Ali ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه – Leadership During the Fitnah

How did Ali navigate the greatest internal crisis in early Islamic history?

Ali's appointment as Caliph
The Battle of the Camel
The Battle of Siffin
The emergence of the Khawarij
The martyrdom of Ali رضي الله عنه
The end of the Rashidun period and its legacy

Your instructor

Ustadh Maheer Hasan

History Teacher & Lecturer at Ajnadayn Institute

With a passion for Islamic history and years of teaching experience, Ustadh Maheer Hasan combines historical scholarship with engaging storytelling to bring the lives of the Companions to life. His classes encourage reflection, appreciation and a deeper understanding of the remarkable generation that carried Islam after the Prophet ﷺ.