1. The Rashidun (Rightly-Guided Caliphs)
Aim: To gain an overview of the Caliphate.
LO’s:
To know the names of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs.
To understand what it meant by the term Caliph.
To develop an over view of the Caliphs.
Reading: Islam. A Short History by Karen Armstrong,
Islam Beliefs and Teaching by Ghulam Sarwar,

2. 4 Social and historical developments (continued)12
4 Social and historical developments (continued)
4.2 The meaning and importance of the Rightly Guided Caliphs in Islam and to the spread of Islam.
The historical and religious context of this period such as major developments, geographical, migration, economic and social factors and ‘Umayyad’ and ‘Abbasid’ dynasties.
Some later examples of caliphs and of how the caliphate was expressed in practice.
Students will focus on:
the importance of the Rightly Guided Caliphs in Islam and to the spread of Islam.
the historical and religious context of this period such as major developments, geographical, migration, economic and social factors and ‘Umayyad’ and ‘Abbasid’ dynasties.
Edexcel Religious Studies A Level by Jon Mayled, Chapter 1.2, pages 2-7.
Islam…by Victor W Watton, Chapter 6, pages
Islam Beliefs and Teaching by Ghulam Salwar, pages
What is Islam? by Horrie and Chippindale, pages
Islam. A Short History by Karen Armstrong, pages

3. Read the information on the events leading up to the caliphate and put it under the correct headings:

4. Pairs:
A: mind map the meaning of the phrase “Seal of the Prophets”
B: mind map the meaning of the phrase “Rightly Guided Caliph”

5. A: mind map the meaning of the phrase “Seal of the Prophets”
Pairs:
A: mind map the meaning of the phrase “Seal of the Prophets”
This term (al-Ahzab 33:40), or the phrase "seal of prophecy" (Khatam an-Nubuwwa) is used by Muslims to mean two different things. This entry discuss the metaphorical meaning. For the other meaning, see Seal of Prophethood. This is a metaphorical term used to mean the "last prophet", the "last of the prophets", the "final prophet", that no other prophet is to come after Muhammad. Muslims apply this meaning to Muhammad to emphasize the finality and supremacy of Muhammad's prophethood. In so doing, many have used it to "prove" that he is the final prophet against the claim of the Ahmadis, and also that his message supercedes those before him, most notably, the Jews and the Christians.
Muhammad himself claimed to be the "seal of the prophets":
The Prophet said: "Truly Allah made me the Seal of prophets while Adam was between water and clay." (related by Ahmad in the "Musnad," by Bayhaqi in "Dala'il an-Nubuwwa" and Ibn Kathir in his book "Mawlid Rasul Allah.") In a variant of the verse as-Saff 61:6 by Ubayy b. Ka'ab, it reads
"O children of Israel, I am God's messenger to you, and I announce to you a prophet whose community will be the last community and by which God will put the seal on the prophets and messengers." [this verse is different in today's Qur'an.]

6. Pairs:
B: mind map the meaning of the phrase “Rightly Guided Caliph”
The Rashidun Caliphs (meaning "Rightly Guided", "Righteously Guided", "Righteous" Caliphs; Arabic: الخلفاء الراشدون‎ al-Khulafāʾu ar-Rāshidūn), often simply called, collectively, "the Rashidun", is a term used in Sunni Islam to refer to the first four caliphs (successors) following the death of the Islamic prophet Muhammad, namely: Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman ibn Affan and Ali of the Rashidun Caliphate, the first caliphate. The concept of "Rightly Guided Caliphs" originated with the later Abbasid Caliphate based in Baghdad. It is a reference to the Sunni imperative "Hold firmly to my example (sunnah) and that of the Rightly Guided Caliphs" (Ibn Majah, Abu Dawood).

7. Groups: Complete the sheet on the Caliphs

8. Relationship to Prophet
Abu Bakr
Umar
Uthman
Ali
Relationship to Prophet
  A companion to the Prophet. Father (Aisha) in law to Prophet Muhammad. 
Companion to the prophet.
Companion of the prophet. Son in Law of Prophet. Married to Ruqiya & Umn kulthum
Cousin. Married to Fatima (prophet’s daughter). 1st Muslim convert.
Qualities (+/-)
A faithful Muslim. Kind, willing to help others. 2nd Male convert.  
 Morally decisive.Tough, brave and straightforward. Gifted orator.
Kind-hearted. Administrator. Simple. -ve – too soft and led to problems. Rich family. 
Courageous. Prophet’s protector.
Major achievements
 Compiled the Qur’an into one volume. Donated all of his belongings.
Military success – Romans/Persians
 Battle of Qadisiyyah – defeated 120,000 Persians. Won siege of Damascus.
 Defeated Romans –Naval battle – Alexandria.
Compiled the Qur’an into a book.
 Fought in all major battles of prophet. Pacified warring factions.
Problems raised
 Rebellion of some Muslims against Zakat. Foreign enemies.
 Battle of the Bridge – defeated by Persians.
 Civil war before and after his murder.
 Elected at time of internal strife. Never controlled the disagreements.

9. Plenary Which Caliph do you think is the most successful?
Homework: Read Karen Armstrong’s Article. Make notes under the subtitles: Each of 4 Caliphs. Nature of Caliph. Rightly Guided. Purpose. Minimum 1 side of A4..

10. The Caliphs Al-Jazeera
Complete questions from the worksheet.