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“The Prophet said: Let people stop
boasting about their ancestors. One
is only a pious believer or a
miserable sinner. All men are sons of
Adam, and Adam came from dust’’
Hadith
Think about this quote. Do you think The
Prophet would think his own family where
special or better than anyone else?
In the year 632 CE The Prophet Muhammad
(pbuh) died, having taken the message of
Islam from Mekka to most of Arabia.
When Muhammad (pbuh) died he left no
instructions for who would succeed him as
the first Caliph
Look at the information you have about the
Prophet’s companions. In your group you
must select who you think should be Caliph
Succession: the action or process of inheriting a
title, office, property, etc
Caliph: A religious and political leader of the
Muslim Community
Zayd ibn Haritah was a companion of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh).
In his childhood he was a slave and sold to a merchant from Makka. This merchant gave him as a present to a wealthy woman
called Khadija who in turn gave him to her new husband as a wedding present. His name, was Muhammad (pbuh).
Zayn’s birth family were in Makka one and recognised him. Zayn gave this message for his father:
Carry a message from me to my people,
for I am far away, that close to the House and the places of pilgrimage I stay.
Let go of the grief that has deeply saddened you,
and do not hasten your camels all over the earth.
I live with the best of families, may God be blessed;
from father to son, of Ma’ad they are the noblest.
His father went to Makka and asked Muhammad to name his price to release him. Muhammad said he would release him for
free if this is what he wanted. Zayn asked to stay with Muhammad (pbuh) and he was adopted by him and taken as his son. He
is the only companion mentioned by name in the Qur’an.
Zayn was one of the first converts to Islam. He died in 629 CE
Abu Bakr was a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) and through his daughter
Aisha was also his father in law. He was the first person not of Muhammad’s family to openly
declare himself as a Muslim (prior to Aisha’s marriage to the Prophet).
Abu Bakr was involved in many Battles alongside Muhammad (pbuh) as the early Muslims
came under attack. He was also the first person to be in charge of the delegation to the Ka’aba
during Hajj. He was given the title Amir-ul-Hajj.
Muhammad (pbuh) believed that it was Abu Bakr who he was most grateful to, for his support
both emotionally and financially and when he was dying stated that if he could take one person
with him to paradise, it would be Abu Bakr.
Umar ibn Al-Khattab was one of the Prophets most senior companions. He was born in
Makka and unusually for that time he was literate, becoming a great lover of poetry and
literature. He was strong, athletic and an excellent public speaker. Before becoming a
Muslim, Umar was very hostile to Muhammad (pbuh) and even planned his assassination.
He converted to Islam aged 39 and became a Muslim
Umar fought in many battles alongside the Prophet. He was an expert in Islamic Law which
was drawn up from the teachings of the Qur’an. His daughter Hafsah was married to
Muhammad (pbuh)
Ja’far Ibn Abi Talib was an early convert to Islam, along with his brother Ali. Under persecution in Makka,
Ja’far left with a group of fellow Muslims to live in Abyssinia (modern day Ethiopia) where he was able to
practice his religion. He lived there for twelve years and during this time visited other countries to spread the
message of Islam. Ja’far is credited with spreading Islam as far away as China.
After returning to Arabia he fought in Battles alongside Muhammad (pbuh) and was renowned for his charity,
inviting poor people to visit his home.
Ja’far inb Abi Talib was killed in the Battle of Mu’tah having been cut in half by an enemy soldier in 629 CE.
His body was marked by over seventy wounds.
Bilal ibn Rabah was born into slavery in Makka. His mother was African and his father Arab. As
such he faced hostility and racism in Makka and was drawn towards Muhammad’s (pbuh)
teaching of equality under Allah. He became an early convert to Islam and his master tortured
him for his beliefs, beating him in public and whipping him.
Abu Bakr was sent by the Prophet to buy Bilal out of slavery so he could become a free man.
Upon his release he worked as the first sectary of the treasury distributing funds to windows,
orphans and the needy.
Bilal is remembered as being the first Muezzin. He was the person who would call people to
prayer five times a day. Muslims see this as a sign of Islam’s message of racial equality.
Fatimah bint Muhammad was one of Muhammad’s (pbuh) daughters and the wife of his companion Ali.
Fatimah is seen by Muslims as a role model to women in the Muslim world, as a pure and honest person. In
her early life she was raised and educated by Muhammad (pbuh) which was very unusual for the time.
Fatimah led a humble life without wealth and made it her duty to provide Ali with a well run home. She
would make dough and bread until he hands blistered. In exchange Ali ensured the outside of the house
(farm land etc) was looked after for her. She is often compared to the Virgin Mary in Catholicism in the way
she is held in such high esteem.
Ali ibn Abi Talib was the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet. He was only the second
person born inside the Ka’aba, and his name was chosen by Muhammad (pbuh) himself.
Along with his brother Ja’far he was an early convert and companion of Muhammad
(pbuh). Ali took part in many of the battles the early Muslim fought and during the exile in
Medina enjoyed a prominent role as Muhammad’s (pbuh) deputy. He led men in battle and
was a celebrated solider.
Ali married Fatimah, one of Muhammad’s (pbuh) daughters. He had two sons, Hassan and
Hussien. Ali was a hard working husband who provided for his family, although he did not
enjoy vast wealth.
The majority of Muslims believed that Abu Bakr should be Caliph after the Prophets death. They
believed that all Muslims needed to guide them was the Qur’an and the Sunnah (the teachings and
deeds of Muhammad (pbuh). As Caliph Abu Bakr did not make laws; these were derived by Quranic
scholars and the Sunnah. The Caliph instead enforced them.
Another group believed that Muhammad (pbuh) named Ali, his cousin, as his heir. His supporters
believed that as a member of the Prophet’s family he was the true leader or Imam, chosen by God.
Each Imam would name his successor.
This caused much division and the Muslim world is still divided from this time.
Sunni’s are descended
from the followers of Abu
Bakr. The name Sunni
derives from their use of
the Sunnah to help guide
them
Shias are descended from
those who supported Ali. They
believe that Imams are
needed to interpret the
Qur’an. They acept only those
sayings that Muhammad
(pbuh) passed down through
Ali