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Muhammad became ill and was unable to lead his prayers. He appointed Abu Bakr (his father-in-law through Aisha) to lead them for him while he was sick but unfortunately, the prophet did not recover. Muhammad died on June 8th, 632, beginning the rule of the Rashidun Caliphs.
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After the prophet's death, people began to separate from the city once Abu Bakr became the caliph.
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Abu Bakr remained a leader after Muhammad's death and received the title as the First Caliph of Rashidun.
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Although he only ruled for two short years, Abu Bakr is said to be critical to Islam. He established the rules and guidelines for the Muslim army based on Qu'ranic verses and Muhammad's practices and also began the expansion of Islam.
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A large majority of Muslims accepted Abu Bakr as the immediate successor of Muhammad. These became known as the Sunni Muslims. However, another group of Muslims felt that Ali should have received this position. These people became known as Shi'ites.
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Umar became the second Caliph.
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The Wars of Riddah were a challenge that both Abu Bakr and the caliph who came after him faced. They utilized the Muslim army to bring back the people who were involved in the apostasy and worked on expanding the Islamic Empire.
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One of Umar's greatest accomplishments was the expansion of Islam. In 637, Palestine and Iraq came under Muslim rule.
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Umar conquered Jerusalem. He was even permitted to pray in a church, which he peacefully declined. There was later a mosque built in his honor.
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Umar continued his huge expansion and in 641 Egypt and Syria also came under Muslim rule.
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The second caliph died in November of 644.
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Contrary to what some Muslims desired, Uthman (a 70 year old man) was chosen to serve as the next Caliph after Umar's death.
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Uthman created the first definitive written edition of the Qu'ran and it was fully completed in 650.
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Uthman brought the first non-Arabic country under the Islamic Empire in 650.
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Uthman was murdered on June 16th, 656. Armed men came from Egypt and stoned him until he passed out. They then took him to his own home, demading the dismissal of their governor. Uthman falsely granted his dismissal and later that night rebels broke into his home and stabbed the third Caliph to death, ending his reign.
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Ali became the fourth Caliph after the murder of Uthman.
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In November of 656, the first blow that would begin the Muslim Civil War occurred. Aisha led a rebellious army to demand that Uthman's murderers be assassinated. This event is known as the Battle of the Camel.
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The caliphate was taken by the Ummayad governor of Syria (named Muawiya) and the fourth Caliph of Rashidun was murdered in 661. He was assassinated by a group of Khaijites, who used to be his allies.
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The murder of Ali began a huge separation amongst Muslims that had already begun nearly thirty years ago when the prophet had died. However, after the death of Ali, the Shi'a and Sunni Muslims grew very distinct. The Shi'a regarded Ali as the prophet's rightful heir.
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The Caliphate of Rashidun ended with the first fitnah (Muslim Civil War). Today, battles continue between the different branches of Muslims. The Battle of the Camel was the first confrontation of Muslims fighting Muslims but it was the first of many, many more battles to come.
