The Rashidun Caliphate (jan 1, 641 – jan 1, 661)

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The Rashidun Caliphate, emerging post-Muhammad's death in 632 CE, was led by his four immediate successors known as the Rashidun or "Rightly Guided" caliphs. It rapidly expanded, eventually controlling vast territories across West Asia, North Africa, and into Central Asia. Key events during this period include internal conflicts and external conquests, leading to the capture of major portions of the Byzantine and Sasanian empires. The caliphate's expansion under Caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar was marked by military success and the spread of Islam. However, internal dissent grew under Caliph Uthman, leading to his assassination and the eventual rise of Caliph Ali. Ali's reign was dominated by internal strife and civil wars, known as the Fitna, until his assassination in 661, which concluded with the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate. The Rashidun era is noted for its military prowess, administrative innovations, and the foundational expansion of the Islamic empire.

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