HIS201 History of the Four Caliphs

Course Description:

This course will cover the expansion of the Islamic empire and the events that transpired thirty years after the passing of the Prophet Muhammad peace be upon him. The lives of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali will be examined, as well as the civil war that occurred amongst the companions, and the rebelling of the Kharijites against the companions.

Course Code: HIS201

Credit hours: 3

Pre-Requisites: HIS212

Learning Objectives:

• Write an essay explaining the religious, political, social and economic history of the
  Muslim societies from the rise of Islam, after the death of the Prophet, and up to the
  time of the four righteous caliphs.
• Make a video or power point presentation on the contributions and impact the four
  righteous caliphs made toward the development of the Muslim state, including the civil
  war between Ali and Mua’weyah (may Allah be pleased with them both)
• Appreciate and list the efforts made by the righteous caliphs to preserve Islam and keep
  Muslims always on track and assess their efforts in today’s society.
• Appreciate and cite examples of how diversity in opinion was tolerated during the time
  of the righteous caliphs.

Outline:

Week 1: Life of Abu Bakr
Week 2: Caliphate of Abu Bakr
Week 3: Life of Umar
Week 4: Caliphate of Umar
Week 5: Life of Uthman
Week 6: Caliphate of Uthman
Week 7: Life of Ali
Week 8: Caliphate of Ali
Week 9: The Succession of Mu’awiyah
Week 10: Yazeed and the Martyrdom of Hussien