Abu Bakr Becomes Caliph: Islam Unites and Expands
Abu Bakr al-Siddiq became the first Caliph (successor) of Islam following the death of the Prophet Muhammad on June 8, 632 AD. His selection was contentious: Ali ibn Abi Talib, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, believed the leadership should have passed to him, a dispute that eventually split Islam into Sunni and Shia branches. Abu Bakr's two-year caliphate was consumed by the Ridda Wars, suppressing tribes that had renounced their allegiance to Medina after Muhammad's death. He also launched the initial Arab invasions of the Byzantine and Sassanid empires, campaigns that his successor Umar would expand into one of the most rapid conquests in history. Within 30 years of Muhammad's death, Arab armies controlled territory from Libya to Persia.
June 8, 632
1394 years ago
Key Figures & Places
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