PRESENTATION OUTLINE
Muhammad did not pick successor or give directions about a successor
THE FIRST CALIPH WAS ABU BAKR
HE WAS CHOSEN BECAUSE HE WAS TRUSTED ADVISOR
THE FIRST FOUR CALIPHS WERE
The first four caliphs were called "rightly guided" because they knew Muhammad and followed his example and Qur'an
REASONS FOR SUCCESSFUL EXPANSION
- Byzantine and Persian Empires weak from war
- Muslims believed God on their side
- Armies disciplined and skilled
- Many converted to Islam
Christians and Jews given special treatment. Allowed to hold offices and practice religion
- Allowed to hold offices
- Practice religion