II. Overview of Islamic History and the Two Sources of Islam

Question 1

role of the Rashid Caliphs

in Islam and the life of the Prophet

Answer 1

Rashidun Caliphs
1. Abu Bakr (632-634): unified Arabia
2. Umar ibn al-Khattab (634-644): major expansions, admin reforms
3. Uthman ibn ‘Affan (644-656): Compilation of the Qur’an
4. Ali ibn Abu Talib (656-661): Faced civil strife (First Fitna)

Question 2

the two sources of Islam

Answer 2

• Qur’an: divine revelation (direct words), Meccan: faith/spirituality | Medinan: law/community
• Hadith/Sunna: the prophet’s every move (sayings and actions), used as supplementary(?) source in order to interpret and apply the Qur’an in daily life