Khulafa-e-Rashideen MCQs With Answers
Thirty years of Rightly Guided rule shaped the early Islamic state, and that period is tested in almost every competitive exam. These Khulafa-e-Rashideen MCQs cover Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique, Umar Farooq, Usman Ghani and Ali Murtaza (RA): their titles, the length of each caliphate, the Riddah Wars, the Hijri calendar, Bait-ul-Mal, Diwan and provinces under Hazrat Umar (RA), the conquests of Persia and Byzantine lands, the surrender of Jerusalem, the standard Mushaf of Hazrat Usman (RA), the Battle of Siffin and the Kharijites. Use them to revise the caliphate chapter for PPSC, FPSC, CSS and PMS.
Take a scored quiz instead →Who was the first Caliph of Islam?
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) became the first Caliph after the Prophet's (PBUH) death in 632 CE (11 AH) and ruled until 634 CE. During his caliphate, the Quran was compiled into a single collection under Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (RA).
Which Caliph is known for leading the wars against those who refused to pay Zakat after the Prophet’s (PBUH) death?
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) led the "Ridda Wars" against tribes that renounced Islam or refused to pay Zakat, preserving the unity of the early Muslim state.
Who was the second Caliph of Islam?
Hazrat Umar (RA) ruled from 634 to 644 CE and oversaw major territorial expansion along with significant administrative reforms.
Which Caliph introduced the Islamic (Hijri) calendar?
Hazrat Umar (RA) established the Hijri calendar, counting years from the Prophet's migration (Hijra) to Madinah in 622 CE.
What title, meaning “the one who distinguishes right from wrong,” was given to Hazrat Umar (RA)?
"Al-Farooq" reflects Hazrat Umar's (RA) reputation for justice and his ability to clearly distinguish truth from falsehood.
Who was the third Caliph of Islam?
Hazrat Usman (RA) ruled from 644 to 656 CE and is especially remembered for standardizing the official text of the Quran.
Which Caliph is known by the title “Dhun-Noorayn” (Possessor of Two Lights)?
Hazrat Usman (RA) earned this title for having married two of the Prophet's (PBUH) daughters, Ruqayyah (RA) and later Umm Kulthum (RA).
Who was the fourth and final Caliph among the Khulafa-e-Rashideen?
Hazrat Ali (RA), the Prophet's cousin and son-in-law, ruled from 656 to 661 CE during a period of significant internal political conflict.
What relation was Hazrat Ali (RA) to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)?
Hazrat Ali (RA) was the son of Abu Talib (the Prophet's uncle) and married the Prophet's daughter Fatimah (RA).
Under which Caliph did the early Islamic state see its most rapid territorial expansion, including Jerusalem and Persia?
During Hazrat Umar's (RA) rule, Muslim forces took control of large parts of the Byzantine and Sassanid Persian empires, including Jerusalem, which he entered peacefully.
The period of the first four Caliphs is collectively known as?
The term "Khulafa-e-Rashideen" refers to the first four caliphs, whose leadership is considered exemplary by the majority of Muslims.
Which Caliph formally organised the Bayt al-Mal (public treasury) and introduced the Diwan system of registers?
Hazrat Umar (RA) organised the Bayt al-Mal as a formal state institution with treasuries in the provinces, and introduced the Diwan, registers of soldiers and citizens entitled to stipends.
A simpler treasury had existed under the Prophet (PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA).
Who assassinated Hazrat Umar (RA)?
Hazrat Umar (RA) was fatally stabbed while leading the Fajr prayer in Madinah by Abu Lu'lu'a Firoz, reportedly over a personal grievance.
What major administrative innovation is credited to Hazrat Umar (RA) regarding governance?
Hazrat Umar (RA) set up a more structured system of provincial governance, military organization, and welfare administration across the expanding Muslim territories.
How long did Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) serve as Caliph?
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) served as Caliph for roughly two years, from 632 CE until his death in 634 CE.
Who was appointed by the Prophet (PBUH) to lead prayer in his final illness, and later became the first Caliph?
During his final illness, the Prophet (PBUH) asked Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) to lead the congregational prayers, seen by many as a sign of his suitability for leadership.
Which military commander, famed for conquering Persia at the Battle of Qadisiyyah, is among the Asharah Mubashareen?
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) led the decisive Muslim victory at the Battle of Qadisiyyah against the Sassanid Persian Empire.
Which battle, fought against the Sassanid Persian Empire, is considered decisive in opening Persia to Muslim rule?
The Battle of Qadisiyyah (636 CE), led by Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA), was a major turning point in the Muslim conquest of the Persian Empire.
Which companion, known for embracing Islam after initially setting out to harm the Prophet (PBUH), later became the second Caliph?
According to the well-known account, Hazrat Umar (RA) set out intending to confront the Prophet (PBUH) but was moved to accept Islam after hearing Quranic verses recited by his own sister.
What is the term used by historians for the period of internal conflict within the early Muslim community following the assassination of Hazrat Usman (RA)?
"The First Fitna" refers to the period of civil conflict in the early Islamic community that began after the assassination of the third Caliph, Hazrat Usman (RA), in 656 CE.
In which year, according to the standard historical dating, was Hazrat Usman (RA), the third Caliph, assassinated?
Hazrat Usman (RA) was killed in 656 CE (35 AH) by rebels during a siege of his house in Madinah, an event that triggered a period of civil conflict.
In which year, according to standard historical dating, was Hazrat Ali (RA), the fourth Caliph, assassinated?
- Hazrat Ali (RA) was assassinated in 661 CE, which corresponds to 40 AH.
- The attack took place in Kufa, the city he had made the capital of the caliphate.
- His death closed the era of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen, the four rightly guided caliphs.
- Option A 656 CE is the year he became caliph, not the year he died.
- The Umayyad caliphate began soon afterwards under Muawiyah, and the capital moved to Damascus.
Which companion, a wealthy and generous early Muslim, is remembered for donating extensively to equip the army during the Battle of Tabuk?
Hazrat Usman (RA) is remembered for his substantial financial contribution equipping the Muslim army for the difficult expedition to Tabuk, earning the Prophet's (PBUH) praise.
Which companion led the Muslim conquest of Jerusalem, receiving its peaceful surrender personally?
Hazrat Umar (RA) personally traveled to Jerusalem to receive its surrender around 637 CE, and is remembered for guaranteeing the safety and religious freedom of its inhabitants.
What document is associated with Hazrat Umar’s (RA) guarantee of protection and religious freedom to the Christian inhabitants of Jerusalem?
The "Covenant of Umar" (Al-Uhda al-Umariyya) is traditionally associated with the terms under which Hazrat Umar (RA) guaranteed protection to Jerusalem's Christian population upon the city's surrender.
Which Muslim commander founded the city of Kufa, which later became an important center of Islamic scholarship and politics?
Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas (RA) founded Kufa as a garrison city following the conquest of Persia, and it later became a major hub of Islamic scholarship and politics.
During whose caliphate did the significant conquest of Persia (the Sassanid Empire) largely take place?
- The significant conquest of Persia, effectively ending the Sassanid Empire, largely took place during the caliphate of Umar (RA), reflecting the substantial territorial expansion achieved during this period.
- Key battles during this campaign included the Battle of Qadisiyyah and the Battle of Nahavand, which severely weakened Persian resistance to the advancing Muslim forces.
- For exams, remember that this conquest brought a significant Persian population and rich cultural heritage into the broader Islamic empire, influencing subsequent Islamic civilization.
During whose caliphate did the significant conquest of large portions of the Byzantine territories, including Syria and Egypt, largely take place?
- The significant conquest of large portions of Byzantine territories, including Syria and Egypt, largely took place during the caliphate of Umar (RA), marking substantial territorial gains for the early Islamic state.
- The Battle of Yarmuk, a decisive confrontation against Byzantine forces, played a crucial role in securing Muslim control over the region of Syria.
- For exams, note that Amr ibn al-As (RA) led the successful campaign resulting in the conquest of Egypt during this same period.
The series of wars fought by Abu Bakr (RA) against tribes who rejected Islamic authority after the Prophet’s death are known as:
- The Riddah Wars, or Wars of Apostasy, were fought by Abu Bakr (RA) against various tribes who either renounced Islam or refused to pay Zakat following the Prophet's death, threatening the unity and stability of the young Muslim state.
- Abu Bakr's firm response ensured the preservation of the Islamic polity during this critical period.
- For exams, note that these wars also involved suppressing self-proclaimed false prophets, such as Musaylimah, who was defeated at the Battle of Yamama.
Which battle took place during Ali’s (RA) caliphate against Muawiyah (RA), reflecting the growing political division within the Muslim community?
- The Battle of Siffin took place during Ali's (RA) caliphate against the forces of Muawiyah (RA), reflecting the deepening political divisions within the early Muslim community following the assassination of Uthman (RA).
- The battle ultimately concluded through arbitration rather than a decisive military outcome.
- For exams, remember that the Battle of the Camel, fought earlier during Ali's caliphate, involved conflict with a coalition that included Aisha (RA), Talha (RA), and Zubair (RA).
Approximately how long did the entire period of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen last?
- The period of the Khulafa-e-Rashideen, or Rightly Guided Caliphs, lasted approximately 30 years, from 11 AH to 40 AH, encompassing the successive caliphates of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (RA).
- This era is regarded within Sunni Islamic tradition as a model period of governance guided closely by the principles established during the Prophet's lifetime.
- For exams, note that this period is often referred to in Hadith literature as being followed by a promised era of rightly guided leadership after a period of difficulty.
Which Caliph is credited with establishing the diwan system for organizing state administration and stipends?
- Umar (RA) is credited with establishing the diwan system during his caliphate, an administrative register used to organize state finances and allocate stipends to soldiers, officials, and members of the Muslim community based on their contributions and needs.
- This reform reflected the growing complexity of governing an expanding empire.
- For exams, remember that Umar (RA) also established various provincial governance structures to manage the rapidly growing Islamic territories.
Which Caliph was assassinated while leading the Fajr prayer, an event that significantly impacted the succession to the caliphate?
- Umar (RA) was assassinated while leading the Fajr prayer by a Persian slave named Abu Lulu Firoz, an event that prompted the establishment of a consultative council (Shura) to determine his successor rather than a direct nomination.
- This council ultimately selected Uthman (RA) as the third Caliph.
- For exams, note that Ali (RA) was also later assassinated, struck while leading Fajr prayer in the mosque of Kufa by a member of the Kharijite faction.
Which city served as the capital during the caliphate of Ali (RA)?
- Kufa served as the capital during the caliphate of Ali (RA), reflecting a shift from Madinah due to ongoing political tensions and the strategic significance of Kufa's location within the growing Islamic empire.
- This relocation marked a significant departure from the administrative center established by earlier caliphs.
- For exams, remember that Damascus later became significant as the capital established under the subsequent Umayyad Caliphate.
Which faction emerged during Ali’s (RA) caliphate, initially his supporters, who later rebelled against him following the arbitration at Siffin?
- The Kharijites emerged as a faction that initially supported Ali (RA) but later rebelled against him following his acceptance of arbitration after the Battle of Siffin, which they viewed as a compromise of core religious principles.
- This group became known for their extreme positions and eventual violent opposition to mainstream Muslim leadership.
- For exams, note that a member of this faction was ultimately responsible for Ali's (RA) assassination in 40 AH.
What was the real name of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)?
His name was Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafa; his father Abu Quhafa's own name was Usman. 'Abu Bakr' is his kunya, while 'As-Siddiq' (the truthful) and 'Atiq' are his titles. According to narration, he was given the title Siddiq for affirming the Prophet's (PBUH) account of Isra and Mi'raj without hesitation.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- He was the first free adult man to accept Islam.
- He accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) on the Hijrah and stayed with him in the Cave of Thawr.
- He was the father of Hazrat Aisha (RA).
- His caliphate lasted about 2 years and 3 months (632–634 CE).
The Battle of Yamamah, fought during the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), was against the forces of which false claimant of prophethood?
Musaylimah of the Banu Hanifa tribe in Yamamah (central Arabia) claimed prophethood. The Muslim army under Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RA) defeated him in the hard-fought Battle of Yamamah (11 AH / 632 CE; some sources say 12 AH); Musaylimah was killed, reportedly by Wahshi.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Many huffaz (memorisers of the Quran) were martyred at Yamamah, which led Hazrat Umar (RA) to urge Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) to have the Quran collected in one volume; Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (RA) carried out the task.
- Other false claimants of that period: Aswad Ansi (Yemen), Tulayha (Banu Asad) and Sajah, a woman who later joined Musaylimah.
- These campaigns form part of the Riddah (apostasy) Wars.
The Battle of Yarmouk (636 CE), a decisive Muslim victory during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA), was fought against:
At Yarmouk, a river near today's Syria–Jordan border, the Muslim army, with Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah (RA) as overall commander and Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RA) leading in the field, defeated a much larger army of the Byzantine Emperor Heraclius in 15 AH / 636 CE. The victory ended Byzantine rule in Syria.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- The Battle of Qadisiyyah (636/637 CE), under Hazrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (RA), was the decisive victory against the Persians.
- Jerusalem surrendered peacefully to Hazrat Umar (RA) in 637/638 CE.
- Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RA) is known as 'Saifullah' (the Sword of Allah).
The Battle of the Camel (Jang-e-Jamal) in 656 CE was fought during the caliphate of:
It took place near Basra in 36 AH (656 CE), soon after Hazrat Ali (RA) became Caliph. It is called the Battle of the Camel because Hazrat Aisha (RA) was present seated in a howdah on a camel. Hazrat Talha (RA) and Hazrat Zubair (RA) were martyred in connection with this battle.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Battle of Siffin (657 CE): Hazrat Ali (RA) against Hazrat Muawiyah (RA); it ended in arbitration.
- Battle of Nahrawan (658 CE): Hazrat Ali (RA) against the Kharijites.
- Hazrat Ali (RA) moved the capital from Madinah to Kufa.
The first Muslim naval fleet was established during the caliphate of:
Hazrat Umar (RA) had been cautious about sea warfare, but Hazrat Usman (RA) permitted Hazrat Muawiyah (RA), then governor of Syria, to build a fleet. It captured Cyprus in 28 AH (649 CE) and, around 655 CE, defeated the Byzantine navy in the Battle of the Masts (Dhat al-Sawari).
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Hazrat Usman (RA) is called 'Jami-ul-Quran' for sending standard copies of the Quran to the provinces.
- His caliphate (644–656 CE), about 12 years, was the longest of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs.
- He was martyred in his house in Madinah in 35 AH (656 CE) while reciting the Quran.
For approximately how long did Hazrat Umar (RA) serve as Caliph?
Hazrat Umar (RA) became Caliph in 13 AH (634 CE) on the nomination of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and was martyred in 23 AH (644 CE), a caliphate of about 10½ years.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA): about 2 years 3 months (632–634 CE).
- Hazrat Usman (RA): about 12 years (644–656 CE).
- Hazrat Ali (RA): about 4 years 9 months (656–661 CE).
- The whole period of Khilafat-e-Rashida lasted about 30 years.
After Hazrat Umar (RA) was martyred, a council (Shura) of six companions nominated by him chose whom as the third Caliph?
The six members were Usman, Ali, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas, Zubair bin Awwam and Talha bin Ubaidullah (RA). Hazrat Abdur Rahman bin Auf (RA) withdrew his own claim, consulted the people of Madinah and announced the decision in favour of Hazrat Usman (RA) in 24 AH (644 CE).
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was chosen at Saqifah Bani Sa'idah.
- Hazrat Umar (RA) was nominated by Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA).
- Hazrat Ali (RA) was chosen by the people of Madinah after the martyrdom of Hazrat Usman (RA).
Which Caliph is known by the title ‘Bab-ul-Ilm’ (Gate of Knowledge)?
The title comes from the well-known narration, 'I am the city of knowledge and Ali is its gate.' Hazrat Ali (RA) was renowned for his knowledge, wisdom in judgement and eloquence.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Other titles of Hazrat Ali (RA): Asadullah (Lion of Allah) and Haider; the Prophet (PBUH) gave him the kunya Abu Turab.
- Siddiq: Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA); Farooq: Hazrat Umar (RA); Ghani and Dhun-Noorayn: Hazrat Usman (RA).
- Hazrat Ali (RA) was the first child to accept Islam.
Which Caliph arranged for Taraweeh prayer to be offered in congregation behind a single imam?
During Ramadan, Hazrat Umar (RA) saw people in Masjid-e-Nabawi praying separately or in small groups, so he gathered them behind one imam, Hazrat Ubayy bin Ka'b (RA). This is recorded in Sahih Bukhari.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Other 'firsts' (Awwaliyat) of Hazrat Umar (RA): the Hijri calendar, the Bayt-ul-Mal, the Diwan (registers of soldiers and stipends), and organised police and prisons.
- Cities such as Basra and Kufa were founded during his caliphate.
- According to a well-known narration, the Prophet (PBUH) gave him the title 'Al-Farooq'.
Who was the first Caliph to be addressed by the title ‘Amir-ul-Mu’mineen’ (Commander of the Faithful)?
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was called 'Khalifat-u-Rasulillah' (successor of the Messenger of Allah). For Hazrat Umar (RA) this would have become the long 'Khalifa of the Khalifa of the Messenger', so the title Amir-ul-Mu'mineen was adopted instead and used by later caliphs too.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Hazrat Umar (RA) introduced the Hijri calendar, counted from the year of the Hijrah (622 CE).
- He set up the Diwan system and paid stipends from the Bayt-ul-Mal.
- Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was the first Khalifa (successor) of the Prophet (PBUH).
Where is the shrine (resting place) of Hazrat Ali (RA) located?
Hazrat Ali (RA) was attacked by the Kharijite Abdur Rahman ibn Muljam at Fajr prayer in the mosque of Kufa on 19 Ramadan 40 AH and died two days later (661 CE). According to the widely accepted tradition, he is buried in Najaf, Iraq, near Kufa, where the Imam Ali Mosque (Rauza-e-Ali) stands.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Karbala (Iraq) is the resting place of Hazrat Imam Husain (RA), martyred in 61 AH (680 CE).
- Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) and Hazrat Umar (RA) are buried beside the Prophet (PBUH) in Masjid-e-Nabawi, Madinah.
- Hazrat Usman (RA) is buried in Jannat-ul-Baqi, Madinah.
Despite the apostasy crisis after the Prophet’s (PBUH) death, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) insisted on dispatching the army that the Prophet (PBUH) had prepared under the command of:
Shortly before his death the Prophet (PBUH) appointed the young Usama bin Zaid (RA), aged about 18–20, to lead an expedition to the Byzantine frontier in Syria. Many advised delay, but Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) refused to reverse a decision of the Prophet (PBUH). The army returned successfully, and the campaign discouraged rebel tribes.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Usama's father, Hazrat Zaid bin Haritha (RA), was martyred at the Battle of Mu'tah (8 AH).
- Hazrat Zaid (RA) is the only companion mentioned by name in the Quran (Surah Al-Ahzab).
- Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) then fought the Riddah Wars against apostates and those who refused to pay Zakat.
Which battle, fought against the Persians in 642 CE during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RA), is called ‘Fath-ul-Futuh’ (Victory of Victories)?
At Nahawand in western Iran (21 AH / 642 CE), the Muslim army under Hazrat Nu'man bin Muqarrin (RA), who was martyred in the battle, defeated the last major Sassanid army. After this the Persian Empire could no longer offer organised resistance, hence the name 'Victory of Victories'.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- The Battle of Qadisiyyah (636/637 CE), under Hazrat Sa'd bin Abi Waqqas (RA), opened Iraq to the Muslims.
- The Battle of Jalula (637 CE) followed the fall of the Persian capital Ctesiphon (Mada'in).
- The last Sassanid king, Yazdegerd III, died in 651 CE.
Hazrat Usman (RA) bought which well in Madinah and dedicated it free of charge for all Muslims?
After the Hijrah, fresh water in Madinah was scarce, and the owner of Bir Rumah sold its water. The Prophet (PBUH) gave glad tidings of Paradise to whoever bought it for the Muslims; Hazrat Usman (RA) purchased it and made it free for everyone as a waqf.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Hazrat Usman (RA) was called 'Ghani' (the generous) because of his wealth and charity.
- He also bought land to expand Masjid-e-Nabawi.
- Zamzam is the sacred well in Makkah.
Hazrat Usman (RA) belonged to which clan of the Quraysh?
Hazrat Usman bin Affan (RA) was from Banu Umayyah, one of the leading clans of Quraysh. Hazrat Muawiyah (RA), founder of the Umayyad dynasty, belonged to the same clan.
Related facts often asked in exams:
- Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA): Banu Taym.
- Hazrat Umar (RA): Banu Adi.
- Hazrat Ali (RA) and the Prophet (PBUH): Banu Hashim.
- All four Rightly Guided Caliphs were from the Quraysh.