Al-Khulafāʾ al-Rāshidūn: The Rightly Guided Caliphs

Course Description:

Explore the lives and legacies of the four Rightly Guided Caliphs—Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, raḍiya Allāhu ʿanhum—in this comprehensive course on Islamic leadership and governance.

Students will study key events, decisions, and societal changes during the eras of these influential caliphs, examining how each embodied prophetic guidance and resilience in times of political transition and social diversity. The course highlights lessons in justice, governance, and spiritual steadfastness that remain relevant for contemporary Islamic leadership and community development.

Gain valuable insights into faith, leadership, and the enduring impact of the Rightly Guided Caliphs on Islamic history and society.

Course Logistics:

• Designed in an easy to follow format.
• Interactive Q&A
• Recordings available until end of term
• Based on the aqida of Ahl al-Sunnah wa al-Jama’a.
• Women only.
• Ages 17+ can register.

Course Prerequisites:

1. Students should be women above the age of 17.
2. Successful completion of SIR 101 and SIR 102: Companions of the Prophet (s) | Parts 1 & 2.

Course Requirements:

Live attendance is recommended whenever possible for the best learning experience. Recordings of the sessions will be made available for registered students who cannot attend live. Students will have access to course forums, recordings, and files until May31st, 2026.

Students are expected to attend the online lectures, complete one or more weekly assignments, complete an individual matrix, create a presentation, submit a term paper and a final exam.

Please note that daylight saving time will begin in the United States on Sunday, March 8, 2026. Depending on where you live, this may or may not affect your class timing. In countries where DST is not applied at all, class will be one hour earlier starting March 8.

This is an online course so students will need:

• Access to internet with an internet speed of at least 2 Mbps recommended for best performance.
• Headphones, camera and microphone may be required for in-class participation.
• To access the live class and recordings, students will need a computer, smartphone, or tablet/iPad with the Zoom app.

Text:

Required: Saviors of Islamic Spirit by Shaikh Sayyid Abu al-Hasan al-Nadwi, revised and edited by AbdurRahman Ibn Yusuf Mangera

Recommended:

• The African Caliphate by Maleem Ibrahim Sulaiman
• Revealed Grace: The Juristic Sufism of Ahmad Sirhindi by Arthur F. Buehiler
• Rumi and Islam: Selections from his stories, poetry and discourses by Ibrahim Gamard

Students are responsible for ordering their textbooks before the start of class. Ribaat textbooks are available to enrolled students at a discounted rate through Rabata Bookshop. Once enrolled, students will have access to the discount code through the course forum.

Registration:

Registration Fee: Non-refundable, non-transferable

• $150.00 (not including the cost of the course materials)
• $20.00 late registration fee on January 18th (if seats are available)
• Registration closes February 8th.
• Additional $5.00 auditing fee.

Registration Options:

Before enrolling, please read the Registration Fees & Policies. Then choose one of the registration options below.

Contact: For inquiries, contact registration@rabata.org