Editing Arabs (section)

===== Rashidun era (632–661) =====
{{main|Rashidun Caliphate}}
{{See also|Succession to Muhammad|Saqifa|Election of Uthman|Assassination of Uthman}}
{{Further|First Fitna|Muslim conquest of Persia|Muslim conquest of the Levant|Arab conquest of Egypt|Muslim conquest of the Maghreb}}
After the death of [[Muhammad]] in 632, [[Rashidun army|Rashidun armies]] launched campaigns of conquest, establishing the [[Caliphate]], or Islamic Empire, one of the [[List of largest empires|largest empires in history]]. It was larger and lasted longer than the previous Arab empire [[Tanukhids]] of [[Mavia (queen)|Queen Mawia]] or the Arab [[Palmyrene Empire]]. The Rashidun state was a completely new state and unlike the Arab kingdoms of its century such as the [[Himyarite]], [[Lakhmids]] or [[Ghassanids]].

During the Rashidun era, the Arab community expanded rapidly, conquering many territories and establishing a vast Arab empire, which is marked by the reign of the first four caliphs, or leaders, of the Arab community.<ref name="Understanding Islam: The First Ten Steps">{{cite book|author1=C. T. R. Hewer|title=Understanding Islam: The First Ten Steps|author2=Allan Anderson|date=2006|publisher=Hymns Ancient and Modern Ltd|isbn=978-0334040323|edition=illustrated|page=37}}</ref> These caliphs are [[Abu Bakr]], [[Umar]], [[Uthman]] and [[Ali]], who are collectively known as the Rashidun, meaning "rightly guided." The Rashidun era is significant in Arab and Islamic history as it marks the beginning of the Arab empire and the [[spread of Islam]] beyond the Arabian Peninsula. During this time, the Arab community faced numerous challenges, including internal divisions and external threats from neighboring empires.<ref name="Understanding Islam: The First Ten Steps" /><ref name="Triana 159">{{Cite book|last=Triana|first=María|url=https://books.google.com/books?id=VC4lDwAAQBAJ&pg=PA159|title=Managing Diversity in Organizations: A Global Perspective|date=2017|publisher=Taylor & Francis|isbn=978-1317423683|pages=159}}</ref>

Under the leadership of Abu Bakr, the Arab community successfully quelled a [[rebellion]] by some tribes who refused to pay [[Zakat]], or Islamic charity. During the reign of Umar ibn al-Khattab, the Arab empire expanded significantly, conquering territories such as Egypt, [[Syria]], and [[Iraq]]. The reign of Uthman ibn Affan was marked by internal dissent and rebellion, which ultimately led to his assassination. Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of [[Muhammad]], succeeded Uthman as caliph but faced opposition from some members of the Islamic community who believed he was not rightfully appointed.<ref name="Understanding Islam: The First Ten Steps" /> Despite these challenges, the Rashidun era is remembered as a time of great progress and achievement in Arab and Islamic history. The caliphs established a system of governance that emphasized [[justice]] and equality for all members of the Islamic community. They also oversaw the compilation of the Quran into a single text and spread Arabic teachings and principles throughout the empire. Overall, the Rashidun era played a crucial role in shaping Arab history and continues to be revered by Muslims worldwide as a period of exemplary leadership and guidance.<ref>{{cite book|author1=Azyumardi Azra|title=Indonesia, Islam, and Democracy: Dynamics in a Global Context|date=2006|publisher=[[Equinox Publishing (London)]]|isbn=978-9799988812|page=9}}</ref>