خلافتِ راشدہ: اسلامی تاریخ کے سنہری دور کا تحقیقی و تجزیاتی مطالعہ

The Khilāfah Rāshidah: A Research-Based and Analytical Study of the Golden Era in Islamic History

Abstract

The Khilāfah Rāshidah (Rightly Guided Caliphate) is recognized as the golden era of Islamic history, providing a foundational model of leadership, governance, and social justice rooted in Qur’ānic principles and the Sunnah of the Prophet Muḥammad (ﷺ). This study critically analyzes the system of Khilāfah Rāshidah, focusing on its establishment, guiding principles, and administrative practices. Beginning with the succession of Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (RA) and followed by ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb (RA), ʿUthmān ibn ʿAffān (RA), and ʿAlī ibn Abī Ṭālib (RA), the era embodied consultative governance (shūrā), accountability, social equity, and commitment to public welfare. The paper highlights how the caliphs maintained justice, ensured the equitable distribution of wealth, and implemented reforms in administration, economy, and defense, while safeguarding moral and spiritual integrity. The research further examines the challenges faced by the caliphate, such as internal divisions, political conspiracies, and expansion-related complexities, analyzing how these were addressed with wisdom and adherence to Islamic teachings. By studying these dynamics, the paper underscores that the Khilāfah Rāshidah was more than a political structure; it was a holistic system integrating faith, governance, and social responsibility. Its enduring relevance is evident in contemporary debates on Islamic political thought, good governance, and social justice. This study argues that the values of fairness, accountability, and consultation embedded in the Khilāfah Rāshidah offer timeless lessons for modern societies seeking ethical and just governance systems.