The Caliphs

Recent Episodes

Episode 16: Reconquering the umma

Posted February 15, 2021 • 00:29:03

Divisions within the community only grew as the struggle between its two main parties persisted, almost pushing the goal of reuniting the umma out of...

Episode 15: Kharijites and arbitrations

Posted February 1, 2021 • 00:27:30

The unprecedented loss of Arab life at the battle of Siffin put an end to any illusions of the sanctity of muslim blood, an important pillar underpinning...

Episode 14: The first fitna

Posted January 18, 2021 • 00:32:58

Following the caliph’s victory over the Meccan faction at Basra, Ali bin Abi Talib turned his attention towards Syria. The Umayyad Mu’awiya bin...

Episode 13: The battle of the camel

Posted January 4, 2021 • 00:28:19

As divisions widened within the umma, the battle of the camel marked the first time two muslim armies faced one another in combat. Chiefs of the various...

Episode 12: Ali bin Abi Talib

Posted December 7, 2020 • 00:28:22

Legitimating succession within the caliphate was already hard enough, and the rebellion that led to Othman’s death only divided the fractured Umma...