Brief overview of the Islamic religious leadership describes the first caliphate and the later Umayyad, Abbasid and Cordoba caliphates.

Provides a comprehensive collection of primary source texts from the Medieval period related to various caliphates of the era.

Provides an overview of the organization of the patriarchal caliphate and profiles the caliphs Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali.

Find an explanation of this office held by Muhammad's successors, and read a history of Islamic leadership from the seventh century onwards.

Comprehensive guide profiles all of the Islamic caliphates and dynastic states of the Medieval world.