Rebellion of Ibn Zobeir, Mukhtâr, and Khârejites--Abd al Malik and Welîd--Omeyyad dynasty--Abbasside dynasty--The Abbassides--Al Mâmûn--The Motázilites--Golden Age under Abbassides--Fall of the Caliphate--Early influences which still survive--Soonnies and Shîyas--Islam stationary--Causes of decadence--Conclusion 443 INDEX 461 * * * * * _Errata_ Page 72, line 14, _for_ Hâtim, son of Adî, _read_ Adî, son of Hâtim. Page 241, line 15, _for_ Khâlid _read_ Amru. ANNALS OF THE EARLY CALIPHATE. CHAPTER I. ELECTION OF ABU BEKR. A.H. XI. A.D. 632. [Sidenote: Death of Mahomet, 13 Rabi I. A.H. XI., June 8, A.D. 632.] At eventide of a summer day in the eleventh year of the Hegira, three chief ‘Companions’ of Mahomet might be seen issuing in haste from the Great Mosque at Medîna, where, close by in the chamber of Ayesha, his favourite wife, the Prophet of Arabia lay dead.[4] They were Abu Bekr, Omar, and Abu Obeida. I will first describe each briefly, and then explain the object of their errand. [Sidenote: ABU BEKR.] ABU BEKR, now threescore years of age, was somewhat short in stature, of a spare frame, rounded back, and stooping gait. His face was thin, complexion smooth and fair, nose aquiline and sharp, with other features delicate; the forehead high; the eyes deep-seated and far apart; the veins well marked. His scanty hair and beard, now for many years white, was dyed red. The countenance was still in old age handsome; and the expression mild, but wise and resolute. To him faith in the Prophet had become a second nature, and, now that his Master was gone, the disciple lived but to fulfil his will. It was this that nerved a disposition naturally soft and yielding, and made Abu Bekr, THE TRUE,[5] of all the followers of Mahomet, the firmest and most resolute. [Sidenote: OMAR.]