Final answer:
The first four caliphs were called 'rightly guided' because they played a crucial role in articulating what Muhammad's Muslim community should look like and interpreting Islamic law. Later caliphs should follow their example of leadership and adherence to Islamic principles.
Step-by-step explanation:
The first four caliphs to rule after Muhammad were called 'rightly guided' because they played a crucial role in articulating what Muhammad's ummah, or Muslim community, should look like and interpreting Islamic law. They committed to writing a canonized Quran and transmitted the sayings and actions of Muhammad to help answer questions of faith. The name 'rightly guided' suggests that later caliphs should follow their example of leadership and adherence to Islamic principles.
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