Final answer:
The first four successors to Muhammad after his death are known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs, consisting of Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and 'Ali, who were integral in the early expansion and establishment of the Islamic Empire.
Step-by-step explanation:
After the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE, the first four successors are known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs. These leaders were Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and 'Ali. Their rule is considered a critical period in Islamic history, overseeing crucial military expansions and the initial spread of Islam beyond the Arabian Peninsula.
The Rightly Guided Caliphs played a significant role in establishing the foundations of the Islamic Empire immediately after Muhammad's death. The leadership decisions during this time, particularly regarding Ali's succession, led to long-lasting sectarian divisions between Sunni and Shia Muslims. The impact of their rule extends to the present, deeply influencing the political and religious landscape of the Muslim world.