Final answer:
The Umayyad dynasty was the first Islamic dynasty that was established after the death of the fourth caliph. The companions of the Prophet, also known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs, played a crucial role in the early years of Islamic expansion. Legitimists and Umayyads refer to the struggle for legitimacy and the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate.
Step-by-step explanation:
The Umayyad dynasty was the first Islamic dynasty that was established after the death of the fourth caliph. Under the Umayyad Caliphate, the empire expanded and Damascus became the capital. The Umayyads ruled for nearly 100 years and consolidated the gains of the Arab armies while also making vast conquests in North Africa and Spain.
The companions of the Prophet, also known as the Rightly Guided Caliphs, played a crucial role in the early years of Islamic expansion. These four leaders, Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali, ruled between 632 and 661 and oversaw the spread of Islam throughout the Middle East. They conquered Byzantine and Persian territories and brought the message of Islam to predominantly Christian regions.
Legitimists and Umayyads refer to the struggle for legitimacy and the establishment of the Umayyad Caliphate. After the murder of the second caliph, Umar, Muslim leaders had to choose the next caliph. Some supported Ali, Muhammad's cousin and son-in-law, while others believed that any righteous and competent leader could be appointed caliph. This led to a division between the Shia, who believed in Ali's leadership, and the Sunnis, who followed the Umayyads.