The first of the Rashidun caliphs, Abu Bakr maintained ummah unity following Muhammad's death and quelled uprisings through military and diplomatic methods.

The second Rashidun caliph, notable for expanding the ummah's territory and balancing tribal raids with attempts to adhere to Islamic ideals.

Third Rashidun caliph, whose appointment of Umayyad family members to governmental positions incited unrest leading to his assassination.

The fourth Rashidun caliph, seen by Shia Muslims as legitimate and a key figure in the first Islamic civil war, the Fitnah.

Umayyad caliph known for reuniting the ummah after the First Fitnah through military strength and policy.

Umayyad caliph recognized for the construction of the Dome of the Rock and instituting a hereditary succession policy.

Founder of the Safavid Dynasty in Iran, responsible for converting the region to Shia Islam through military means.

Islamic fundamentalist thinker in Pakistan, who regarded jihad as the core teaching of Islam during the post-Partition period.

Key figure in Sunni fundamentalism, whose interpretations of the Quran advocated for a return to sanctity in Egypt through jihad.