caliph

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caliph Leader of the Muslim community. After the death of Muhammad, Abu Bakr was chosen to be his caliph (successor). The role was originally elective but later became hereditary. The title remained with the Ottoman sultans (1517–1924), after which it was abolished. Sunni Muslims recognize the first four caliphs: Abu Bakr, Omar, Othman and Ali. Shiites accept authority as passing directly from Muhammad to Ali.

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