The terms Khulafaa Raashideen or righteous Khalifahs (Representatives) refer to the first four Khulafaa of Rasoolullah (SAW). They were Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA), the first Khalifah who ruled after Rasoolullah (SAW); Hadhrat Umar Farooq Ibn Khattab (RA), the second Khalifah; Hadhrat Uthmaan Bin Affaan (RA), the third Khalifah; and Hadhrat Ali Ibn Abi Taalib (RA), the fourth Khalifah.

Among the Khulafaa Rashideen, the rank of Hadhrat Abu Bakr (RA) is the highest. Next in rank is Hadhrat Umar (RA), then Hadhrat Uthman (RA) and then Hadhrat Ali (RA).

The Shiahs reject the first three Khulafaa, denouncing them as usurpers, hypocrites and murtaads, Nauthubillah! This is a great calumny and in total contradiction of the belief of the Ahle Sunnah Wal Jamaa.