Sunni Muslims view Umar (576-644 AD), the second Rashidun Caliph, in a much more favourable way than Shi'a Muslims, who are of the opinion that he, Abu Bakr and Uthman usurped leadership over Muslims from Ali, Muhammad's son-in-law, and first cousin.[1]
- ^ Gibbon, Edward (1788). "50. Mahomet". The History of the Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire.
In their private converse, in their public worship, they bitterly execrate the three usurpers who intercepted his indefeasible right to the dignity of Imam and Caliph; and the name of Umar expresses in their tongue the perfect accomplishment of wickedness and impiety. The Sonnites, who are supported by the general consent and orthodox tradition of the Mussulmans, entertain a more impartial, or at least a more decent, opinion. They respect the memory of Abu Bakr, Umar, Othman, and Ali the holy and legitimate successors of the prophet. But they assign the last and most humble place to the husband of Fatima, in the persuasion that the order of succession was determined by the decrees of sanctity.
