How did Hazrat Ali become Caliph? The death of Usman, the third caliph of Islam, and 12 years of misgovernment shocked the Muslims very well. Everyone wanted to hire such a leader, who would take care of their interests and should be daring, and steadfast in his choice. Only the personality of Hazrat Ali met the demands of the believers. This way Hazrat Ali become the 4th Caliph of Islam.