Khalid bin Walid’s Iraqi Campaigns: The Conquests of Anbar, Dumat-ul-Jandal and Mudaiyah

Message of Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ)

From Hirah, Khalid sent letters to the important personalities and circulars to the feudal lords who were wise enough to obey the truth and follow the good. In the letter addressed to the influential persons of Persia he wrote:

"All praise is due to Allah Who created chaos in your system and slackened your hypocrisy and broke your unity. Had we not invaded this country, it would have been disastrous for you. Now it is better for you to obey us and we shall leave your territory and go somewhere else. If you refuse to obey us, you will come across such people who love death as you love your life."

Another general circular carried the following:

"Glorified is Allah the Almighty Who humbled your pride, broke your alliance to pieces and razed your grandeur to the ground. Hence do accept Islam and you will be safe or seek our protection to become Dhimmi and pay the Jizyah, otherwise, I have brought to you a people who keep death as dear as you love drinking."

These letters and circulars brought unity among them and they achieved success in choosing their unanimous king to face the Arabian invasions.

Conquest of Anbar

The Persians collected a big force in Anbar and appointed Sherzad, the ruler of Sabat as its commander. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) marched from Hirah to Anbar. Sherzad had erected a high mound of clay outside the ramparts of their fort to consolidate his position. When Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) surrounded Anbar, the besieged soldiers showered arrows on the Muslim army with the result that the eyes of about one thousand Muslim fighters were injured. But the lion-hearted commander of the Muslim forces was not to be intimidated through such tactics and devices. He outsmarted his enemy by slaughtering the weak and exhausted camels and piling them up to reach the ramparts and then beat the enemy thoroughly. Although the Persians showed courage and gallantry, they had to surrender before the Muslims who outwitted them in every department of warfare. When Sherzad witnessed that Muslim victory was around the corner, he sent his men to Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) on peace mission. He replied that he could allow Sherzad to leave the city peacefully along with a few comrades with provisions for not more than three days. Sherzad left the city and Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) entered it victoriously. He then put Zabrqan bin Badr in charge of Anbar and marched to Ain-ut-Tamr.

Conquest of Ain-ut-Tamr

Uqbah bin Uqbah heard of the advancement of Muslim troops and contacted the Persian Commander Mehran bin Bahram to say that only Arabs knew the war tactics of the Arabs, so they (Uqbah's men) should be allowed to confront the Muslim forces. Mehran was happy enough to give his consent to this proposal. Uqbah was too excited to come out first and challenge for a duel. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) stepped forward and captured him alive, with the result his men fled in terror and were also taken captive. Mehran bin Bahram grew so awe-stricken that he fled his fort, which later fell to the Muslim army.

Upper Iraq

Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) finished his task in a comparatively short period but Iyad bin Ghanam (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) dispatched about the same time, was still engaged on his mission. His target of attack was a large territory forming part of Iraq, Iran and Syria and so his combats affected Persia and Heraclius equally. The time when Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) conquered Ain-ut-Tamr, Iyad engaged the rulers of Dumat-ul-Jandal after winning victories over the polytheists and Christian tribes. Dumat-ul-Jandal had two rulers, Ukaidir bin Malik and Judi bin Rabi'ah, who had collected all the Christians of the surrounding areas against the Muslims. In this distressing situation, Iyad (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) addressed a letter to Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), who was then at Ain-ut-Tamr, to come to his help against the huge army of the enemy.

Conquest of Dumat-ul-Jandal

Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) appointed Qa'qa' bin Amr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) his deputy in Hirah and proceeded to Dumat-ul-Jandal without loss of a moment. The burning news of Khalid's arrival was so terrifying that Ukaidir counseled Judi to make peace with the Muslims but he and other Christian chiefs rejected the proposal outright. At last Ukaidir broke his relations with them and left alone for some unknown place. A small column of the Muslims intercepted him on the way and he died fighting. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) launched his attack from another side and challenged the enemy commander for a duel. Judi stepped forward and was captured by Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in no time, with the result his men fled the battlefield. Simultaneously, Iyad bin Ghanam (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) also prevailed over his Christian opponents and made them flee for their lives.

The Battle of Husaid

When the Persians noticed that Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was away from Hirah, they made an all-out effort to take back the province and turn out the Muslim administrators from the territory. The Arabian tribes also lent their support to avenge the killing of their chief, Uqbah bin Uqbah. Two well-known Persian generals Zarmahr and Rozbah marched at the head of a huge army. Qa'qa' bin Amr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the deputy of Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in Hirah, also divided his force in two parts, under Abu Laila (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and himself and challenged the enemy at Husaid.

After a heavy fight, both the generals and more than half of their army fell to the Muslim assault. The rest of their men fled to Khanafis where their commander Bahbudhan was lying with a large army. When Abu Laila (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reached Khanafis in pursuit of the fugitives, Bahbudhan fled to Mudaiyah where Hudhaih bin Imran along with other Arabian chiefs were awaiting the opportunity to engage the Muslims in a battle. In the meantime, Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) finished his task in Dumat-ul-Jandal and hurried back to Hirah.

The Battle of Mudaiyah

Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) took over the command of the entire Muslim army and divided it in three parts to attack from three different sides. Qa'qa', Abu Laila and Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) himself attacked from three sides as already decided upon. Hudhaih fled for his life but the other generals along with a large number of men were put to death. Among the persons killed were Abdul-Uzza bin Abu Ruhm and Labid bin Jarir who sided with the opponents of Islam under compulsion in spite of being Muslims.

When Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) came to know of this, he paid blood money to their relatives and ordered to treat their children well. Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was already angry with Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) on account of Malik bin Nuwairah's assassination, and this incident added fuel to the flames. However, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) did not seek any explanation from Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and exonerated him with the remark: "Anyone who accompanies the polytheists will meet with the same calamity."

The Conquest of Iraq: Khalid bin Walid’s Campaigns Against the Persian Empire

Policy of the Muslims

Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was well aware of the designs of the Persians when he approved the departure of Usamah's detachment. At a time when Al-Madinah itself was under great pressure, he adopted a policy of buying time before opening a war front against the major powers until the threat of apostasy was put down. He, therefore, sent a small column to Iraq under Muthanna bin Harithah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) not to start a pitched battle but to function as a raiding party meant just to terrorize the men in power so that the Persians dared not attack Arabia. He had in mind the same purpose when he had dispatched Usamah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) against the Romans.

When the situation in Najd and Yamamah came under control, Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) addressed a letter to Iyad bin Ghanam (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in Najd to take with him those Muslims who were still beyond the reach of apostasy, and launch an attack on the upper parts of Iraq. Following this, he wrote another letter to Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in Yamamah to turn towards the lower parts of Iraq. Both the Muslim commanders met at Uballah according to the instructions of the Caliph.

The Battle of Dhat-us-Salasil

When Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) took stock of his entire army at Uballah, he found that he had not more than eighteen thousand fighters. His fresh target was Hafir, the Persian province of Iraq, and Hurmuz was its governor who was well known throughout Arabia for his valor and military skill. He was a terror for India also for he so often led assaults on the Indian coast with his war fleet.

Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) first addressed a letter inviting him to Islam. But Hurmuz responded with leading a large and strong army against the Muslim commander. With his instinctive military acumen, Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) divided his army into three parts. He then handed over the command of one part to Adi bin Hatim (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), another part he entrusted to Qa'qa' bin Amr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and the third one he kept with himself. All the three wings marched ahead to meet at Hafir with the difference of a one-day journey and pitched their camps facing the Persian army.

First of all, Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) himself came out and threw a challenge to Hurmuz for a duel. He responded to the call and stepped forward. Both the commanders got down from their horses. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was the first to strike. Hurmuz made a hasty retreat and parried the stroke, then he struck Khalid with agility. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) got up quickly, rushed forward and snatched away his wrist by twisting his wrist. Now Hurmuz clasped his body which led to wrestling between the two. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) lifted him high by his waist with lightening speed and then threw him on the ground so forcefully that he failed to move. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) then got on his chest, cut his head off and threw it away.

When a squad of the Persian army witnessed its commander being overpowered, it moved ahead to help him but Qa'qa' bin Amr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) stood like a rock. Following this, troops from both sides fell on one another and a fierce battle broke out in no time. But the Persians could not withstand the heavy Muslim onslaught and fled in panic and terror.

Hurmuz was such an exalted governor and commander among his people that he wore a crown on his head. This costly crown came to Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and it was valued at one hundred thousand dinars. A section of the Persian army had chained themselves with the determination of winning or dying. But they had to break their chains and flee leaving thousands of men dead and injured. This battle is known as Dhat-us-Salasil because of these chains.

Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) asked Muthanna bin Harithah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to give chase to the fleeing Persian fighters. The Muslim forces laid siege round the citadel of Hisn-ul-Marah and conquered it putting the ruler to death. His wife accepted Islam and desired to be married to Muthanna (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ).

The Battle of Qarin

In response to Hurmuz's call for help, a large troop of reinforcements was immediately sent by the Persian ruler. The frustrating news of Hurmuz's death and his fleeing soldiers greeted it on the way. The fresh fighters of the reinforcements encouraged them to have a fresh encounter with the Muslim troops. They encamped at a canal and the Muslim fighters marched on to meet them. During the ferocious fight, all the three generals, Qarin, Qibad and Anushjan, were killed leaving behind thirty thousand fighters dead and a large number of the run-away soldiers drowned in the canal.

As a follow-up action after the conquest of the province, Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) made the inhabitants pay the Jizyah (tax) and appointed a Muslim governor to run the administration according to Islamic law.

The Battle of Walajah

After Qarin and the other generals were killed, the Persian ruler sent a well-known horseman Andarzagar to lead the Persian army which set out from Madain and arrived at Walajah. At the back of Walajah was dispatched another general, Bahman Jadwaih from Madain, at the head of another very strong army.

However, Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) marched with his troops and launched an attack on the Persian army which was routed after a fierce battle. Their general also died of thirst right on the battlefield. However, Bahman Jadwaih reached Ullais and the Persian fugitives joined his army. Many Christian Arabs also extended their unconditional support to them.

The Battle of Ullais

Informed of the presence of a large army at Ullais, Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) himself marched ahead and launched his attack. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) first called a man for a duel. Malik bin Qais was sent from the Persian camp and Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) killed him. Now an all-out battle started, which resulted in seventy thousand enemy fighters being killed at the hands of the Muslims.

Conquest of Hirah

From Ullais, Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) marched to Hirah and besieged it. When the siege drew long and the citizens were tired of it, the chief of Hirah, Amr bin Abdul-Masih along with others appeared before the Muslim commander. The Persian general and army had already fled in panic with the news of the demise of Chosroes Ardsher. Abdul-Masih won peace in return for two hundred thousand dirhams as tribute. After the conquest, Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) sent Dirar bin Al-Azwar, Dirar bin Al-Khattab, Qa'qa' bin Amr, Muthanna bin Harithah and Uyainah bin Ash-Shamas (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) at the head of small columns to make the surrounding tribes and settlers accept either the Jizyah (tax) or Islam. Thus the entire territory up to the Tigris fell to Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ).

Rome and Persia: The Rise of Islam and the Changing Balance of Power

Rome and Persia

There were two fabulously magnificent and large empires existing at the time of the advent of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), the Roman and the Persian. The world was then ruled by these two civilizations. Arabia was steeped in dismal darkness where the last Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was raised. It was through Islam that a new power and a new civilization emerged and engulfed the glittering civilizations of both Rome and Persia and left its mark as the only important power.

There was a time when the Persian Empire had in its fold the Mediterranean Sea, the Black Sea, the Persian Gulf, the Indus River, Kashmir, Tibet, Mount Altai and the Caspian Sea. Alexander the Great of Greece tore this large and grand empire to pieces. But Persian culture and civilization were still going strong. About four hundred years before the advent of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), Ardsher Babkan laid the foundation of the Sassanid dynasty and brought under its control the Persian Gulf, the Euphrates, the Caspian Sea, the Indus, Oxus and the whole continent of Asia.

The center of Roman power was Rome, the city of Italy, which was ruled over by Julius Caesar and his heir Augustus. Egypt, Asia Minor and the whole of Europe formed part of the Roman Empire. It was later divided into two parts. While Rome remained the capital of the western part, the eastern part made Constantinople its capital. The king of Constantinople was also called Caesar and he ruled over Egypt, Abyssinia, Palestine, Syria, Asia Minor and the Balkans. The Eastern Roman Rule was far ahead of Western Rome in grandeur and power. The two parts had no natural border between them and so they were occasionally at war with one another.

At the time of the birth of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), Nushirwan Sassani was the emperor of Persia and his grandson Chosroes (Khosrau) was the ruler when Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was honored with Prophethood. Rebellion broke out against Caesar Publius, his nobles and the subjects dethroned and killed him. Heraclius, the son of the governor of African territories was enthroned in Constantinople as the Caesar. In the meantime the Persians and the Romans rose up against each other and the war between the two dragged on for six or seven years. During the eighth year of Prophethood, the Persians conquered Syria and took away the Cross when they captured Bait-ul-Maqdis (Jerusalem).

The polytheists of Makkah expressed wild jubilation at the victory of the Persians, for the Persians were polytheists while the Romans were people of the Book. The Muslims naturally had sympathy for the Romans, so it was sad news for them. Allah the Almighty revealed the Verses of Surat Ar-Rum and let them know that although Rome had been defeated at that time, but in a few years they would gain victory to the rejoicing of the Muslims and so it happened. Heraclius rose from the position of defeat and frustration and after preparing for six or seven years with indomitable courage and determination, took his revenge on the Persians on the battlefield of Syria.

The Romans defeated the Persians on one hand, and about the same time, the Makkan disbelievers tasted a crushing defeat at the hands of the Muslims on the other. Thus the prophecy of the Quran came true word for word. And with this, started a new spate of battles between the two rivals, which came to an end only in 7 AH, when they at last made peace after large-scale bloodshed and destruction. After winning peace, both of them set out on the way to progress and prosperity. It was the same year that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) sent invitation letters to a number of monarchs.

Chosroes of Persia received the letter from the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) at Madain and he tore it up with disdain, while Heraclius of the Roman Empire showed due respect to it. Not only did Chosroes show disrespect to the letter of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) but he sent word to his governor Badhan in Yemen to round up the Arabian Prophet and send him to Madain. Badhan sent two persons to Al-Madinah who appeared before the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and informed him of the royal order. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) said, "Chosroes, whom you treat as your god, has been killed by his son last night." When both of them went back to Badhan they came to know that Chosroes was killed by his son, Sherweh.

The assassination of Chosroes took place the same night the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) referred to as the night when Badhan, the governor of Yemen embraced Islam. With his acceptance of Islam, the religion of Allah spread rapidly in the whole country. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) approved Badhan as the governor of Yemen. Sherweh was too deeply preoccupied with his internal problems to turn towards the Muslims and Arabia. After many turns of events, Puran, the daughter of Chosroes Pervez and the sister of Sherweh took the throne but could rule the country only for one year. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) passed away during her time. After many successors, Yazdgurd was on the throne of Persia when it fell to the Muslims. In short, the lofty palace of the Persian Empire kept decaying day by day from the time the letter of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) was torn up with disrespect.

The Persians, being polytheists, were most arrogant and haughty. They looked down upon the Arabs and particularly the Muslims, since the news of their strength and patience was a source of constant mental trouble for them, they wanted to uproot them completely. But Allah the Almighty had entangled them so deeply in family feuds that they had no chance to look towards Arabia.

The Jews and hypocrites who were turned out of Al-Madinah, constantly sent messages to the Persians and the Romans to attack Muslims in Al-Madinah. Since the Heraclius' court was free from such plotting and counter-plotting, he was in a position to implement the conspiratorial suggestions of the hypocrites and the Jews of Al-Madinah.

The time when the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had sent his letter to Heraclius, he had also dispatched letters to Busra and Damascus. But both the rulers ill-treated the emissaries of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). Shurahbil, the sub ruler of Busra had gone to the extent that he put the emissary to death. In the battle of Mutah, Heraclius was on the side of Shurahbil Ghassani. Following this, the Romans invaded Arabia and the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) went to Tabuk along with his army. But the Romans evaded the battle.

The news of the Prophet's death stirred the atmosphere throughout Arabia and this sad news brought both the Romans and Persians to heave a sigh of relief. Since Arabia had risen on the map of the world for the first time as a country wielding, unity, courage, power and influence, the Romans and the Persians could not but watch it with a shade of care and anxiety. The tempest of apostasy added fuel to the flames, with the result the Romans and the Persians began to collect their forces in Syria and Iraq respectively. It was the height of wisdom, prudence, military acumen and the courage of conviction of Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), which guided him to first eradicate apostasy and then galvanize the whole country into fighting back the forces hostile to Islam. It was due to the sterling qualities of the illustrious personality of Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the first Caliph of the Prophet of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), that he guided the destiny of Islam with unparalleled determination, firmness, conviction and trust in such crucial moments, which had brought soul-stirring challenges to the very existence of Islam, immediately after the final departure of the Prophet of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).

The Complete Eradication of Apostasy: Campaigns in Oman, Mahrah and Yemen

Laqit bin Malik

It has been mentioned above that Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had sent Hudhaifah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) bin Mihsan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to Oman and Arfajah bin Harthamah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to the people of Mahrah with the order that they should keep together. On hearing the news of the death of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), Laqit declared his prophethood in Oman. The people of Oman and Mahrah turned apostate and forced out of their territory the collectors of charity appointed by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had sent a message to Hudhaifah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) bin Mihsan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) Himyari (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to first go to Oman and then leave for Mahrah after finishing his task. He had also directed Ikrimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to join Hudhaifah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and Arfajah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) in Oman. Thus all the three commanders of the Muslim detachments stayed together in Oman. On being informed, Laqit collected his fighters and moved ahead to face the Muslim army. Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl was the head of the advance guard while Hudhaifah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had the command of the right wing and Arfajah the left one and in the middle of the army were the rich and influential persons of Oman who had been firm on Islam.

Fighting broke out at the time of the dawn prayer. The Islamic army was fighting from the low-lying areas while the enemy force was giving battle from the high ground. At the outset the Muslim troops suffered reverses but the proverbial patience and firmness of the believers turned the tables and forced the enemy to retreat. They turned and ran away leaving behind a thousand dead, four thousand as captive and a large quantity of booty. The Muslim army returned to Al-Madinah victoriously. Ikrimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) left for Mahrah and after a short period of time, the entire Oman returned firmly to Islam.

Apostasy in Mahrah

Mahrah had some people from Oman and some others from Abdul-Qais, Azd and Banu Saad tribes that inhabited this territory. But they were divided in two factions after turning apostate, each faction fighting with the other. In this situation Ikrimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) arrived in Mahrah and one of the factions accepted Islam. The next one, whose head was Musabbih, rejected the offer and remained adamant in his attitude. Thereupon Ikrimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) attacked the apostates giving them a crushing defeat and killing their chief. This victory led a large number of people from all the tribes to join the forces of Islam.

Apostasy in Yemen

Aswad Ansi, referred to before, had claimed prophethood for himself and created disturbances all over Yemen. But he met his doom during the lifetime of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). Although Islam had been gaining ground after the cloud of apostasy cleared, the death of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) let it stage a comeback. They were now getting strong under the leadership of two chiefs, Qais bin Makshuh and Amr bin Madikarib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). The Muslims were small in numbers and were brutally tortured by the Yemeni apostates, with the result they had left the area. Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had sent Muhajir bin Abu Umayyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) with a detachment to pass through Makkah and Ta'if and then to go to Najran taking Muslim fighters from these cities. Qais and Amr had already received the news of Muhajir's arrival. Amr bin Madikarib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was a well known wrestler whose swordsmanship had won him admiration throughout the country.

Muhajir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) saw himself and his army surrounded by a swarm of enemy forces and this infused in them a sense of courage, fervor and determination, and they attacked the enemy with full force and vigor. The chieftains, Qais and Amr were caught after a thorough defeat of the enemy troops. Qais and Amr were sent to Al-Madinah and both of them admitted their wrongs and returned to Islam.

Muhajir bin Umayyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reached San'a' and cleared the entire territory of apostates. It was there that Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl met him. From there both the commanders made a joint march to punish Banu Kindah who were busy making large-scale preparations against the Muslims under the command of Ash'ath bin Qais and their strength was increasing day by day. Informed of this, Muhajir bin Abu Umayyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) took a fast squad of horsemen from his army and hurried towards Ash'ath leaving his army under the command of Ikrimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). He attacked the enemy force so suddenly and violently that they fled in terror. Ash'ath made a quick escape and took refuge in a fort where he was joined by other apostates. Muhajir bin Abu Umayyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) besieged the fort. In the meantime he was joined by Ikrimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ).

The severity of the siege and the blockade of reinforcements forced him to lay down his arms. He then appealed to the Muslim commander to spare the lives of only nine persons including his wife and children. But Ash'ath forgot to include his own name. Thus all, exclusive of those nine persons were held captive. Ash'ath was also among the captives. They were presented before Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), Ash'ath expressed regret for his past deeds and accepted Islam on the spot. Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) set free all the captives including Ash'ath issuing them strong warnings not to repeat their past actions.

Complete Eradication of Apostasy

Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was able to put down all the uprisings of apostasy in less than one year. Now the entire Arab Peninsula was free from the filth of polytheism and apostasy. Not a tinge of malaise of this nature was to be traced anywhere within the bounds of Arabian continent. Only a few months before, the sky of Islam looked cloudy everywhere except Al-Madinah, Makkah and Ta'if, and swords and spears, lances and arrows seemed to be flying everywhere. However, in this very short period the situation turned around completely.

It was unflinching courage and unyielding determination that faced the hostile storm and stress on all fronts and came out victorious in all events. Even the legendary grit and valor of Rustam and Isphandiyar could not come face to face with the hundredth part of what was shown by Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). And the reason is that the qualities of head and heart displayed by the Caliph of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) were the direct result of his upbringing under the blessed shadow of the (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).

The army of Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had no doubt, matchless men of lasting courage like Khalid, Ikrimah, Shurhabil, and Hudhaifah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), but it was the dauntless courage of Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), which kept control over the state of affairs, organized the campaigns and dispatched the detachments to far off lands. He never allowed fear, anxiety or timidity to enter the hearts of the true believers. His strategies of war had no parallel and Muslim commanders were leading their detachments and Muslim troops were fighting only according to the plans chalked out by the Caliph of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).

At first consideration it appears that the eleven detachments sent to various places were instrumental in wiping out apostasy from the face of Arabia, but in fact, it was simply the clever devices and the expert opinion of Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) alone that swept away all the rubbish lying in the path of Islam. And this gigantic task was accomplished within a very short span of a few months. In the discouraging and frustrating situation that he was facing, none else was there to show such a magnificent farsightedness as he demonstrated. He neither agreed to hold back the expedition of Usamah bin Zaid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) planned by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) himself during his last days nor did he pay heed to Umar's outbursts nor did he delay the collection of Zakat from the apostates. Who could then be the true successor of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) in his temporal affairs?

The Battle of Yamamah and the Defeat of Apostasy in Bahrain

Furious Fight:

The forty thousand strong army of Musailamah the liar attacked the Muslim troops not exceeding thirteen thousand in number. A very furious and dreadful fight broke out. The Muslim fighters sustained the fierce attack of the enemy with exemplary patience and firmness. Soon after they collected themselves at the center and fell on the enemy like hungry tigers and routed them thoroughly. The apostates fled the field but collected at the gate of the garden and showed some courage and firmness. At this stage Thabit bin Qais (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the standard bearer of the Muslim army was honored with martyrdom. Zaid bin Khattab (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) lifted the standard and the Muslims showed such valor and virility that the enemy had to retreat behind the walls of the garden but the Muslims broke into it.

Now the people asked Musailamah, "When will the promise of victory be fulfilled that your god has given to you?" He replied, "This is not the time to talk all this; everything is now required to fight for the safety of his wife and children." When his garden too turned into the battleground, Musailamah got on his horse and began to call his people to give battle. However, when he witnessed that the situation was under the full control of the Muslims, he got down and moved secretly towards the exit. Wahshi (the one who assassinated Hamzah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) happened to be at the gate of the garden aiming at Musailamah, he threw his lance so forcefully that it cut through his double coat of mail and cut across his belly. Panic and terror overtook the enemy and in a short while there was none left to be seen on the battlefield other than the Muslims. This battle took a heavy toll on the enemy force leaving seventeen thousand dead while one thousand from the Muslim side were honored with martyrdom. Among them were a large number of Huffaz (those who had committed the entire Qur'an to memory).

The rest of Banu Hanifah fled the battlefield fleeing for their lives leaving their women and children behind. Since a great number of Muslims had sustained injuries, Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) decided to conquer the city of Yamamah the next day. Mujja'ah bin Murarah, the captive took advantage of this decision. He misled Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) by saying that the greater number of men of his tribe were still alive and they were well-equipped and formidable enough to win by the power of the sword. He then asked Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) that if he was freed, he could go to persuade them not to give battle. Thus both the city and its citizens would come under their control without blood and toil. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) accepted his proposal and freed him.

Mujja'ah went into the city and asked the women to get on the ramparts with their weapons. He then came back and said to Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), "My people are not ready to make peace merely in return for their safety." When Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) looked towards the city, he found that the ramparts showed nothing but swords and spears, which verified the statement of Mujja'ah. Keeping an eye on his injured soldiers and the expectation of a long drawn out battle, Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) thought it reasonable to make peace with the enemy. Thus he offered to leave for them half of their wealth and possessions, half of the planted gardens and half of the captives of Banu Hanifah. Mujja'ah went to the city once again and came back with the report: "They are not ready to accept this offer, you can win peace by taking from them one-fourth of their possessions." Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) agreed to the proposal and the peace treaty was written down.

Following this, Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) went inside the city. He, to his utmost amazement, found there none but women and children. "Why did you play a trick on me?" Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) asked Mujja'ah. "My people were virtually on the brink of death and destruction, so it was my duty to pull them out of this situation, please excuse me," Mujja'ah replied. Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) kept silent not thinking in the least about breaking the agreement. A short while after Musailamah bin Waqsh, an emissary of Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) gave Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) a letter from the Caliph directing him to kill their men and make their women and children captives in case the battle was won. But the peace treaty was signed before the arrival of the emissary, so the order from Al-Madinah could not be implemented. This event is a memorable example of how particular the Muslims were about keeping their promises and upholding their treaties.

Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) sent a deputation of Banu Hanifah to Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) with a letter. He had mentioned in it the details about the recent victory and Banu Hanifah's re-entry to Islam. Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) held them in high esteem and bade farewell to them in the same spirit. The battle of Yamamah took place in Dhul-Hijjah 11 AH.

Hatm bin Dubai'ah

It has already been mentioned that Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had sent Ala' bin Al-Hadrami (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to Bahrain at the head of a detachment. Banu Abdul-Qais and Banu Bakr bin Wa'il along with their branches inhabited Bahrain. It has also been stated that Jarud bin Al-Mualla (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had once represented Abdul-Qais tribe to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). The people of Abdul-Qais tribe renounced Islam when they heard of the death of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) with the idea that had he been a Prophet, he would not have died. Jarud bin Al-Mualla (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) assembled his people and put the question to them, "Had there been other Prophets before Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم)?" "Yes, there had been many," they admitted with one voice. "Had they not passed away after passing their lives like common people?" he put another question. "They all passed away after passing their days of life," they admitted. "The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) also completed his span of life and then passed away exactly in the same manner," he said and called in a loud voice: "I testify that there is no God but Allah and Muhammad in His slave and Messenger." The hearts of the people of Abdul-Qais tribe were moved so deeply that they all expressed deep sorrow for their wrongdoing and returned to the fold of Islam.

Though Abdul-Qais tribe was saved through the timely efforts of Jarud bin Al-Mualla (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), but Banu Bakr bin Wa'il tribe took to apostasy and made Hatm their chief. He marched ahead with a large number of men from Banu Bakr and camped between Qatif and Hijr. He then sent a small party to Abdul-Qais tribe to make them apostates and to come back. However, Abdul-Qais flatly refused to turn apostate. Hatm then sent Ma'rur bin Suwaid with a group to either make them apostate or fight with them. In the meantime Ala' bin Al-Hadrami (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) arrived in Bahrain with his detachment. He sent word to Jarud bin Al-Mualla (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to launch an attack on Hatm in the company of Banu Abdul-Qais.

With the spread of this news, Muslims from the surrounding areas collected around Ala' bin Al-Hadrami (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) while the apostates gathered round Hatm. Ala' bin Al-Hadrami (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) moved ahead with his army and camped near the military camp of Hatm. Hatm had dug trenches around his camp. The fight between the two started but none of them was crowned with victory even after a long period of one month. However, Ala' bin Al-Hadrami (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) lost his patience and launched such a furious attack across the enemy trenches that the enemy force was filled with wild terror, and with the killing of Hatm at the hands of Qais bin Asim, the entire enemy front was completely routed. Gradually all the apostates turned back to Islam.