The Yamamah Campaign: Mâlik bin Nuwairah, Musailamah the Liar and Khalid bin Walid’s Expedition

Assassination of Mâlik bin Nuwairah:

It has already been mentioned that Mâlik bin Nuwairah expressed joy over the death of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). He had also made peace with Sajâh but had later on severed his relation with her. When he was captured and brought before Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the Muslims argued that the people of the settlement of Malik bin Nuwairah had responded with Adhan and so he should not be killed. Others discounted this point since the Adhan was not called as a response and he should be killed as per the order of the caliph of the Prophet of Allah (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). The investigation of Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) could not bring the matter to light. But during his talk with Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) he referred to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) more than once as: "Your chief has said such and such." Being enraged at such a manner of address, Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "Was he not your chief?" But Malik bin Nuwairah did not make a satisfactory reply.

According to Tabari, Dirar bin Al-Azwar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), who was then standing near by with his sword in hand, cut the head of Malik off after taking a sign from Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). Such are the things that happen on the battlefield. But historians mention it for other reasons. Abu Qatadah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was also in the detachment of Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and was in support of the section which argued that Adhan was called in the settlement of Malik bin Nuwairah. Because of this he grew angry at the killing of Malik and returned to Al-Madinah without taking permission from Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the commander of the Muslim detachment. He lodged a complaint with the Caliph that Khalid bin Walid kills the Muslims without valid reasons. Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and others advised the Caliph to first depose Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and then take retaliatory action against him. It was easy to accuse him of killing a Muslim because he (Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ)) had later married the wife of Malik bin Nuwairah.

After a patient hearing of all the details, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) found Abu Qatadah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) guilty of disobeying his commander and leaving the detachment without his permission. He was then ordered to go back and join Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and carry out his orders and he did so accordingly. Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) then informed Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and the others that Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had merely committed a mistake in judgment. According to the principles of war and the military system, Khalid—the Sword among the Swords of Allah, could neither be brought to pay Qisas (retaliation) nor deposed. Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) then paid the blood money from the public treasury.

Musailamah the Liar

Banu Hanifah was one of the tribes, which appeared in the form of a deputation before the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) after the conquest of Makkah. Musailamah bin Hubaib belonged to this same tribe. On his return to Yamamah from Al-Madinah, he heard about the illness of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and declared his prophethood. He also sent a letter to the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) saying, "Since prophethood is being shared by both of us, each one is entitled to possess half of the country." The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) wrote back: "In the Name of Allah, the Most Gracious, the Most Merciful. From Muhammad, the (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) to Musailamah the liar. Peace be upon whom who follows the guidance. After that, the earth is Allah's. He gives it as a heritage to whom He wills of His slaves and the end is for the pious."

Following this letter, the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) sent Rajjal bin Anfuh, a respectable man of Banu Hanifah to bring Musailamah back to the path of guidance.

Rajjal reached Yamamah and then lent support to Musailamah instead, and became his follower. His notorious mission gained wide popularity. At last, Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent to punish him and then Shurhabil bin Hasanah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was dispatched with reinforcements. Ikrimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) invaded Musailamah's army before the arrival of the reinforcements and was defeated. Having heard this news, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) sent word to Ikrimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) not to return to Al-Madinah but to join Hudhaifah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and Arfajah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and fight with the people of Mahrah and Oman under their command. Having finished that campaign he had to leave for Yemen and Hadramout along with his detachment to join Muhajir bin Abu Umayyah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). He wrote to Shurhabil bin Hasanah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to go towards the territories of Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ); and leave for Quda'ah and fight along with the people under the command of Amr bin Al-As (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and punish the apostates there. In the meantime, Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) came back to Al-Madinah. Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) instead of calling him to account, sent him to punish Musailamah the liar at the head of a detachment including both the Muhajirin and the Ansar, which actually was a sign of respect to him.

Deviation to Nationality:

Musailamah had with him forty thousand warriors of the Rabi'ah tribe. Some of them knew him as a liar but their misdirected sense of national pride led them to wish him success. They would openly say, "Musailamah is a liar while Muhammad is truthful. However, to all of us, the liar-prophet of Rabi'ah is dearer than the truthful Prophet of Banu Mudar." After sending Khalid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the Caliph Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) dispatched a few more columns to strengthen the army of Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) who joined him on the way. Now the strength of the Muslim army under the command of Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) rose to thirteen thousand. When he was at a distance of one day from the city of Yamamah, he sent a small column as an advance guard.

The same day Musailamah had dispatched Mujja'ah bin Murarah at the head of sixty men to snipe at Banu Tamim. Thus this party came across the advance guard of the Muslim army. In the encounter, all the apostates were killed and their head Mujja'ah was brought before Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). When Khalid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reached Yamamah, Musailamah came out of the city and encamped in a fortified garden at the gate of the city.

The Apostasy Wars: Tulaihah Asadi, Sajah, and the Campaigns of Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه

Tulaihah Asadi

Tulaihah was a soothsayer who entered Islam but claimed for himself prophethood during the last days of the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). Some tribes of Children of Israel joined his party. Dirâr bin Al-Azwar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent to punish him but the task was not completed because he hurried back to Al-Madinah on hearing the sad news of the demise of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). During that period, Tulaihah Asadi had an opportunity to rebuild his position. The people of Ghatfân and Hawâzin tribes who had already been routed by Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) collected themselves once again to join the bandwagon of Tulaihah's party. He pitched his camp at Buzâkhah, the well-known stream of Najd, and the people of Ghatfân, Hawâzin, Banu Asad, Banu Âmir and Banu Tai gathered around him to make it a massive force.

Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) launched an attack on Tulaihah's troops at Buzâkhah, which was fighting under the command of Tulaihah's brother Khayyâl. Tulaihah himself was sitting farther from his troops in a mantle pretending to be waiting for a 'revelation'. The battle became intense.

When the apostates' troops began to suffer reverses, Uyainah bin Hisn came to Tulaihah and asked him if any revelation was sent down to him. "Not yet," Tulaihah replied. After a while he came again, repeated the same question, and received the same reply. Now the Muslim detachment was clearly dominating the battle scene and the apostates were getting routed. When Uyainah came to Tulaihah and put the same question to him for the third time, he replied rather cunningly, "Jibril has come to me to say that things will happen according to what is in store for us." Uyainah got enraged at this artful reply and exclaimed, "O people! Tulaihah is a liar, so I am leaving now." Having heard this, the apostates took to their heels leaving behind a great number of dead and many were captured. A large number of people returned to Islam on the spot.

Tulaihah, along with his wife fled on horseback and took refuge with the Qudâ'ah tribe. When all the other tribes, including his own, came back to the fold of Islam, Tulaihah also confessed Islam and came to Al-Madinah during the caliphate of Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). Uyainah was brought before Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) as a captive and was sent to Al-Madinah. Here he accepted Islam in state of humiliation but afterward he made himself sincere to it.

The fugitives from the army of Tulaihah, made up of the Ghatfân, Sulaim and Hawâzin tribes, collected at Hawâb and chose Salma bint Mâlik bin Hudhaifa bin Badr bin Zafar as their chief. Following this they made large-scale preparations against the Muslims. Informed of this, Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) moved to meet the lurking threat. Salma was herself heading the army. Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) attacked the enemy which resulted in fierce fighting between the two forces. About one hundred apostates were killed safeguarding her dromedary. At last she fell down from the injured she-camel and was instantly killed. Her followers immediately disappeared from the battleground.

About the same time a chieftain of Banu Sulaim, Al-Fajâh bin Abd Yâlil called on Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and said to him, "I am a Muslim. Please help me with weapons so that I can go and fight against the apostates." Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) granted his request. When he left Al-Madinah, he pronounced his apostasy and sniped at the sections of Banu Hawâzin and Banu Sulaim who had confessed Islam. After being informed of this treachery, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) sent Abdullah bin Qais (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) with a small party who caught the culprit, who was trying to escape, and brought him to Al-Madinah where he was killed.

Sajâh and Mâlik bin Nuwairah

Banu Tamim inhabited a few settlements where, during the lifetime of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), Mâlik bin Nuwairah, Waki' bin Mâlik, Safwân bin Safwân, Qais bin Asim (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) were working as collectors of Zakât and other charities. Now as the news of the Prophet's demise spread, Qais bin Asim (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) turned apostate while Mâlik bin Nuwairah expressed his joy. However, Safwân bin Safwân (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) remained firm as a Muslim.

In the meantime Sajâh bint Al-Hârith bin Suwaid of the Taghlib tribe declared her prophethood. Hudhail bin Imrân-the chief of Banu Taghlib, Uqbah bin Hilâl-the chief of Banu Namir and Salil bin Qais-the chief of Banu Shaibân accepted her claim. She was able to collect about four thousand soldiers around her and she moved ahead to invade Al-Madinah. She came to know that Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was also on the move from the opposite direction. This news was quite disturbing for her. Moreover Sajâh and Musailamah were afraid of each other, as both of them had claimed prophethood. Their anxiety multiplied when they came to know that both Ikrimah and Shurahbil (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had reached Yamâmah with Muslim detachments. Thus both of them were practicing caution.

At last, Musailamah wrote a letter to Sajâh to find out her intentions. She wrote back, "I wanted to invade Al-Madinah. Since both of us are prophets, let us launch a joint attack." Musailamah very haughtily replied, "While the Prophet Muhammad was alive, I had surrendered half of my country in his favor; after him I am the sole ruler of the country. However, since you too claim prophethood, I shall confer half of my prophethood on you. It is better that you come to me alone leaving your troops behind so that we can sit together in consultations concerning the division of the prophethood and the invasion of Al-Madinah."

Marriage of the Liar-prophetess:

Immediately after receiving the message of Musailamah she left to meet him. He welcomed her in a camp specially erected in front of his fortress. They held secret talks, which resulted in Sajâh accepting his prophethood and giving herself to him in marriage. She stayed with Musailamah for three days and then came back to her camp. The army asked about the bride price. She sent this request back to Musailamah and he exempted them from the dawn and night prayers as her bride price. As she moved ahead she came across the Muslim army led by Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). The soldiers of Sajâh became so terrified that they fled to far off places leaving Sajâh alone and she could barely save herself. She joined her tribe and passed the rest of her life in obscurity.

The Edict of Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه and the Campaigns Against Apostasy

Edict of Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ):

Immediately after his return to Al-Madinah, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) penned an edict and sent copies to the apostate tribes through his messengers to be read out in public gatherings. The contents of the edict were as follows:

From Abu Bakr, the Caliph of the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), to each and every person whether he has accepted Islam or not. Let it be known to one and all that Allâh the Almighty sent Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) as a true Prophet who sought to give glad tidings and to warn and to call to Allâh by His Order, he is the illuminated lamp of guidance. Allâh the Almighty guides one to the right path who accepts the invitation of Islam, but anyone who rejects it is made to show obedience through struggle and fighting. The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) made his final departure after accomplishing his task of calling people towards Islam and the straight path of Allâh. And Allâh the Almighty has already acquainted all with this in the Qur'ân:

"Verily, you will die and they will also die." (39:30)

"And We granted not to any human being immortality before you, then if you die, would they live forever?" (21:34)

"Muhammad is no more than a Messenger and indeed Messengers have passed away before him. Thus, if he is dead or killed, will you turn back? If anyone turns back, he will do no harm to Allâh the Almighty. Allâh the Almighty will give good reward to those who give thanks." (3:144)

Thus, one who worshipped Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) then Muhammad (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) is now dead and gone, but one who worshipped Allâh Alone then Allâh is living and He has not died; He is neither overpowered by sleep nor touched by drowsiness. He looks after His Own Orders and will at anytime take revenge on His enemies. I exhort you all to fear Allâh, to share what the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) brought in the form of light and guidance from Allâh, to follow the guidance of Allâh and to hold firmly to the rope of the religion of Allâh. Anyone who is not guided by Allâh the Almighty, goes astray; he is helpless and alone who is deprived of the support of Allâh. No deed of a man is acceptable in this world and the Hereafter while he rejects Islam. I have come to know that some of you have turned to follow Satan and acts of ignorance forsaking Allah the Almighty. Allâh the Almighty says that Satan is your sworn enemy, so be hostile to Satan, for he seeks to make his followers dwellers of Hell-fire. I have decided to send the detachment made up of the Muhâjirin and the Ansâr to you, they follow virtue. I have instructed them not to fight anybody without calling them to Islam and to lend support to those who accept Islam, to keep from evil and reject not the good, and to fight those who reject Islam. It is good for the one who accepts Islam. I have ordered my emissary to read out this message at a large gathering. When a Muslim detachment draws near and its caller calls the Adhân, you too respond to it by calling the Adhân, this symbolizes your acceptance of Islam and thus spares your life. If you fail to call the Adhân, you will invite the Muslims to attack.

Uprooting the Apostates:

As a follow-up action, after the dispatch of emissaries with the circulars, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) made eleven banners. Each to be given to eleven heads who were chosen to lead separate detachments with the instructions that they should take some men from Makkah, Tâ'if and other places, and leave the rest to look after the home front. The first of the flags was handed over to Khâlid bin Walid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) with the order to launch his first attack at Tulaihah bin Khuwailid Asadi and to make Mâlik bin Nuwairah his next target at Butah. Another standard was given to Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl to make an attack on Musailamah the liar at Yamâmah. Shurahbil bin Hasanah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was given the third banner to first assist Ikrimah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and then go to Hadramout to invade Banu Kindah and Banu Qudâ'ah. The fourth one was entrusted to Khâlid bin Saeed bin Al-Âs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to go to Syria and put down uprisings with a firm hand. Fifth standard was given to Amr bin Al-Âs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) for Banu Qudâ'ah. Hudhaifa bin Mihsan (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was sent to the people of Oman, and Arfajah bin Harthamah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to Mahrah with the seventh one. The eighth one was given to Tarqah bin Hâjib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to go to Banu Sulaim and Banu Hawâzin. Suwaid bin Muqarrin (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was ordered to go to Yemen (Tihâmah) with the ninth one. Ala' bin Hadrami (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) with the tenth standard was sent to Bahrain. Muhâjir bin Abu Umayyah was sent to San'â' with the eleventh. All these heads were given a circular with the same content, which is given here:

The Manifesto of Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ):

This is a covenant from Abu Bakr, the Caliph of the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), which is handed over to so-and-so, the head of the detachment on the eve of his departure to fight the apostates. From the commander of the detachment I have obtained his undertaking to fear Allâh the Almighty in all affairs of life inwardly and outwardly. I have ordered him to make them see reason before falling on the apostates and to stop fighting if and when they accept Islam and then make them learn their rights and duties and their rights be given and the duties due on them be taken without showing concessions whatsoever. Whoever keeps any other kind of belief after the confessing of Islam is left to Allâh to be accountable to Him. But those who will carry the matter to the point of fighting by rejecting Islam outright, if overpowered or defeated by the believers, their spoils are to be distributed among the Muslims after taking out the fifth part therefrom. I have also issued orders to the commanders to stop their troops from creating disturbances and taking hasty actions resulting in chaos and havoc and from admitting strangers to their detachment without their knowing perfectly their identity. I have also written them to treat the Muslims politely and show mercy to the people while camping at and decamping a place.

All these detachments left Al-Madinah in the month of Jumâda Al-Ukhra 11 AH, for the territories assigned to them.

The Success of Usamah’s Expedition and Abu Bakr Siddiq’s رضي الله عنه Stand Against Apostasy

Success achieved by Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ):

Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) reached the valleys of Jardon and Balqa' and defeated the Roman army. He returned after forty days with an immense amount of spoils of war and prisoners. Even as the departure of the Muslim army was in an atmosphere charged with disorder, disruption and misdirected emotion, and to invade and punish the formidable Romans looked unreasonable and risky to the extreme, the fruits of this adventure were justly wholesome and sweet. It sent terror into the hearts of the apostates and the opponents of Islam and convinced them to the core that the absence of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) did not diminish the Muslim's invincible determination and courage and love for Islam. As a result, the claimants of prophethood like Tulaihah Asadi and Musailamah the liar could not muster enough courage to step forth from their own territories. Those who had refused to pay Zakât meekly surrendered to the will of Islam. Moreover, the substantial quantity of spoils of war played a significant role in strengthening the Islamic army and improving the economic condition of the believers.

Trial of Apostasy

To assume that the death of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) sent Arabia except Al-Madinah, Makkah and Tâ'if into the fold of apostasy is not the truth. They had not shifted from Tauhid to Shirk (polytheism) all of a sudden and took to idol worship. The fact is that even the false claimants to prophethood were not against Salât (prayer). They were, however, particularly against the payment of Zakât for it went against their sense of freedom and dignity, and these new Muslims were ahead of others in rejecting what they claimed as an 'undignified' demand of Islam. Since they could be easily aroused against this most important pillar of Islam, men like Musailamah and Tulaihah used it as a tool to fulfil their evil plans.

In short, the issue before the Muslims was not polytheism and idol worship; what was threatening and injurious was the question of unity and solidarity of the system Islam had established at the cost of many sacrifices. The rejection of the demand of Zakât was even more dangerous to the cause of Islam than the battles fought by the Muslims against the external forces inimical to Islam. The Chief of the believers, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) held an emergency meeting of the Companions on this explosive issue. But they put forward their opinion against fighting with the rejecters of Zakât, just as they were not in favor of Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) leading an army against the Romans. But on this occasion too, the inimitable courage and determination of Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) prevailed over all kinds of anxieties and misgivings. He announced with indomitable spirit and firmness that he would go and fight against any tribe who refused to pay even one animal or one rope that was due.

In the meantime the deputations of the apostates came to Al-Madinah and said, "We perform prayer but we want an exemption from Zakât." But this hard-hitting reply made them silently go back to their respective places. In the wake of the hard line adopted by Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), they rose as one man against the Islamic State. The prevailing confusion and threat to the unity and integrity of Islam needed a leader of outstanding courage and determination. Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was fit to face this disorderly situation and the unruly people who were making preparations to invade Al-Madinah, in the absence of Muslim troops, who were fighting the Romans far away from their center.

However, even in the face of such a trying situation, the Caliph of Islam was not ready to give any concession concerning his decision and would not compromise with the forces seeking to break the basic tenets of Islam. He was in full control of the situation both internally and externally. He kept himself in close contact with the Muslim forces fighting in the far off lands and issued the necessary orders to the collectors of Zakât. He encouraged the people of Al-Madinah to keep firm and unified and he made the preparations necessary to deal with the opportunistic alliances of those who had vested interests.

He asked the fighters among the people of Al-Madinah to keep alert and be on guard in front of the Prophet's Mosque, while Ali, Zubair, Talhah and Abdullah bin Mas'ud (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) were sent on patrol duty around Al-Madinah. Information reached the headquarters that the people of Abs, Dhubyân, Banu Kinânah and Banu Asad tribes had collected to attack the Muslims. Their march towards Al-Madinah was checked by the patrols, which also sent news to Al-Madinah about the enemy movement. Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) himself went to repulse the enemy attack up to Dhu Khushub. However, when Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) went again for an encounter, they used drums and other instruments that caused the camels of the Muslims to get scared and they fled back to Al-Madinah. Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) organized them and made a fierce charge on the enemy and routed them completely killing many of them after a fight of five or six hours.

Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) sent the spoils of war to Al-Madinah under the charge of Nu'mân bin Muqrin (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and a small party, and himself went to Dhul-Qassah in hot pursuit of the enemy. Meanwhile the enemy invaded some tribes in the back area and martyred many Muslims there. When Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) came to know of the incident on his return, he vowed to kill as many apostates equal to the number of Muslims who were martyred at their hands. He was on the verge of leaving Al-Madinah when Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) entered Al-Madinah with booty in large quantity. Because the detachment was terribly exhausted, he left it in Al-Madinah to take rest and guard it against any fresh attack. And he himself left Al-Madinah at the head of a small detachment and went up to Dhu Khushub and Dhul-Qassah raiding their centers and routing who ever faced them. After finishing his task, he stayed at Abraq for a couple of days before his departure to Al-Madinah.

Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه: His First Address, Courage and the March of Usamah’s Army

Address of Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ)

After the meeting at Saqifah Banu Sâ'idah and being absolved from his duty of the burial of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) took the oath of allegiance from the general population and then rose to deliver his address. After praising and glorifying Allâh, he said to the people:

"I have been chosen as your chief although I am better than none of you. Thus, if I do good work it is incumbent on you to extend your help and support to me; if I go wrong it is your duty to put me on the right path. Truth and righteousness are a trust and untruth is a breach of trust. The weak among you are strong to me unless I give them full justice, and the strong among you are weak to me unless I receive what is due from them. Abandon not Jihâd, when the people hold back from Jihâd, they are put to disgrace. Obey me while I keep obeying Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم); renounce me when I disobey Allâh and His Messenger (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), for obedience to me is not incumbent on you then."

That was the day when thirty-three thousand Companions pledged their allegiance to Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). The dispute between the Muhâjirin and the Ansâr was solved leaving no hard feelings behind. It was because the Companions of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had thoroughly learned to prefer Faith to temporal affairs and due to this quality no other segment of humanity ever attained the level of development that the Companions of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had gracefully reached.

Usâmah's Army marches on

The people of Yemen and Najd had come into the fold of Islam just a few months before the death of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and Islam had not yet entered their hearts perfectly bringing about the complete transformation of their thoughts and actions. This resulted in men like Aswad and Musailamah raising their heads to claim prophethood and leading a section of new Muslims astray in each territory. The final departure of the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) came as a golden opportunity for them to cash in on the prevailing shock and feeling of disappointment among the Muslims at large.

Every age produces some mischiefmongers of an evil nature and they try to take advantage of these type of situations. Thus some people and tribes having an extreme lust for power and fame, raised their heads and set about devising ways and means to capture power and bring the Muslims under their direct influence. As a result of the winds of apostasy and hypocrisy blowing here and there, the pure and sincere Muslims felt shocked and deeply disturbed. Had they not been brought up by the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) and his sacred company to instill courage, determination and firmness, the binding force of Islam would have been miserably disintegrated.

Almost every where in the Arabian continent except Al-Madinah, Makkah and Tâ'if, the flames of apostasy were fiercely raging threatening to burn down the citadel of Islam. Still more disturbing were the reports that forces inimical to Islam had once again mustered courage to invade Al-Madinah, and preparations were on to implement their long standing and wicked plans. The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had already dispatched an expedition headed by Usâmah bin Zaid (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to take on the Romans in Syria, which had halted its movement due to the serious illness of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم).

Now when Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) wanted to send the same expedition after the death of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), the Companions put forward their suggestion to the Caliph that in the wake of the clouds of apostasy gathering on all sides, the expedition should be held back for sometime. It shows the fathomless depth of courage, grit, determination and power of Faith wielded by Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) when he answered them, "If I was convinced that a beast would tear me apart after the dispatch of the army, I would not hold back at any cost what the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had ordered to go ahead."

In response to the call of the Caliph, the Companions already enlisted collected in the military camp outside Al-Madinah. Although they joined the army of Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) a section still had some reservations about it for two reasons. One, Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was the son of a slave and he was only 17 years old, and therefore, too young and inexperienced to lead an army of distinguished Companions. Before moving ahead Usâmah sent Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) as a soldier of his army to Al-Madinah with the message that the eminent Companions should be called back as the headquarters of Islam was under the threat of an enemy attack. The Ansâr also sent a message to the Caliph through Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) that an elderly person of noble stock be appointed as the commander of the Muslim troops. Responding to the message of Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the Caliph said, "Had the departure of Muslim troops rendered the city of Al-Madinah vacant and I would be left alone to be taken away by beasts of prey, the march of the army would not be put off." As to the message of the Ansâr, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said "They still carry the impression of arrogance and snobbery in their hearts." Following this he got up and left on foot for the military camp outside Al-Madinah to personally see off Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and his army. Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) moved ahead and Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) walked along with the mount of the commander talking and discussing matters of importance. Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said to the Caliph, "Either you mount the animal or allow me to get down to accompany you on foot." The Caliph replied, "I shall not ride nor do you need to get down. What harm shall I be inflicted with if I accompany you over some distance in the way of Allâh." This act of Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was the practical answer to the Ansâr who had some misgivings regarding the command of Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ).

Exhortations to Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ):

Walking along with the mount of Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), the Chief of the believers instructed Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) about a ten-point doctrine, which he should follow strictly during the battle and they are as follows:

Do not approach embezzlement. (2) Do not tell a lie. (3) Do not commit a breach of trust. (4) Do not kill children, women or the aged. (5) Do not cut down trees with fruit. (6) Slaughter not camels, cows or goats for any purpose other than eating. (7) Call to Islam the people you find. (8) Pay due respect to anyone you meet. (9) Start eating in the Name of Allâh when the meal is served to you. (10) Fight not with those among the Jews and the Christians who have taken refuge in their places of worship. And finally, neither add to what the Messenger of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) has ordered you to do nor subtract from it. Fight the disbelievers with the Name of Allâh and in His way.

Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) went along with Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) up to Jurf and then came back. Before taking leave, he said to Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), "If you grant permission I want Umar to be in Al-Madinah to assist and give me advice." Usâmah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) promptly permitted Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) to return back to Al-Madinah.

It is significant and exemplary that the Caliph took permission from the military commander to keep Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) with him although he was totally within his rights to order this on his own.

Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه: Simple Living, Saqifah and the Pledge of Caliphate

Beautiful Living:

Ata' bin Sâ'ib (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) states: "The day after the oath of allegiance (Bai'ah), Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was seen going to the market with two sheets.'Where are you going?' Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) inquired of him. 'To the market,' he replied. 'You should leave this business for you have now become the Leader of the believers,' Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) argued. 'From where will my wife and children and myself eat?' Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) asked. 'Leave it to Abu Ubaidah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ),' Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said. Following this, both of them called on Abu Ubaidah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said to him, 'Collect from the Muhâjirin a maintenance allowance for me and my wife and children. Everything should be very ordinary. Garments for summer and winter will be needed and they are to be returned when worn out before the demand for new ones are made'."

Abu Bakr bin Hafs (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) states that Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said to Âishah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) before his death, "I was only benefited from the service done to the Muslims by eating and wearing whatever rough and coarse clothes were available. I have nothing of the public funds with me except a slave, a dromedary and an old sheet. Send all of these to Umar when I am no more."

Hasan bin Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) relates that on the eve of his death, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said to Âishah Siddiqah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), "After my death you will send to Umar this she-camel whose milk we drank, this big bowl I ate from and these sheets. I had taken these articles from the Bait-ul-Mâl (public funds) in my capacity as the caliph." When these things reached Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) he remarked, "May Allâh show mercy on Abu Bakr, how terribly he suffered for us." Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) never kept wealth and goods deposited with the Bait-ul-Mâl. He spent on the Muslims whatever came to the public treasury. At times he purchased horses and weapons to be given in the way of Allâh and sometimes he bought clothes for the poor and the bedouins. When Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ), along with some Companions, examined the Bait-ul-Mâl after Abu Bakr's death, it was empty. The little girls of the locality would come to him with their goat to be milked and he would do it for them. Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) used to sit among people in a manner that nobody could recognize who was the caliph.

Important Events of the Siddiqi Caliphate | Hall of Banu Sâ'idah and the Pledge of Caliphate

When Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) came to know of the congregation of the Ansâr in the Hall of Banu Sâ'idah to choose an Amir (Chief) from the Ansâr, he hurried to the spot accompanied by Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). It was a crucial moment in Islamic history. A little delay or neglect might have disrupted the unity between the Muhâjirin and the Ansâr causing the Muslims immense harm. But since Allâh the Almighty had decided otherwise, He infused in Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) the courage and determination necessary to face the troubled situation and by his wisdom the situation was resolved. The Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had unified the Muslims in a manner that the idols of tribal and national arrogance and discrimination had been broken to pieces. Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) saved the situation and stopped the trouble in its beginning.

Although the number of the Muhâjirin in Al-Madinah was less than the Ansâr, the Ansâr were divided in two large sections, the Aus and the Khazraj, who had been rivals from the pre-Islamic days. Thus the Muslims of Al-Madinah could possibly be divided along their old tribal lines into three large sections, the third being the Muhâjirin or the people of Quraish.

Bai'ah (Pledge)

Shortly after the demise of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), all the Muhâjirin assembled in the Prophet's Mosque because the majority of the Muhâjirin lived in the vicinity of the Mosque while the Ansâr were much less in number. Another Muslim gathering in Saqifah Banu Sâ'idah consisted of the Ansâr and a Muhâjir or two. With Islam still in its beginning, its growth, the hostile endeavors of its opponents, turbulence and turmoil created by battles and expeditions, the extermination of polytheism and the Muslims bowing their will before the Islamic codes made it tremendously important for the Muslims as a whole to choose for themselves an Amir without any delay.

The loving sentiments of Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) gave the people no opportunity to think over the issue of the caliphate. Had Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) not hurried to the spot on hearing the terrible news of the Prophet's demise, nobody can say how long the people in the Prophet's Mosque would have been in the grip of that distressing situation. The congregation held at the sitting place of Saad bin Ubâdah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) was different. They were comparatively peaceful and were seriously deliberating the issue of choosing a successor of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) in temporal affairs. This congregation belonged to the Ansâr and was held at the place of Saad bin Ubâdah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) who was the chief of the Khazraj. This section of the Ansâr were superior to the Aus in number and wealth, it was only natural that the majority of them would be in favor of the Khazraj chief.

Although the Muhâjirin numbered less in Al-Madinah, they were so influential and in command of the affairs that an Ansâri got up to say how could the Muhâjirin be forced to accept a caliph from the Ansâr. Another Ansâri rose to suggest that a caliph from Muhâjirin and another from the Ansâr was the best and the most reasonable solution. "But it will be a show of weakness on our part," Saad bin Ubâdah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said objecting to the dual system. In response to this plea, an Ansâr rose to say, "In case they reject our caliph, we shall drive them out from Al-Madinah at the point of our swords." However, the few Muhâjirin in the assembly protested against this attitude and this led to a dispute and disorder of a serious nature and a fight between the Muhâjirin and the Ansâr seemed possible.

When the situation took this ugly turn, Mughirah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) bin Shubah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) left the trouble spot and came to the Prophet's Mosque to relate what was going on in Saqifah Banu Sâ'idah. The situation on this side was that Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) had just finished his speech and was now engaged in making arrangements for the burial. But on hearing this awful news he left everything to go to the Ansâr and bring the situation under control.

He took with him Umar and Abu Ubaidah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and left Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and others to make arrangements for the burial of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم). In a situation packed with confusion, disorder, anger and emotion only a man like Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) could do what was necessary. When Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) made an attempt to say something, Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) put a check on him for he knew that an emotionally charged Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) could mishandle the already deteriorating situation.

Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) himself rose to speak and said in a tone filled with confidence and firmness, "The first among the chiefs will be from the Muhâjirin, and the Ansâr will be their advisors." Thereupon Hubâb bin Al-Mundhir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "It seems reasonable that there should be one Amir (chief) from us and another from you." Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) replied, "You remember very well that the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had exhorted the Muhâjirin to take care of the Ansâr and did not ask the Ansâr to make concessions to the Muhâjirin. This will of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) goes in favor of the Muhâjirin to be at the helm of affairs."

Hubâb bin Al-Mundhir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) tried to answer back but Abu Ubaidah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) pacified both of them. Meanwhile Bashir bin An-Numân bin Ka'b Ansâri (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) got up and expressed his feeling, "The Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) most certainly belonged to the Quraish tribe so the people of the Quraish alone deserve the caliphate. We, no doubt, lent our help and support to Islam, but our efforts were meant solely for seeking the Pleasure of Allâh, and we don't want its compensation in this world nor do we want to pick a quarrel with he Muhâjirin."

Following this, Hubâb bin Al-Mundhir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "You have showed utmost timidity and undid our position as a whole." Bashir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) replied, "I have not showed any timidity and I have preferred not to bicker over the caliphate with the people who really deserve it. Have you not heard O Hubâb that the Prophet of Allâh (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) had said, 'Imams will come from the Quraish.'?" These utterances of Bashir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) received support from some other Ansâr too. Hubâb bin Al-Mundhir (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) also kept silent and changed his opinion. In this way the religious and spiritual considerations prevailed over the material and temporal ones.

Now the entire congregation plunged in deep silence and the growing conflict between the Muhâjirin and the Ansâr over the issue of the caliphate disappeared. In this state of perfect peace, Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "Umar and Abu Ubaydah are here, choose anyone of them." Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said, "No, Abu Bakr is the most excellent among the Muhâjirin. He has been the Companion of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) in the cave; the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) asked him to officiate in leading the Muslims in prayers, and prayer is the most superior of all other Articles of Faith. Therefore, none is entitled to assume the duties of the caliphate in the presence of Abu Bakr." Saying this Umar (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) stretched his hand first of all to take Bai'ah (oath of allegiance) at the hand of Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) followed by Abu Ubaidah and Bashir bin Saad Ansâri (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ). After that the people on all sides of Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) came to take Bai'ah. As the news spread, all the believers rushed to pledge their allegiance to the caliph.

Saad bin Ubâdah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) from the Ansâr and those from the Muhâjirin who were engaged in making arrangements for the burial, did not take the Bai'ah in Saqifah Banu Sâ'idah. However, Saad (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) took the Bai'ah with Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) later the same day. Ali, Zubair and Talhah (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) didn't take Bai'alt for 40 days or according to some narratives for six months with the complaint that they were not included in the consultations that were held at Saqifah Banu Sâ'idah concerning the Bai'ah.

One day Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) came to Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) and said, "I don't refuse to admit that your virtues entitle you to the caliphate. My sole complaint is that we are the close relatives of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم), why did you then take Bai'ah at Saqifah Banu Sâ'idah without consulting us. Had you called us there, we would have taken Bai'ah at your hand ahead of everyone." Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said in reply, "To treat the relatives of the Prophet (صلى الله عليه وآله وسلم) well is dearer and more desirable to me than to do so for my own relatives. I went to Saqifah Banu Sâ'idah not for the taking of Bai'ah but for putting an end to the dispute arising between the Muhâjirin and the Ansâr, which had caused a difficult situation. I did not seek their support, they rather took their oath of allegiance to me on their own and demonstrated their complete unanimity in this matter. Had I delayed the matter, it would have posed a greater danger to the unity, integrity and solidarity of Islam. How could I send for you when there was no time." Ali (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) listened to what Abu Bakr Siddiq (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) said with rapt attention and withdrew his complaint gracefully. The next day he pronounced his allegiance to Abu Bakr (رَضِيَ ٱللَّٰهُ عَنْهُ) before a large congregation in the Prophet's Mosque.