Early Life

“No one has been a better companion to me than Abu Bakr”, said the Holy
Prophet, in his last sermon.

A great reward indeed! Abu Bakr has earned it. All his life he stood by the
side of the Master. He did not care for his life. He did not care for his riches.
He did not care for what others said about him. His only ambition is to
serve the master more than any thing else. The cost did not matter. The
ambition was fulfilled and Abu Bakr got his reward in full. The Messenger of
Allah was well pleased with him. He gave him the first place among the
Companions. Abu Bakr was to be the first man to fill the place of the
Master. He was also to lie in eternal rest by the Master’s side.

Abu Bakr was two years younger than the master. His parents named him
Abdul Kaaba, which means the “servant of the Kaaba”. When he became a
Muslim, the Master changed his pagan name to Abdullah. However, in
early youth he had adopted the surname of Abu Bakr. He had come to be
known by his name among people. Even to this day, the world generally
knows him as Abu Bakr.

The name of the Abu Bakr’s father was Uthman, but he was known as Abu
Qahafa. Salma was Abu Bakr’s mother. She was also known as Umm-ul-
Khair. Abu Bakr belonged to a branch of the Quraish.

From early years, Abu Bakr was known for good and upright nature. He
was honest and truthful. He came of a noble family. These things won him
respect among the people. His goodness also won him respect among the
people. His goodness also won him the friendship of young Muhammad
(Peace be upon him). The two became fast friends in early boyhood. The
friendship was to prove life-long and history-making.

When he grew up, Abu Bakr became a rich merchant. But he used his
riches to help the poor. He was very kind hearted. When he saw someone
in trouble, his heart melted. He did his best to help him. If his money could
remove suffering, he did not care how much he had to spend. Once he
gave thirty five thousand dirham out of his total fortune of forty thousand.
He was so honest in his dealings that people kept their money with him.
Above all, Abu Bakr had a sincere heart and a firm will. Nothing could stop
him from doing what he thought was the right thing to do.

These great qualities were soon to serve the noblest cause known to the
world. Abu Bakr was to become the strongest supporter of the Redeemer
of the mankind. He was to become the first among the Companions. He
was to make Arabia and thereby the world safe for Islam after the Master
had passed away.

First among men

Abu Bakr was always very close to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). He knew
him better than any other man. He knew how honest and upright his friend
always had been. So he was the first among men to believe in his Mission.
He was the first adult male to accept Islam. After the first revelation, the
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) told him what happened at Mount Hira. He told him
that Allah had made him his Messenger. Abu Bakr did not stop to think. He
at once became Muslim. Once the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself
remarked, “I called people to Islam. Everybody thought over it, at least for a
while, but this was not the case with Abu Bakr. The moment I put Islam
before him, he accepted it without any hesitation.”

Abu Bakr did more than that. As soon as he became Muslim, he began to
preach Islam to others. He had many friends. The friends knew that Abu
Bakr was sincere and truthful. They knew he would never support a wrong
cause. He called them to Islam and they became Muslims. Among them
were like Uthman, Zubair. Talha, Abdur Rehman bin Auf and Saad bin
Waqqas.

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) called at Abu Bakr’s house every day. The two
sat down and thought ways of spreading Islam. Together they went to
people and places and delivered the message of Allah. Where ever the
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) went, Abu Bakr went with him.

The message of Islam made the people of Mecca very angry. The idols
were their gods. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) openly mocked at these gods.
He declared they could do openly mocked at these gods. He declared they
could do neither any good nor any harm. Among the chiefs of Mecca was
one Abu Jahl. He became the greatest enemy of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).
He was always on the look out to hurt him or even kill him, if he could. Abu
Bakr kept an eye on this man, lest he should do a grace harm to Islam.

One day the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) was saying his prayers in the Kaaba
and he was totally captured in the thoughts of Allah. Abu Jahl and some
other Chiefs of Mecca were sitting in the courtyard of the Kaaba. “I must
finish with Muhammad today”, said Abu Jahl. So saying, he took a long
piece of cloth. He put it round the Holy Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) neck, then he
twisted it hard. He was going to strangle the Messenger of Allah to death.
The other Chiefs looked on and laughed.

Abu Bakr happened to see his from a distance. He at once ran to the help
of the Master. He pushed Abu Jahl aside and took off the cloth from around
the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) neck. Thereupon Abu Jahl and other enemies
of Islam came down upon Abu Bakr. They beat him very much. Indeed, the
beating was so severe that Abu Bakr fell down senseless, he was carried
home. He could not regain his senses till after the several hours. And when
he did come to himself, the first question he asked was, “is the Master un-
hurt?” Abu Bakr did not care for his own suffering. He was glad that he was
able to save the Master’s life. Abu Bakr knew full well that if any harm came
to the Master, the only hope of mankind would be gone. This made him risk
everything he held dear, for the safety of the Master and for the spread of
his message.

Liberation of Slaves

As years went by, the people of Mecca became more and more hard upon
the Muslims. They made life difficult for them. Muslim slaves who had non-
Muslim masters were the worst sufferers. They could not run away from
their cruel masters, nor would they give up Islam. They make them lie, all
naked, on burning sand. Then they put big stones on their chests. The poor
slaves silently bore this all. They had no way of escape. Some of them
found escape only in death.
Abu Bakr’s wealth came to the rescue of many help less Muslim slaves. He
bought them from their inhuman masters and set them free. Bilal, the
negro, was one of such slaves. He was the slave of Omayya bin Khalaf.
Omayya was a heartless man. He would strip Bilal of all clothes, make him
lie on the burning sand at mid-day and then lash him mercilessly. Despite
this torture, Bilal would go on saying, “Allah is one, Allah is one!” and one
day Abu Bakr happened to pass by. He was greatly moved by the sight.
“Why are you so cruel to this helpless man?” he said to Omayya. “If you
feel for him, why don’t you buy him?” retorted Omayya. So Abu Bakr at
once brought Bilal at a heavy price and set him free. Bilal afterward
became the well-known “ Muazzin” at the Prophet’s mosque.

Migration to Abyssinia

When Muslims found life difficult at Mecca, they thought going to some
other land. With the permission of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), a party of
them went to Abyssinia. Here they lived in peace. So many more Muslims
followed them.

Being the first man to go over to Islam, Abu Bakr had brought upon himself
the special anger and hatred of the Meccan chiefs. Soon he felt hard
pressed and asked permission of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to go to
Abyssinia. The permission was granted and Abu Bakr set off on his
journey.

On the way he met the chief of Qara, Ibn-ud-Daghna “What place are you
bound for Abu Bakr?” he asked.

“The people of Mecca have cast me out,” replied Abu Bakr. “I am going to
Abyssinia. There I will be able to worship the Lord the way I want to.”

“A man like you should not be cast out,” said Ibn-ud-Daghna. “You help the
poor, you are kind to those who are in trouble. You are so nice to your
guests. I will take you back to Mecca on my own responsibility.”

So Abu Bakr was back at Mecca. Ibn-ud-Daghan declared to the people

that Abu Bakr was under his protection, so no one should harm him. The
Meccans saud that they would let Abu Bakr alone, only if he did not preach
his faith publicly.

Abu Bakr could not act on this condition very long. Soon he was preaching
Islam as openly as ever. The Meccans complained to Ibn-ud-Daghna. He
requested Abu Bakr not to make his position difficult. To this Abu Bakr
replied, “I do not need your protection. Allah is enough for me.”

The title of “Siddiq”

In the tenth year of his Mission, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) had the miraj of
ascension. One night the angel Gabriel came with the word that Allah the
Almighty wanted the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to come all the way up to the
highest heaven. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) under took the journey.

The journey started on winged horse, Gabriel leading the way. After a point
Gabriel said he go no farther.

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) then flew on alone. At last he was before the
very throne of Allah, the Almighty. There was a heart-to-heart talk between
the two from behind the screen. All this took place overnight.

In the morning the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) talked to people about the Miraj.
This the jeers of his enemies.

“Look!” they howled out, “what non-sense he talks! Surely, now his
followers too will laugh at him. Who is going to believe in such a
midsummer night dream?”

The talk was going on when Abu Bakr came up. “Do you know, Abu Bakr,
what news your friend has for you this morning?” said one of the men. “He
says he was on the highest heaven last night, having a talk with Allah, the
Almighty, would you believe it?”

“I would believe anything that the Messenger of Allah says,” replied Abu
Bakr.

When the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) learnt of this, he at once said, “Abu Bakr
is the ‘Siddiq.’” ‘Siddiq’ is a person so sincere of heart that doubts never
mar his love. Abu Bakr earned this title because his faith was too strong to
be shaken by anything.

Migration to Medina

When the Meccans were intent on putting out, once and for all, the light of
Islam, Allah commanded the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to move to Medina. In
the burning heat of the mid day sun there was a knock at Abu Bakr’s door.
He ran to the door and found the Messenger of Allah standing outside. “I
must leave Medina tonight,” said he.

“Will I also have the honour of going with you?” asked Abu Bakr eagerly.

“Of course,” came the reply. “Set about getting things ready.”

Abu Bakr was beside himself with joy. “I have been looking forward to this
day for months,” he exclaimed. “I have especially kept two camels to carry
us to Medina.”

It was Abu Bakr who made all arrangements for the historic journey. For
three days he and the Master lay hidden in the Thaur cave. Abu Bakr’s
slave tended the flocks of goats near cave all the day and supplied them
fresh milk for food. His son, Abdullah, brought news about what the
Meccans were doing.

The Meccans were searching for the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) like mad
hounds. Once they came right to the mouth of the cave. Abu Bakr gew pale
with fright. He feared, not for himself, but for the Master. However, the Holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H) perfectly calm. “Do not fear, he said to Abu Bakr”,
“certainly Allah is with us”

Of all Companions, Abu Bakr had the honour of being with the Master
during the most critical days of his life. Abu Bakr knew full well what his
honor meant. And he did full justice to the trust put in him.

Participation in Battles

Abu Bakr took part in all the battles that the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) had to
fight. All his life, he fought bravely under the banner of the Master. At Ohud
and Hunain, some of the men showed weakness, as they forgot to do their
duty. But Abu Bakr’s faith never wavered. He always stood like a rock by
the side of the Master.

At Badr, one of Abu Bakr’s sons, who had not yet embraced Islam, was
fighting on the side of Meccan. Afterwards, when he became a Muslim, he
one day said, “Father! At Badr you were twice under my sword. But my love
for you held back my hand.”

“Son!” remarked Abu Bakr, “If I had got that chance only once , you must
have been no more.”

When peace talks as Hudaibiya were going on, Abu Bakr sat by the side of
the Master. During conversation, the spokesman of the Quraish every now
and then gave a jerk to the beard of the Master, after the Arab fashion. This
was too much for Abu Bakr. He took out his sword and looked angrily at the
man. “If that hand touches the beared of the Master again,” he warned, “it
will not be allowed to go back”

This amazed the Meccan agents. “What a change in Abu Bakr!” they
whispered to one another. “He was known for soft-heartedness. How
strong and firm he is now become! He is no longer the self-same Abu
Bakr.”

Tabuk was the last expedition of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). he was keen
to make it a great success. He asked people to help the expedition with
whatever they could. This time Abu Bakr beat all past records. He took all
jis money and household articles and heaped them at the Master’s feet.
“Have you left back anything for your wife and children?” asked the Holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H).

“Allah and his Apostle are enough for them,” replied Abu Bakr calmly.
Those standing around were stunned. It was impossible to out do Abu Bakr
in the field of service to Islam.

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) felt much pleased at this answer. He made
Abu Bakr the standard bearer of the expedition.
Abu Bakr’s closeness to the Master and his boundless devotion to Islam
won him universal respect. No only was he the first man to accept Islam, he
was also the foremost among Muslims to uphold the cause of Islam.

Agent to the Master

Mecca fell in the eighth year of Hijra. Kaaba was, for the first time, in the
hands of Muslims, it had to be cleaned of the traces of idol-worship and the
silly practices of pagan days. Hitherto pagan Arabs had done absurd things
at the time of Hajj. They went round the house of Allah naked. They did
many other foolish and unclean things. All this had to be stopped.

The first Hajj under Islam fell in the ninth year of Hijra. The Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) was too busy at Medina to lead the Hajj himself. So he sent Abu
Bakr at his agent. He was to lead the Hajj in place of the Master. Ali was
also sent with Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr read the Khutba (Sermon) of Hajj. Then
Ali stood up and read out to the people the commandments of Allah
concerning idolworshippers. From that year on, they were forbidden to
enter the Kaaba.

Ever since he came to Medina, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself lef
prayers in the Prophet’s Mosque. It was unusually high office which the
Messenger of Allah himself filled. During his last illness, the Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) could no longer lead prayers. He grew too weak to go the
mosque. He had to appoint someone to act in his place. This honour also
fell to the lot of Abu Bakr. Aisha, who was Abu Bakr’s daughter and a wife
of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), thought that the burden was too much for her
tender hearted father. She pleaded with Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) to excuse
her father from his duty. But the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) did not change his
mind.

Thus in the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), Abu Bakr came to fill the
highest office under Islam. One day Abu Bakr was away on business and
Omar led the prayer in his absence. “This is not Abu Bakr’s voice”
remarked the ailing Messenger of Allah. “No one but he should lead
prayers. He is the fittest person for his high office.”
On the last day of his life, the condition of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) became
suddenly better for a while. It was early morning, Abu Bakr was leading the
prayer in the mosque. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) lifted the curain of his
door and fixed his gaze on the worshippers. They were busy in prayer
under Abu Bakr’s leadership. A smile lit up the place face of Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H). he let go the curtain, as his weak hand could no longer hold it.
But he was happy at the thought that he had chosen the best man to fill his
place.

Abu Bakr Elected Caliph

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) occupied a unique place among his people. He
was everything to them. From warring ignorant pagans, he made them a
nation peaceful, God fearing people. They were “dead” as the quran puts it
and the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) “raised them to life.” So they rightly came
to look upon him as the giver of life. Life without him seemed to be an
empty thing.

The news of the Master’s death came as stunning shock to everyone. How
could it be? He had been ill for some days, they all knew. But the death
was unbelievable. That simple could not be. A huge crowd gathering in the
mosque. No one knew what to do. There was utter confusion. Omar was so
overcome with emotion that he drew his sword and declared, “if any one
says that the Messenger of Allah is dead, I will cut of his head!”

Things were in this state when Abu Bakr entered the mosque. Finding the
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) better that morning, he had gone a few miles
outside Medina, earlier in the day, but had come back on hearing the sad
news. He took his stand in a corner of the courtyard and called out to the
people. All eyes were turned toward him. Then he began his famous
address:

“O people! If anyone among you worshipped Muhammad, let him know that
Muhammad is dead. But those who worshipped Allah, let them know that
he lives and will never die. Let all of us recall the words of the Quran. It
says, “Muhammad is only a Messenger of Allah. There have been
Messengers before him. What then, will you will turn back from Islam, if he
dies or is killed?”

These words of Abu Bakr worked magic. In no time the confusion was
gone. The words of the Quran swept of all doubts from people’s minds.
They got ready to face facts.

Election of Abu Bakr

The first problem before the people was the election of a new leader there
had to be a new head of the State or things could not work. The need was
too urgent to allow for delay. Delay might have meant disorder and the
undoing of all that the Messenger of Allah had done. The Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) of Allah had died but the head of the State had to live on.

The two big groups among Muslims were the Muhajirin (refugees from
Mecca) and the Ansar (helpers or the people of Medina). The Ansar
gathered together at Thaqifa Bani Saida, their meeting place, near the
house of Saad bin Abada. The talk naturally centred round the election of a
Caliph Saad, the Ansar leader, stood up and said that the Caliph must from
among them. Many voices seconded him. One man, however, stood up
and said, “But how about the Muhajirin? They have perhaps a better claim.”
“Then let there be two Caliphs,” suggested someone, “one from among the
Ansar and the other from among the Muhajirin.”

Someone told Abu Bakr what was going on at this gathering, he sw the
need to act quickly or confusion might set in again. So taking with him a
party of Muhajirin he went to Thaqifa Bani Saida. He addressed the
gathering and said, “ Both the Muhajirin and the Ansar have done great
services to Islam but the former were the first to accept Islam. They were
always very close to the Messenger of Allah. So, O Ansar, let the Caliph be
from among them.”

To this man from the Khazraj tribe replied, “If you don’t want a Caliph from
among us, let there be two Caliphs, one an Ansari and the other a Muhajir.”
“That won’t work,” said Abu Obaida bin Jarrah. “O Ansar, you are the
people who made Islam strong now, don’t do anything that may undo your
work.

Hearing this, another man from the Khazraj tribe stood up and said, “O
Ansar, if we did anything for Islam, we did it to please Allah and His
Apostle. We did not thereby oblige anybody. This should not be made a
plea to win office. Listen, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) belonged to the
Quraish tribe. The Quraish have a greater right to fill his place. By Allah, I
do not think it right to quarrel with them over this matter. Fear Allah and do
not oppose them.

This speech of a man from among them silenced the Ansar. They agreed
to have a Muhajir as the Caliph, they agreed to have a Muhajir as the
Caliph. So Abu Bakr said, “Friends, I think either Omar or Abu Obaida
should be the Caliph. Chose one of these two gentlemen.”

Hearing this both Omar and Abu Obaida jumped to their feet, and
exclaimed. “O Siddiq, how can that be? How can anyone else fill this office
as long as you are among us? You are the top man among the Muhajirin.
You were the companion of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) in the Thaur Cave.
You led prayers in his place, during his las illness. Pryer is the foremost
thing in Islam. With all these qualifications, you are the fittest person to the
successor of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). Hold out your hand that we may
pledge your loyalty to you.”

But Abu Bakr did not stretch out his hand. Omar saw that delay might lead
to reopening of the whole question. That could easily create new
difficulties. So himself took Abu Bakr’s hand and pledged loyalty to him.
Others follows his example. Men from all sides rushed to pledge loyalty to
the successor of the Master. Abu Bakr became Caliph by the general
consent of the people.

The First Address

On the following day, Abu Bakr went to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H)
Mosque. Here people took the general oath of loyalty. When this was over,
Abu Bakr mounted the pulpit as the Caliph of Islam. Then he spoke to the
gathering as follows:

“O people, I have been elected your leader, although I am not better than
anyone from among you. If I do any good, give me your support and If I go
wrong, set me right. Listen, truth is honesty and untruth is dishonesty. The
weak among you are powerful in my eyes, as long as I do not get them
their due, Allah willing. The powerful among you are weak in my eyes, as
long as I do not take away from them what is due to others, Allah willing.”

“Listen, if people give up striving for the cause of Allah, Allah send down
disgrace on them. If a people become evil doers, Allah send down
calamities on them.

“Listen, you must obey me as long as I obey Allah and his Messenger. If I
disobey Allah and his Messenger, you are free to disobey me.”

Such was the Magna Charta granted by the first Caliph of Islam to his
people, on the first day of his rule, without their asking. Abu Bakr showed
by his example that in Islam government means government of people, by
the people and for the people.”

Ali’s Delay

For six months Ali and some his relatives did not pledge loyalty to Abu
Bakr. That was because of a difference of opinion with the Caliph. The Holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H) had some land at Medina and Khaibar, his daughter,
Fatima and his uncle, Abbas, laid claim to this land. But Abu Bakr set aside
the claim, in the light of what the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself had said.
“We Prophets cannot be inherited,” was his saying; whatever we leave
behind is public property.

Fatima knew nothing of this saying of her father. She thought she was
perfectly right in her claim. This created a little bitterness in her mind, and
the mind of her husband, Ali. The hypocrites were quick to add to the
misunderstanding.
But Abu Bakr and Ali were equally un-selfish. During Fatima’s illness, Abu
Bakr himself went to her and cleared away the misunderstanding. After her
death, Ali went to Abu Bakr and said, “O Siddiq, we admit your superiority.
we do not envy the position Allah has given you, but as relatives of the Holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H) we thought Caliphate to be our right, you have taken
away this right of ours.”

These words brought tears in Abu Bakr’s eyes and he said, “By Allah, the
relatives of the Master are dearer to me than my own relatives.”

The assurance satisfied Ali. He went to the mosque and publicly took the
pledge of loyalty.

Usama’s Expedition

Some weeks before his death, the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) had nominated
Usama to lead an expedition against Syria. He was to avenge the death of
his father, Zaid, the freed slave of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). Zaid was
killed by the Syriants in the battle of Muta. The preparations of the
expedition were under way when the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) fell seriously
ill and passed away. That held up Usama’s expedition for some weeks. As
soon as Abu Bakr became Caliph, the first thing he thought of was the
sending out of the expedition.

The death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) led some people to think that
Islam was going to end with him. Many tribes had entered the flod of Islam
only a short time before. They were by no means firms in the new faith.
Many of them, now showed signs of boiling out of the fold of Islam. Abu
Bakr was facing a difficult situation.

But Abu Bakr had to carry out the commands of the Master at all costs. He
was determined to send out the expedition planned by the Messenger of
Allah. Some of the Companions said that he better drop the idea for the
time being. Trouble was brewing all around, they said. It was unwise to
send troops out when they were urgently needed at home. But Abu Bakr
would not listen to them. “How can I hold up the flag,” he asked, “which the
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) himself unfurled? It is simply unthinkable.”
Then someone suggested that Usama was too raw – he was below twenty
– to lead the expedition. It was wiser to put a more experienced man in
command. The suggestion made Abu Bakr angry. “What right have I,” he
demanded, “to dismiss a man appointed by the Messenger of Allah?”

So the expedition left under Usama, about three weeks after the passing
away of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). Abu Bakr accompanied Usama some
distance out of Medina. The youthful commander was riding a horse, while
the Caliph walk by his side. Usama said, “O successor of the Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H), you also get on a horse or allow men to get down.”

“By Allah,” replied Abu Bakr, “I will agree to neither of the two things. What
harm is there if a little dust falls on my feet, while I go some steps in the
way of Allah? For every step one takes in Allah’s way, one gets the
rewards of seven hundred good deeds.”

Omar was also one of the men under Usama’s command. But Abu Bakr
needed him, at Medina, for purposes of advice. So he made a request to
Usama, to allow Omar to remain at Medina. The request was granted.

Before the Caliph bade farewell to Usama, he gave him much useful
advice. Some of it was:

“Look! Be not dishonest. Do not deceive anyone. Do not hide the booty you
get. Do not mutilate anyone. Do not kill the aged, the children and the
women. Do not set fire to date –palms. Do not cut down fruit trees. Do not
slaughter a goat or a cow, or a camel, except for the purposes of food. You
will come across people who have given up the world and are sitting in
monasteries. Leave them alone.”

Usama’s expedition proved very successful. He raided the frontier districts

of Syria and was back in Media after forty days.

The expedition had another good result. It proved and eye-opener to those
who thought that Islam was dying out. They had clear proof that Islam was
still able to challenge one of the greatest powers of the world. This
overawed the wavering tribes. Some of the tribes which had left Islam
actually, re-entered its fold.
The Impostors

Abu Bakr soon found the country in the grip of a civil war. The outlying
provinces, like Nejd, were the first to create trouble. They had accepted
Islam when it seemed to be the only safest way to follow. They knew
nothing of the true spirit of Islam. For centuries they had not known any
outside authority. They were want to be as free as the winds that sweep
across the desert. Islam put them under discipline. They had to live by the
morals of Islam. The drinking and gambling of the “days of ignorance” were
no more. The wild spirit of the desert rebelled against this moral control. It
saw its opportunity in the death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). Now was
the time to throw off the yoke of Islam.

The one thing which was especially irk some of the chiefs of these tribes
was the poor rate. The government at Medina took away from them, each
year, two and a half percent of their total wealth. True, this money was
spent on the poor of their own tribe. But all the same, it was a burden on
their pocket. If Medina would stop collecting the poor rate, they would
continue to be Muslims. Many chiefs made this decision known to the
Caliph.

A more serious trouble also raised its head at the same time. People who
had spent no time with the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), nor studied him closely,
thought of him as a mere ruler. The more clever among such people began
to dream of a similar career. “All we have to do,” they thought to
themselves, “is to claim to be prophets and get a following.” Thus they
hoped to rise to power and to fame. Many a cunning man fall prey to this
ambition. Presently, a host of impostors appeared in different parts of
Arabia. They all claimed to be apostles of Allah.

Firm Action

The situation was serious. Utmost care we needed to handle it. Abu Bakr
called a meeting of Advisory Counsel and sought its advice. Many of the
members were for slow action. “It is not wise,” they said, “to start fighting on
all fronts at one and the same time. Ignore those, for the time being, who
refuse to pay the poor rate. We can settle with them when impostors have
been dealt with.

But Abu Bakr would not listen to such counsel. “By Allah,” he declared even
if a single kid is due from a man, he must give it. If he refuses, I will wage
war against him. If others do not support me, I will fight alone. No one has
the power to change a commandment of Allah.”

However, the situation was extremely difficult. Among the non-prayers of

the poor-rate were the neighbouring tribes of Abs and Zabyan, Asad and
Toy. They thought of squeezing a concession from the Caliph before
Usama’s army was back in Medina. They sent a deputation to the Caliph,
offering to stay with the fold of Islam if they were exempted from paying the
poor-rate.

True this mettle, Abu Bakr firmly turned down the proposal. At the same
time, he set about strengthening the defenses of Medina, for he expected a
treacherous attack for the rebel tribes.

On the third night the treacherous blow came. But Abu Bakr was ready for
it. He hit back so hard that the enemy fled back headlong.

In a few days Usama was back in Medina. The Caliph decided to march in
person against the treacherous tribes. People begged him not to risk his life
but Abu Bakr would not listen. Leaving Usama in Medina as his deputy, the
Caliph led an army against Abs and Zabyan and utterly defeated these
tribes. Their pastures were taken over for army use.

This firm action on the part of the Caliph convinced many wavere that it
was impossible to accept part of Islam and reject part of it. That saed the
integrity of Islam as a way of life. Abu Bakr;s invincible faith helped Islam
keep its foundations in tact.

War on Impostors

It was now time to strike at the impostors. Usama’s army had rested and
was ready to go into action again. Abu Bakr marched the army about
twelve miles along the road to Nejd. Here he divided it into eleven
battalions. Each battalion was put under the command of an experienced
commander. The commanders were then told to march against different
impostors.

Before these armies left, a general warning was given to the impostors and
their followers. They were assured of pardon if they back to Islam. The
Caliph gave the following instructions to his commanders:

“I request the soldiers of Islam to fear Allah, under all conditions. They
should do their best to obey the commandments of Allah. They should fight
against those who have left Islam and have fallen in the trap of the devil.
But before taking out swords, they must declare the message of Islam. If
the apostates accept it, they must at once hold back their hands. But if the
message is rejected, they must attack and fight till these people give
disbelief. When the apostates re-enter the fold of Islam, the commander of
the Muslim army must explain to them their rights and duties under Islam.
They should be given their rights and should be made to do their duties.
The commander should keep his men from hasty action and mischief. He
should avoid a headlong plunge into enemy settlements. He should rather
enter them after making sure of all precautions, lest Muslims suffer a loss.
Whether he is on the march or in the camp, the commander should be kind
and considerate towards his men. He should look to their comfort and
should be gentle in speech.”

The Caliph explained these instructions to the commanders. Then they

leed their battalions against the several impostors.

Abu Bakr then cam back to Medina. He had already focused the waverers
among Muslims to pay Zakat (the poor rate). Now he launched an all-out
attack on impostors and their followers.

Talaiha
Talaiha was one of the impostors . he belongs to the tribe of Banu Asad.
On return from the last pilgrimage, he laid claim to prophethood. All his
tribesman became his followers. The tribes of Tay and Ghatfan were the
allies of Banu Asad. They also joined the impostor. With this huge
following, Talaiha was encamping at the Bazakha spring in Nejd. Khalid bin
Waleed defeated the impostor who fled to Syria. Afterwards, he again
became a Muslim. He served in the Muslim army during the Iraqi campaign
and tried to make amends for his past sins.

Malik bin Nawirah

Khalid next marched against Malik bin Nawirah, he was the chief of the
tribe of Banu Tamim. He had stopped the payment of the poor-rate and had
made war on the Muslims of his tribe. Hearing of Khalid’s approach, he
disbanded his men. Khalid put him and his men under arrest. The night
happened unusually cold and the prisoners started shivering. The matter
was reported to Khalid who ordered that they be warmed up. But the Arabic
phrase for “warming up” also means “slaying”. Misunderstanding the order,
the guards put Malik and his men to the sword.

In the morning when Khalid came to know of Malik’s fate, he felt very sorry.
But there was nothing he could do about it. “When Allah has ordained a
thing”, he said, “it does come to pass.” Complaints reached the Caliph that
Khalid had not acted on his instructions in this particular case. There was a
demand that Khalid be punished for the hasty act. Abu Bakr himself said
blood money for Malik bin Nawairah. “Khalid is the sword of Allah,” he said.
“This sword has flashed against disbelievers. Who am I make it
disappear?”

Musailma the Liar

Musailma was the most cunning of all impostors. He belonged to Yamama.

When he learnt of the serioud illness of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), he
wrote him a letter, saying, “Allah made me your partner in prophet-hood.
Let us divide the earth between ourselves.” To this day Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H) replied, “To Musailma the Liar! Surely the earth belongs to Allah.
He grants possession of it to those of his Servants whom he dislikes.”

The death of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) gave Musailma his opportunity . he

collected a large army. This army had first to deal with an impostress –
Sajah by name. she was a Christian. After the death of Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H), she laid claim to prophethood “why should all prophets be
men?” she said. “In me Allah has now sent a women prophet.” She raised a
big army and was marching toward Medina. On the way she came across
Musalma’s forces. The shrewed impostor at once saw that Sajah was a
serious rival. He also felt that he could not defeat her on the battlefield. So
he started a love affair, Sajah easily fell into the trap. The two were
married. Now musailma had a huge army, 4000 strong under his
command.

The battalion under Ikrama bin Abu Jahl was to attack Musailma. The
battalion under Shurjil was to reinforce it. Ikrama had orders to wait for the
reinforcement. But hoping to get the whole credit for himself, Ikrama did not
wait for Shurjil. He attacked Musailma and was badly beaten. The news
made Abu Bakr sad. He at once wrote to Khalid bin Waleed to deal with
Musailma. The combined battalions of Khalid and Shurjil now fell upon
impostor. Musailma fought desperately. Once his man reached the very
rent of Khalid. But Khalid kept his nerve. He rallied his men and himself led
a final attack. Confounded by the suddenness of the attack, Musailma’s
men took to flight. The impostor and a few of his Companions his
themselves in a fortified garden but the Muslim warriors threw open the
gates. The infamous impostor and friends were all put to the sword. Among
those who killed Musailma was Wahshi, the negro slave who has killed
Hamza, the uncle of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) at Ohud. He had done this
to win his freedom. Hind, the wife of Abu Sufyan, had promised to buy him
his freedom if he slew Hamza. After the fall of Mecca, Wahshi became a
Muslim. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) forgave him but said, “Please Wahshi,
keep out of my sight. You remind me of my dear uncle.”

Wahshi had always felt sorry for his sin. He wanted to wash it out. The
battle against Musailma gave him chance, his javelin was in search of the
impostor. With great skill he sank the poisoned end of his javelin into the
impostor. The wretch gave a yell and fell to the ground. The next moment
his head cut off. “Thank Allah!” exclaimed Wahshi, “I have been able to
make some amends for my sin.”

Musailma belonged to the tribe of Banu Hanifa. Orders were received from
the Caliph that all men of the tribe who had taken up arms against Islam
should be put to death. But Khalid had already promised to spare their
lives. So his word was honored and the whole tribe re-embraced Islam.

Aswad Ansi

A short time before death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), an impostor also
appeared in Yemen. His name was Aswaf and he belonged to Ans tribe.
He gathered considerable followers. Then he attacked Sanaa, the capital of
Yemen, killed the Governor ad married his widow. The victory made him
feared throughout Yemen.

The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) wrote to leaders of the Muslim army in Yemen
to get rid of the impostor. They secretly joined hands with his newly married
wide who hated him from her heart. They killed Aswad one night and came
back to Yemen under Muslim rule. This news reached Medina, a day after
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) death. Trouble again started in Yemen when the
news of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) death reached the province. A former
general of Aswad’s army Qais by name, made a bid for power. Giving up
Islam, he rallied around him the followers of this late master. He also had
the support of some Yamni chiefs who made a show of Islam but were
inwardly anti-Muslim. He gathered enough men to capture Sanaa and
became the master of Yemen. But the Muslim army stood firm. In the
meantime, the two battalions send by Abu Bakr also reached Yemen.
Sanaa was re-taken . Qais and his Chief supporter Amr bin Maadi Karb
Zuberi were sent to Medina. Here they both repented for their sins and
were forgiven.

Bahrain

The people of Bahrain embraced Islam in the life time of Holy Prophet
(P.B.U.H). after his death a powerful tribe , Banu Bakr, threw off the yoke of
Islam and started fighting against Muslims. Abu Bakr sent a battalion under
Ala bin Hadrami, to deal with the rebel tribe. The Banu Bakr were defeated.
Their leader, Hatim, was killed. Bahrain was onve again secure under
Muslim rule.
Some tribes of Omman also gave up Islam. The generals of Abu Bakr
brought them all back into the fold of Islam.

Thus in a few months Abu Bakr was able to put down the country-wide
rising caused by impostors. Khalid bin Walid did more than any other man
to make this possible.

The Era of Conquest Begins

War with Iran

The kings of Iran had done all they could to crush Islam. In fact, the
infamous Khusro Parvez had ordered the arrest of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H)
but a few days after, he was killed by his own son, Sharuya. Since that day,
Iran had known no peace. Abu Bakr had to take account of the ever-
present danger on the eastern frontiers.

In the first month of the year 12 A.H, Khaldi bin Walid was sent with an
army to challenge the might of Iran. Another army under Qaqaa bin Amr
was to reinforce him. Khalid was to attack Kamla, the southern outpost of
the Iranian empire.

A second army, under Ayaz bin Ghanam, was to strike at the northern
boundary of Iraq. According to Islamice practice, Khalid addressed the
following letter to Hurmuz, the Iranian Commander: “Accept Islam and you
will be safe. If not, agree to pay the jizya or you will have to repent. I am
bringing against you a people who love death as you love life.”

The proud Iranian Commander paid no heed to the warning. He was slain
in the battle that followed. The Iranian army was utterly routed. After this a
number of well-known Iranian generals came to fight Khalid. Bahman and
Jahan were two of them. But they all met defeat. The Iranian losses were
heavy.

Hira, on the Iranian border, was the stronghold of the Christian Arabs. They
had so far fought on the Iranian side. Khalid conquered Hira. Soon after,
the other frontier chiefs also submitted to Khalid.
After Hira, Khalid conquered Anbar and Ain-ut-Tamr, two important
outposts of the Iranian Empire. He now received a letter from Ayaz, calling
him to his help in North Iraq. Ayaz was hard pressed Dumat-ul-Jundal.
Khalid rushed to his help and sent the following message to Ayaz:

“Wait for a while. Camels carrying fierce lions are shortly reaching. Wave
after wave of troops are on their way.”

One of the enemy generals, Akidar, knew from his own experience how
impossible was to halt Khalid’s attack. He advised the other generals to
stop fighting against the Muslims. When the advice went unheeded, he
quietly left. His friends saw the truth of his remakrs when they met
humiliating defeat at Khalid’s hands. Another important engagement took
place at Faraz. A huge force made of Iranians and Arabs crossed the
Euphrates. On the 15th of Dhul-Qaad, 12 A.H., Khalid routed this host at
Faraz. From here he went back to Hira.

Khalid’s Exploits

Abu Bakr had no more than ten thousand troops when he took over as
Caliph. With this small force, he had to put down a country-wide revoit. To
all appearance the tasks was hopeless. But Abu Bakr met the an amazing
success. Much of this success was due to his unshakable faith in Allah.
“Islam is the path of truth revealed by Allah,” he said, “so Allah must defend
it against enemies” it was not so much on troops as on Allah’s help that
Abu Bakr depended. Results proved that he was right in his faith.

There was, however, another important factor helped Abu Bakr. This was
Khalid bin Walid, the greatest general of Islam. His tact and courage made
the small forces of Islam took ten times stronger. The results simply were
astonishing. With a handful of troops Khalid was not able not only to
overcome all internal enemies but also to make Arabia safe for Islam. He
was then able to jump on Iraq and win it for Islam. From Iraq he marched
against the Byzantine forces and put them to rout. All this took place in the
space of two years. Throughout the campaign not even once did Khalid
meet with a reverse, by forced marches , he often gave a surprise to the
enemy and did not rest till overpowered him. This made Khalid the dread of
the enemy. The truth is that Khalid’s exploits put to shame the victories of
an Alexander or a Napolean.

Allah’s Sword

Khalid bin Walid was a born general. At Ohud, he fought on the side of the
Quraish. It was he who turned the tide of that battle. Muslim victory was
clearly in sight. Quraish leaders were on the run. Suddenly Khalid saw the
pass at the back of the Muslim army undefended. At the dead of a strong
party, he dashed through the pass and took the army of Islam by surprise.

After the peace of Hudaibiya Khalid embraced Islam. His military talent
soon began to outshine others. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) at once saw
his worth and gave him the title of “Saif Allah” or “Allah’s Sword.” But it was
not until Islam overleaped the boundaries of Arabia that the world saw
Khalid’s unequalled military talent.

Abu Bakr was quick to see Khalid’s ability. So he put him in charge of Iraqi
campaign. Khalid’s exploits in this campaign have few equals in history. In
about eleven months, he over-ran the whole of Iraq and brought it under
the banner of Islam. He had no more than ten thousand men. With this
small force he defeated hosts twenty times as big. These hosts had
superior arms and equipment. But Khalid knew how to win with smaller
numbers and inferior arms.

In Iraq Khalid fought fifteen battles in all. He won complete victory in all of
them. He never allowed the standard of Islam to leave the battlefield till the
enemy has completely beaten. Toward the later part of the campaign,
Khalid became the dread of the enemy. The mere fact that Khalid
commanded an army made the enemy tremble.

A good Administrator

Khalid was not only a great conqueror but also a first rate administrator. He
saw to it that things were managed well in the cities and territories he
conquered. He never marched on till this had been done. He left behind a
deputy to look after things. He also appointed a judge to settle people’s
disputes.
Khalid was extremely kind hearted and just to people. His army had strict
order’s not do any harm to farmers and other Civilians “they are the real
strength of the society” he said “they should always be treated with
kindness and respect” this was something new for the conquered people.
The Iranian and Byzantine officers had been very hard on them. Khalid’s
treatment won their hearts. So much so that they came to hate their old
masters.

Love for Allah

Khalid’s love for Allah was as great as his hatred for his enemies. The
month of Dhul Qaada 12 A.M, marked the end of Khalid’s campaign in Iran.
In the middle of this month he won the last victory of the campaign.

Khalid rested his army for ten days. Then he ordered a march to his
headquarters at Hira. But the Hajj was at hand. Khalid did not want to miss
it. He made it known that he was bringing up the rear. Then taking a few
men with him he rushed to Mecca by a short cut through the life less
desert. Fresh from the field of victory, he was now in the holy city,
declaring: “Here I am Lord, here I am at Thy Service!” Even at the greatest
height of glory, Khalid did not forget that he was serving the cause of Allah.

As soon as the Haj was over, Khalid hastened back to his post of duty. He
joined his men before they entered Hira! All these days the troops had
thought that the commander was bringing up the rear. But now that they
saw his shaven head, they know that he had been to Mecca to perform the
Haj.

Abu Bakr was amazed when he heard of the daring dash of Kjalid to the
House of Allah. However, he forbade his general to leave the aromy alone
in future. Such a step, he pointed out might easily create a difficult
situation.

Hard on the enemy

Khalid was very hard on people who took up arms against Islam. He
believed that such people should have only two choices. They should either
give in or fight to death. If they fled from the battlefield, he would not let
them go. He followed them wherever they want, till they either begged for
mercy or were killed.

This policy of Khalid proved very sound. He dealt with the beaten enemy
once and for all. He did not allow him to take up arms a second time.
Muslim forces were too small to deal with repeated risings.

There is hardly another general in history who combines as many qualities

as Khalid. Khalid is unquestionably the greatest general produced by Islam.

War with Byzantian

The need for military operations against Byzantium began to be left in the
life-time of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). So Abu Bakr was bound to do
comething about this danger. In the year 13 A.H., he prepared a big army
an divided it into four battalions. Each battalion was put under a separate
commander. Each of them was to strike at a different point on the Syrian
border. Abu Obaida bin Jarrah was to march on Hims, Amr bin al Aas on
Palestine, Yazid bin Abi Sufyan on Damascus and Shur Jil bin Hasna on
Jordan.

These battalions were to strike at the enemy at one and the same time.
The aim was to keep enemy from hitting with full force on anyone
battalions.

Golden Advice

Before these armies left, Abu Bakr gave the instructions to their
commanders:

1. Always fear Allah. He knows what is in men’s heart.

2. Be kind to the men under you and treat them well.
3. Directions given should be brief. If too long, they are likely to be
forgotten.
4. Improve your conduct first; other will improve when they see your
example.
5. Honor the representatives of the enemy.
6. Keep your own arrangement a secret.
 7. Be always truthful so that you can get good advice.
8. At night when you are free, sit among your men. This will keep you
in touch with them.
9. Make good arrangements for the watch and ward of the army.
10. Keep away from untruthful men. Be intimate with truthful and faithful
companions.
11. Be sincere to all with whom you have dealings.
12. Beware of cowardice and dishonesty.
13. You will come across people who have given up the world and are
spending their days in place of worship. Leave such people alone.

Merging the Four Battalions

The news of the Muslim invasion upset Emperor Hercules. He was in

Jerusalem at that time. He sought the advice of his nobles. He himself was
in favour of coming to terms with the Muslims. “It is better to give up half of
Syria,” he said, “than lose the whole of it.” To this the nobles did not agree.

So four huge armies were sent by the emperor to fight the Muslims. His
own brother was leading one of the armies. Each army was several times
more numerous than the Muslim army it had to fight. This made the Muslim
commanders give thought to the matter. They met together for mutual
counsel. One of them pinpointed the folly of fighting separately. “We will be
crushed under the sheer weight of numbers,” he said “if we fight
separately.” The other generals saw the point. They agreed upon a plan to
merge the four battalions into a single army. Thus they thought, the Muslim
army would stop looking too small in its own eyes. They informed the
Caliph of their decision. He approved of it and sent the following written
message:

“Muslims can never be defeated because of small numbers. But if their own
sins overwhelm them, they will meet defeat. So let you all keep away from
sins of all kinds.”

The Battle of Yarmuk

Heracleus learnt that the four Muslim armies had merfed into one. He also
ordered a similar move. The four Byzantine armies combined to form a
gigantice mass of men. They dug up trenches in the valley of Yarmuk. By
the Caliph’s orders the Muslim forces, too, took up position on the opposite
side. For weeks the two armies lay facing each other. Neither of the two
sides dared to touch on the fighting.

The Byzantine forces had every advantage on their side. In addition to

numbers, they had the river the front and the mountain at their back. So the
Muslim commanders requested the Caliph for reinforcement. He at once
write to Khalid to rush to Syria.

Khalid handed over the charge of affairs in Iraq to Muthanna bin Haritha.
He then hastened to Syria at the head of ten thousand men. Despite all his
haste, Khalid conquered many forts and cities on the way. At last he
reached Yarmuk. Almost at the same time, the Byzantine army also
received a reinforcement. This brought their total strength to two hundred
and forty thousand. The Muslim army numbered just thirty-six thousand.

Khalid recognizes the Army

Khalid at once saw that he must properly organize the army, in order to
win. It meant a single command, in place of the four commands, so he
called the other commanders and said, “We are fighting for the sake of the
faith. We must all forget ourselves. We cannot afford to be split under many
commanders. That would be a help to the enemy. Let there be just one
commander, by turn if you please. If you agree to that let me be the
commander for the first day of the battle.”

All liked the plan. Khalid took the chief command. He divided the army into
several sections. Each section was put under a commander. It was further
subdivided into many troops, each with a leader. Abu Sufyan was
appointed the fiery herald. He went about the army, speaking words of
courage to men.

As the two armies stood facing each other, Muslim soldier remarked. ‘How
numerous the enemy is! “Khalid overheard the remark. “It is not the
numbers that matter,” he exclaimed “it is rather the final outcome of the
battle.”

At long last the battle began. Khalid took some troops with him. He made a
wild charge and was soon in the heart of enemy forces. He succeeded in
driving a wedge between the enemy cavalry and infantry. The two were cut
off from each other.

Fighting unto Death

Ikrama bin Abu Jahl was fighting at Yarmuk. Soon after the battle began,
the Muslim troops began to real under the weight of numbers. Ikrama saw
this. “Heretofore I fought all battles against the Apostle of Allah,” he
shouted out. “This is the first time I am fighting for the cause of Allah in no
case will I turn my back on the battlefield. Now who are going to fight unto
death with me?”

Saying this, Ikrama held out his hand to receive the pledge of others. His
son, Amr, was the first to give the pledge. He was followed by four hundred
more. Like wild cats, these men pounced upon the enemy hordes. They
dealt such telling blows that the sea of men cleared before them. Their
desperate attack caused confusion among enemy ranks.

Rout of the Enemy

Soon the enemy cavalry found itself walled in between Khalid’s troops and
the main Muslim army. Confusion spread and they fled. The Muslim army
made way for them to flee.

Now Khalid fell on the enemy infantry. The shield of the cavalry being no
more, the infantry was taken by complete surprise. In utter confusion it fell
back. But the mountain blocked the way. In despair men ran back to the
river. Here a watery death awaited them. Most of the men had tied
themselves with iron chains to rule out the possibility of flight. The chains
proved traps of death. When a few of the men fell into the river, they also
dragged their companions into watery grave. According to one estimate,
one hundred and twenty thousand of them were drowned in the river. The
Byzantine rout was complete. The Muslim was three thousand killed.
Women’s Courage

Muslim women played a notable role in this battle. They formed a battalion
which stood at the back of the army. They supplied water to the men. This
also dressed their wounds. They shouted words of courage when the army
showed signs of weakness. These words put a new heart into retreating
men. They dashed forth like lighting and sowed death enemy lines.

The Byzantine army at first forced the Muslims to fall back. Muslim women
stood on a bridge. Khalid came to them and said, “O daughters of Isla, if
anyone turns his back on the battlefield, kill him at once.”

The women did what Khalid made them do. They stood their post of duty.
They had stones in their hands and their eyes were fixed on the battlefield.
If anyone fled for life, he was met by a shower of stones. Back he ran into
the thick of the battle and fought to the last.

Many Muslim soldiers had brought their families with them. The women
stayed in tents at the back of the troops. Their words of courage for the
brave and their taunts for the weak of heart, made a real difference in the
tempo of fighting and in the outcome of the battle. Victory at Yarmuk was in
no small measure due to the courage of Muslim women.

Two great Martyrs

On the following morning Khalid took stock of his losses. Ikrama and his
son, Amr, were brought to him. They were seriously wounded. Their
condition was grave. Khalid put their heads on his lap. In a few minutes, the
souls of both of them winged their way to heaven.

Ikrama was the sone of Abu Jahl, the arch enemy of Islam. When Mecca
fell, Ikrama fled away for fear of life. But hearing that the master had
forgiven all enemies, he came back to Mecca. To his surprise, the Master
ran out to greet him. From that day on, Ikrama was a true son of Islam. He
laid down his life fighting for the glory of Islam.

Unparalleled Selflessness of Khalid

The battle of Yarmuk was on when letter arrived from Medina. It was
delivered to Khalid. T said that Abu Bakr had passed away and Omar had
succeeded him as Caliph. It also said that the new Caliph had dismissed
Khalid from his command and replaced him by Abu Obaida bin Jarrah,
Khalid read the letter. He then informed Obaida that the command had
passed to him, but the news was not made public, lest the army should
lose heart. The letter had no effect whatever on Khalid. He went on fighting
as desperately as ever.

After the battle was over, Khalid’s dismissal became known. Someone said
it to him, “How is it that the news did not damp your spirit at all?” “I was not
fighting for Omar,” replied Khalid; “I was fighting for the cause of Allah.”

Abu Bakr’s last Illness

On the 7th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, 13 A.H., Abu Bakr was taken ill. He had a
severe fever. Everything was done to bring the fever, but all in vain. It
became clear to the aged Caliph that his end was come.

Even in these last days, the thought that troubled Abu Bakr was the future
of Islam. He wanted to make sure that nothing would go wrong with the
affairs of Muslims, after he was no more. He had to spend every ounce of
his energy to put down the violent storms of unrest that broke loose after
the Master’s death. He did not want this to happen after his own death.

Omar’s nomination

Welfare of Muslims had always been the first care of Abu bakr. He would
allow nothing that made Islam weak. The thing he feared most division
among Muslims. He remembered what had happened after the death of the
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). He wanted to make sure that no differences
should divide Muslims after he was no more. Unity was the secret strength.
Unity must be had at any price.

As his sickness grew, Abu Bakr gave more and more thought to the matter.
Who should be the Caliph after him? Should he himself name the best
man? Or should he leave the matter to the people? In the latter case,
quarrels might arise. These would certainly shake the very foundations of
Islam. It was too great a risk. Abu Bakr was not willing to take that risk.

After careful thought, he chose to nominate Omar. He put his proposal

before the leading Companions. He put his proposal before the leading
Companions. Most of them liked the proposal. But someone said, “Omar it
no doubt the best man, but he is rather too strict.”

To this Abu Bakr replied, “As soon the burden of Caliphate falls on his
shoulders, he will become more mild.”

When all Companions had agreed, Abu Bakr called Othman. He dictated to
him Omar’s nomination. It was read out to the people. It said:

“This is the will of Abu Bakr, the Caliph of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). He is
making the will when he is about to leave for the next world. This is the time
when even a non-believer begins to believe and even a sinner begins to
trust in Allah. I appoint Omar bin Khattab as your ruler. In appointing him, I
have kept your welfare fully in mind. I hope he will be truthful and just. But if
he leaves his path and becomes unjust, I know nothing about the unseen, I
have only the well being of Muslims at heart. Everybody is responsible for
what he does.”

The will was read out to the people. After this Abu Bakr went to the top of
his house, supported by two men. Addressing the people he said:

“My brethren in faith, I have not appointed any of my own brothers of

relatives as your Caliph. I have appointed a man whi is the fittest person
among you. Do you approve him?”

“Of course, we do,” went up a shout from hundreds of men.

Next he called Omar to his bedside and spoke to him thus:

“Omar! I have nominated you my successor. My parting advice is that you

fear Allah and work for the well-being of the Muslims. Remember, Omar,
the duties you own to Allah are to be discharged at the proper time. Some
of these are to be discharged at night and some during day time. First
things must come first. On the day of judgement only those will come out
successful whose good deeds are weighty. Those whose evil deeds out-
weight the good deeds, will have a terrible time. For success and salvation,
you have to make the Quran and the truth your guides. You know, Omar,
that the verses of the Quran speak of good reward and punishment side by
side. This is to put the fear of Allah in the believers heart and to make him
pray for forgiveness. Omar, when you read in the Quran about the inmates
of fire, pray to Allah not to make you one of them. But when you read about
the dwellers of paradise, pray for being one of them Omar, if you follow the
path I have chalked out for you, you will find me by your side.”

When Omar had left the dying Caliph raised his hands in prayer and said:

“Lord! I have taken this step in the best interest of Muslims. I feared
disunion among them, so I took this step, the consequences of which are
best known to You. After careful thought I have appointed a man who is
sincerest and the most energetic worker for well-being of the people. I am
at death’s door now, so help the Muslims, Lord after I am no more. They
are your servants. Their future is in Your hands. Lord, keep their rules on
the right path. Make Omar one of the noblest Caliphs and help the Muslims
help him.

Abu Bakr Passes Away

After an illness of two weeks, Abu Bakr passes away. He was sixty-three at
the time. He was buried by the side of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).

Before his death he said, “Do not use new cloth to cover my dead body.
The sheet of cloth I have on will do for me. Wash it clean.”

“But this too is old and worn, father,” said his daughter Aisha. “This old and
worn sheet will do for me,” he replied.

This parting wish was acted upon. The second wish of the dying Caliph
was, “Sell my land and pay back in the public treasury all the money I got
as my salary.” This was also done. Before he became the Caliph, Abu Bakr
was a well-to-day merchant. The affairs of the Caliphate left him no time to
look after his own business. The matter was put before the Companions.
They allowed the Caliph a salary of six thousand dirhams a year. That
would make about one hundred and fifty Pakistani rupees per month. All
this money was paid back to the Bait-ul-Mal (the Public Treasury) after the
Caliph’s death.

Thus Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, left behind a noble example of selfless
service. He lived and worked for Islam to the last breath. And for his tireless
labours, he sought no worldy reward.

Two Years of Abu Bakr’s Caliphate

Abu Bakr was Caliph for only to years, three months and ten days. This is a
relatively short period of time in the life of a people. But during this short
period, Abu Bakr was able to do great things for Islam. These
achievements have made his name immortal. They have placed him
among the greatest men of all time.

When Abu Bakr took over, Islam was confined to Arabia alone. And here,
too, its hold was rather shaky. In many parts of the country, Islam was but a
name. it was not a way of life with most of the people. Scores of tribes had
thought of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) as a mere king. They tried to throw
off his yoke as soon as he was no more. Abu Bakr taught these people a
lasting lesson. He taught them that Islam was a way of life.

Abu Bakr was able to do this because of this unshakable faith. No

difficulties could take him off the path of the Master. Usama might be
youthful and inexperienced, but Abu Bakr would not hear a word against
him. He was appointed by the Master. There might be rising in the country,
but Abu Bakr would not put off the expedition to Tabuk. The master had
ordered it. Abu Bakr stood unequalled in his love for Allah and his Apostle.
This was the secret of his unbending strength. It was this inner strength
that carried him throught the darkest hours of his Caliphate.

Abu Bakr was a sincere as he was firm in faith. He lived up to every word of
what he said at the beginning of his Caliphate. He was never anything but
the faithful agent of Allah and His Apostle, and the humblest servant of his
people. It was this fact which won him the deepest love and respect of all
classes of his people. The result was that Islam took an unshakable hold
on the country of its birth. Soon it gathered enough strength to overlap its
boundaries. It struck at the two most feared power of the time. And lo! It
was successful. Abu Bakr had put Islam on the road to worldwide
expansion.

Islam means total submission to the will of Allah. It means the utter
absence of all selfishness. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) showed by his
example how that goal could be reached. He showed how the power of the
State should be used not for private ends but for the Public good. Abu Bakr
was the first among his followers to live up to Master’s example. He got no
personal gain out of the Caliphate. He spend every minute of the last two
years of life in the service of his people, but got no a penny as wages.

Abu Bakr had several sons and many near relatives. For public offices, he
did not choose anyone of them. He rather chose other people who were
more fit for public service. He had to nominate his own successor to
prevent quarrels. But his choice fell on none of his own relatives. His choice
was rather the man whom he honestly believed to be the best among the
Companions. All the same, he did not force his choice on the people. He
put his proposal before the Companions. When they had agreed to it, he
put it before the people.

In short, Abu Bakr showed to the world what government of the people, for
the people, and by the people actually meant. Neither the East nor the
West had ever known such a form government before. The mighty empires
of Iran and Byzantine were based upon naked force.

In short Abu Bakr kept doing the great work of the Master. For that he had
to fight hard. He fought with a will and with a faith that amazed everyone.
Islam is forever grateful to him for the great services he rendered to it.