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Hazrat Abu Bakr’s(R.A) Caliphate

Election:
While the final rites of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) were in progress, it was brought to the attention of Hazrat
Umar that a meeting had been called by Ansar at the Saqifa Banu Saida to elect a successor (caliph) to the
Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H). Hazrat Umar hurried to the place accompanied by Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Abu
Ubaidah bin Jarrah. The Ansar had almost declared the leader of the Khazraj tribe, Saad bin Ubada as the
caliph.
Hazrat Abu Bakr at this point made a persuasive speech on why a Quraish should now lead the Muslims.
He reminded them a Hadith of the Prophet (pbuh) in which he commanded that according to Arab tradition,
the next leader after him should be chosen from Quraish .
On hearing this convincing argument, another leader of the Ansar Khubaib bin Mundhar put forward the
proposal for two state solution, one led by a Muhajir(Quraish) and one by an Ansar. Hazrat Umar rejected
this suggestion by saying that for the solidarity of the Islamic state , there should be only one caliph.
At this point hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah said,
“O Ansar! you were the first to uphold Islam. Do not be the first to sow the seeds of dissention in it.” On
hearing this, the Ansar quickly withdrew their claim.
Hazrat Abu Bakr put forward the names of Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Abu Ubaydah bin Jarrah as caliph but
Hazrat Umar nominated Hazrat Abu Bakr as the political leader of a unified Muslim state based in Madina.
Taking Hazrat Abu Bakr’s hand Hazrat Umar took the pledge of loyalty to him. After Hazrat Umar and Hazrat
Abu Ubaidah, Hazrat Zaid bjn Sabit (from Ansar) took the oath of loyalty, then people from all sides rushed
to pledge their loyalty to Hazrat Abu Bakr as the Holy Prophet’s (P.B.U.H) vicegerent.
The next day at Masjid al Nabvi a general oath of loyalty was taken by the Muslims. Hazrat Abu
Bakr thus became the first Caliph of Islam. He adopted the title of “the successor of the messenger of
Allah.”
When Abu Bakr was elected he said“ O people! I have been selected as your Leader, although I am
not better than anyone of you. If I am right, obey me. If I am misguided, set me right. The weakest among
you is powerful in my eyes, until I do not get him his due. The most powerful among you is the weakest
in my eyes, until I do not make him pay due rights to others. I ask you to obey me as long as I obey Allah
and His Messenger. If I disobey Allah and His Messenger, you are free to disobey me”.

Expedition to Syria
After assuming the Khilafat, the first issue that Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A had to decide was whether or not the
expedition to Syria, should be sent. The Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) had directed to send this expedition under
the command of Usamah bin Zaid in the last days of his life but it was pending due to his death. The
circumstances had changed following the death of Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).
At that critical stage in history most of tribes had apostatized from Islam, that is, they had abandoned their
belief in Islam. Madinah was surrounded by hostile tribes. It was suggested to Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A that it
was not advisable to send the army outside the country. Moreover, some companions suggested that
Usamah was too young, therefore, a new commander should be appointed. Hazrat Abu Bakr said that
according to the wish of Holy Prophet (P.B.H.H), the army should be sent to Syria under Usamah bin Zaid.
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He said, “Who am I to withhold the army that the Prophet (P.B.U.H) had ordered to proceed? Come what
may, let Madinah stand for fall; the Khilafat live or perish, the command of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H)
shall be carried out”.
Abu Bakr then directed the army to depart on this mission. He bade farewell to the army and addressed
them in the following terms:
“Do not kill children, women and old men. Do not cut down any trees wherein there is food for men and
beasts. Do not persecute the monks in the churches”.
Towards the close of June 632 A.D, three weeks after the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) demise the army of
Usamah left. After ten days march, the Muslim army attacked the border tribes. The Byzantine forces
avoided this confrontation, as they were no match for the Muslims. They were defeated and offered
allegiance to the authorities at Madinah.
The expedition proved to be a great success. It secured the safety of the frontier with the Byzantines and
averted the threat of any attack from them. It made the hostile tribes release that the Muslims were strong
enough to meet any emergencies. Victorious, Usamah’s army returned to Madinah. It demonstrated the
strength and unity of the Muslims even in the absence of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) thus paving the way
for the subsequent conquests of the Syrian and Egyptian regions both of which were conquered during
Usamah’s lifetime.

Refusal to pay Zakat

At that time, many tribes such as Banu Asad, Banu Ghatafan, Banu Abbas, Banu Murrah and other
surrounded in Madina. After the conquest of Makkah when other tribes in Arabia accepted Islam, These
tribes also offered allegiance to Islam. This allegiance was based on diplomacy rather than on faith and
conviction of heart. They regarded Islam as a matter of personal allegiance to the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H)
which, they thought, ended with his death.
Soon after Usamah’s army left for Syria and the defence of Madina was weaker. These tribes sent a
deputation to Hazrat Abu Bakr with the proposal that with the passing away of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H),
their agreement with Islam had ended and it was necessary that the authorities at Madina should make a
fresh agreement with them. They said that they would remain on friendly terms with the authorities at
Madinah provided they were relieved of the obligation to pay Zakat.
Abu Bakr was very strict on this point. He argued that Zakat being a fundamental pillar of Islam had to be
paid. Addressing the delegates, he said, “If with reference to Zakat, you withhold even as much as a string
to tie a camel, as the Khalifa of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H), it will be my duty to fight for it, whatever be
the consequences”.
When Hazrat Abu Bakr rejected the demand of the tribes to exempt them from the payment of Zakat they
decided to leave Islam rather than surrender to the authority at Madinah. They decided to launch an attack
on Madinah when the main Muslim army was away in Syria.
These tribes, one night, launched an attack on Madina and met with some initial success but the Muslims
under the command of Hazrat Abu Bakr rallied and in a counter attack defeated the tribes. Driven away
from Madina, the tribes gathered at Dhu Qissa which was at little distance from Madina.
Hazrat Abu Bakr marched there as the head of a Muslim force and launched an attack against them. After
some resistance, the tribes broke rank and retreated to Abraq. When the main Muslim army under Usama
returned from the Syria successfully, Hazrat Abu bakr marched at its head and proceeded to Abraq. The
tribes were defeated, and their lands were confiscated by the Muslims. This was a significant moment in
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the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr as after this victory the tribes sent their delegates to Madina and not only
offered allegiance to the caliph but expressed their willingness to pay Zakat as well.
Apostasy Movement
The short Khilafat of Abu Bakr was mostly occupied with the so called Ridda (Apostasy) Wars. After the
death of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) some people rebelled against the authorities at Madina and renounced
or apostatized Islam.
Abu Bakr faced the situation calmly. Without any delay, He launched a campaign against this movement.
He collected the troops at Madina and divided them into eleven battalions. He placed each of the Battalion
under the command of an experienced commander and sent each into eleven different part of Arabia to
fight against the false prophets and the tribes that were helping them in these wars against the Muslims.
He instructed the commander; first two invite the revolting tribes to Islam. But if they failed to comply, they
were to be attacked. Some of the tribes submitted to Islam without fighting, while others remained
adamant. So wars were waged against them. Within a year, the control of Islam was established
throughout the peninsula.

Apostasy Wars:
Campaign in Bahrain, Oman, Marah and Hadramaut:
• During the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) Mundhir the ruler of the Bahrain had accepted
his invitation to Islam and converted under his influence most of the people of Bahrain also
accepted Islam. Mundhir died soon after the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) and his death led to anarchy
and chaos. The people of Bahrain apostatized except for Jarud, the leader of Bahrain, who
remained firm in the allegiance to Islam and dissuaded his tribe from apostasy . However, Munhiz
a descendant of Arab kings took over and pledged to fight against Islam. Hazrami, the Muslim
commander to Bahrain left for Madina to seek help from Hazrat Abu Bakar and returned to
Bahrain with Muslim force. He had a ditch dug around his camp and waited for a suitable
opportunity to overpower the enemy. One night there was considerable noise from non-Muslim
camp where they were celebrating their national festival and were heavily intoxicated. Hazrami
ordered his forces to take up arms and cross the ditch and pounce upon the enemy. The surprise
attack unnerved the rebel who fell into disarray and were subdued by the pursuing Muslim forces.
Munhiz’s men laid down their arms and along people of the Bahrain were admitted into the fold
of Islam.
• In Oman a false Prophet Laquit bin Malik rose to prominence and captured political power. A
Muslim force under Khuzaifah was sent to Oman. In battle of Daba, Laquit and ten thousand of his
followers were killed. The Oman forces surrendered and people of Oman joined the fold of Islam.
• In Mahrah the people had apostatized but instead of fighting against Muslims they fought among
themselves for political power. The Muslim allied with minority and fought against the majority
who were subsequently defeated. The people of Mahrah repented and were reconverted to Islam
• In Hudramaut there was revolt led by the tribe of Ash’as. When Muslims forced defeated them.
They retreated to the fortified city of Nujair. The Muslim army laid siege to the city which was
finally captured in February 633.
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False Prophets:
After becoming caliph he had to deal with many difficulties but the most important was the rise of the false
prophets which resulted in apostasy movement and caused a threat to Islam.
(i) Al-Aswad al-‘Ansi: His name was Abhal ibn kaab al-Ansi He was the leader of the
‘Ansi tribe in Yemen. His dark complexion earned him the title al-Aswad i.e. the black man, and
he was also known as the veiled prophet as he covered his face to hide his ughliness and to
create a mystery about himself. Before claiming prophethood, al Aswad al-Ansi had tried his
hand at sooth saying and magic and claimed that he had knowledge of the unknown. In the later
years of the Prophet’s (S.A.W) life, al-Aswad claimed to have received divine guidance and
inspiration, and he used tricks to convince the people of his ‘miracles’. After collecting a large
army, he rose in open opposition to Islam and invaded Najran and most of Yemen. killing Shahr
the muslim ruler of Yemen, he forcibly married his widow and declared himself ruler of Yemen
and the leader of the Ans tribe. An expedition was organized and led by Firuz-al-Dhalaymi, a
Persian Muslim, who succeeded in killing al-Aswad a day before Prophet’s death . However,
learning of the Prophet’s death, al-Aswad’s followers regrouped and revolted under a man
called Qais ibn ‘Abd Yaghus; they were defeated by Firuz and subsequently surrendered along
with their leader.
(ii) Tulayha ibn Khuwaylid ibn Nawfal al-Asadi: He was the wealthy
leader of the Bani Asad and Ghatafan tribes in north Arabia, and was a renowned warrior who
initially opposed the Muslims. In 630 he converted to Islam, but shortly afterwards he rebelled
and proclaimed himself as a prophet. Many tribes accepted his ‘prophethood’ and combined to
raise a strong force against Islam. Khalid ibn al-Walid was sent to quell this revolt and at the
Battle of Buzakha in September 632, Tulayha was defeated and escaped to Syria while most of
his followers submitted and accepted Islam. Later, when Syria was conquered by the Muslim,
he converted to Islam once again, and subsequently fought alongside the Muslims in the battles
of Jalula, Qadisiyah, and Nihawand against the Persians during Hazrat Umar’s caliphate.
(iii) Sajah bint-al Harith: She was an Arab Christian from the tribe of Taghlib and first
enjoyed their protection; following a split within the Banu Tamim, she had the protection of the
Banu Hanifa. Sajah had a following as a sooth- sayer, and after the death of Hazrat Muhammad
(S.A.W), when many of her tribesmen rejected Islam, she declared herself as a prophetess. She
collected a force of 4000 to march on Madina, but learning of Tulayha’s defeat by Khalid ibn al-
Walid, Sajah dropped her plans. She then sought the help of Musailimah, another self-
proclaimed prophet, and reached an agreement with him to face Khalid. Subsequently, Sajah
married Musailimah and accepted his prophethood. Meanwhile, Khalid ibn al-Walid crushed
Sajah’s forces and then moved against Musailimah who was killed in the Battle of Yamama. After
Musailimah’s death, Sajah became a Muslim.
(iv) Musailimah al-Kadhdab (The Liar): Known as Musailimah ibn Habib
al-Hanafi, he belonged to the large and influential tribe, Banu Hanifa, in the Yamama region to the east
of the Arabian Peninsula. Musailimah was also wealthy and powerful and he used his influence to
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misguide people and declared himself a prophet during Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W) lifetime. In fact, he
had visited the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) in Madina and spent time in his company.
Upon his return from Madina , Musalimah declared his prophethood and claimed to have received
divine revelation. He founded a new religion in which he reduced the number of daily prayers, relieved
his followers from fasting and giving zakat and made drinking and adultery permissible.
He even wrote to the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) declaring himself a ‘messenger of Allah’ and that he had
been given a share with him in prophethood. Of course, his claims were firmly and clearly rejected by
Hazrat Muhammad (S.A.W), who addressed him as an ‘arch-lair’.
After the death of the Holy Prophet (S.A.W) Musailimah challenged Hazrat Abu Bakr’s caliphate. The
battle of Yamama in December 632, was the significant event that decided Musailimah’s fate. He was
in command of an army of 40000. Hazrat Abu Baker had first sent Ikrimah and shurabil ibn Hasanah and
then sent a large force under the command of Khalid ibn al-Walid to Yamama. The Muslims, numbering
13000, fought a long drawn out battle with many casualties as Musailimah’s forces put up a strong
resistance. Eventually, Musailimah was killed by Washi al-Harb---who had killed Hazrat Hamza in the
battle of Uhud before his conversion to Islam. Musailimah’s army scattered and many were killed as
they fled. Many prominent Muslims and huffaz (those who had memorized the Qu’ran) also lost their
lives in this battle.

Battle of Yamama
After Prophet’s (pbuh) death, several false prophets arose in different parts of the Islamic state.
Musailimah ibn Habib al-Hanafi was the most dangerous one. He belonged to the large and influential
tribe, Banu Hanifa, in the Yamama region to the east of the Arabian Peninsula. Abu
Bakr appointed Ikrimah as the commander of one of the corps. Ikrimah's orders were to advance and make
contact with the forces of Musaylimah at Yamamah, but not to get involved in battle with him. Khalid ibn
al-Walid was chosen to command the forces apposing Musaylima after he dealt with other smaller
apostates. Ikrimah advanced with his corps and established a camp somewhere in the region of Yamamah.
The next development that Ikrimah heard of was that Shurahbil bin Hasanah was marching to join him.
Shurahbil too had been given a corps by the Caliph with orders to follow Ikrimah, and await further
instructions. In a few days Shurahbil would be with him. Ikrimah could wait no longer, and he set his corps
in motion. This happened at the end of October 632 (end of Rajab, 11 Hijri). He was defeated by
Musaylimah. Shurahbil remained in the region of Yamamah. To ensure that he did not fall into the error of
Ikrimah, Abu Bakr wrote to him: "Stay where you are and await further instructions."
A few days before Khalid's arrival Shurahbil had given in to the same temptation as Ikrimah; he had
advanced and clashed with Musaylimah, but was defeated. Khalid got news that Musaylimah was
encamped in the plain of Aqraba with an army of 40,000 warriors. The two successful actions fought by
them against Ikrimah and Shurahbil had increased their confidence in themselves and created an aura of
invincibility around Musailimah.
Khalid marched south from Bhtaha to the valley of Yamama with the force of 13000 men and was met by
Musailmah on the plain of Aqraba. After a fierce fight the Muslims forces had to retreat and there was
much jubilation in Musalimah’s camp. Though Khalid had been forced to withdraw, he refused to admit
defeat. He regrouped the army under tribal commanders. He created a reserved force of the one thousand
cavalry and kept them under his personal command.
The next day the two armies faced each other in headlong attack.
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While the front rank of two armies grappled with each other in single combat, Khalid led the cavalry reserve
to the mounds where Musailmah was camped. The boldness of Khalid’s move took the opposition
completely by surprise. Musailmah’s bodyguards fought bravely but they could not hold guard for long. As
Khalid increased his pressure Musalimah lost his nerve and retreated into a neighboring fortified garden.
With the withdrawal of Musalimah, his army lost the will to fight and they too found safety in seeking refuge
in the garden. The garden was surrounded by a huge wall and the fugitives closed the gate thus shutting
access to the perusing Muslims. The Muslims were anxious to get into the garden and finish the job.
Soon a Muslim soldier Al Baraa ibn Malik asked his fellow men to let him climb the wall so that he could
open the gate by killing the guards there. The soldier jumped in to the garden and opened the gate. The
Muslims entered the garden and the last phase of the Battle of Yamamah had begun.
The Muslim army engaged in a fierce battle with Musalimah’s troops. So bloody was the battle of Garden
that in Arab annals it came to be known as The Battle of Death.
When Musailmah was finally killed by Wahshi al Harb who had killed Hazrat Hamza in the battle of Uhad
the Banu Hanifa surrendered and accepted the offered terms and were readmitted to the fold of Islam.
Many prominent Muslims and huffaz also lost their lives in this battle. Hazrat Abu Bakr after defeating the
false Prophets turned his attention to the uprising in Bahrain, Oman, Mahrah and Hadramaut.
Compilation of Quran
During the time of the Prophet (pbuh) the Qur’an was written on pieces of animal skin and on parts of
bone but was mainly memorised by the companions. At the time of the Prophet (P.B.U.H) death no
official copy of the Quran existed.
• After becoming caliph, Hazrat Abu Bakr waged a war against the false prophet Musailima and many
companions who had committed the Holy Quran to memory were martyred in that battle known as the
battle of Yamamah.
• Hazrat Umar suggested to Hazrat Abu Bakr that the Quran should be compiled. Hazrat Abu Bakr,
however, hesitated and said that he would not do the job left unfinished by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).
According to Hazrat Abu Bakr, “Umar went on persuading me to accept his suggestion till I was convinced
that he was right so I accepted his suggestion.”
• Hazrat Abu Bakr asked Zaid bin Sabit, one of scribes of Divine revelation to collect the Quranic verses
from every part of the Islamic empire and compile them in book form. He was also reluctant but Abu Bakr
persuaded him. Zaid later remarked, “It would have been easier to carry a mountain on my shoulders,
than to compile the Quran.”
• A commission was appointed headed by Zaid Bin Sabit and its members comprised at least twenty
or twenty five companions who had committed the Quran to memory. Zaid Bin sabit traced out and
collected the chapters of the Quran from every person who had it in their possession. He collected it from
palm leaves, stones, and pieces of wood and people who had committed it to memory.
• Zaid Bin Sabit was not content just finding a written piece of the Quran.
• He also verified it from those people who had heard it from the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H).
• Though he himself was a hafiz of Quran, he always tried to find a verse in writing before including it
in his manuscript,
• He did not accept any part without two witnesses to it.
• He only accepted those verses which were written in the dialect of Quraish, as it was the original
dialect.
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• The verses were written in the order that the Prophet (pbuh) had given, but the surahs were written
on separate sheets.
so that version of the Quran he compiled, was exactly the one, received and arranged by the Holy
Prophet (P.B.U.H).
The script prepared by Zaid Bin Sabit was named “Mushaf” by Abdullah bin Masood. It remained with
Abu Bakr and after his death it was given to Hazrat Umar, who gave it to his daughter and the Prophet’s
widow, Hazrat Hafsa. She kept the Mushaf for many year. Thus it came to be known as Mushaf al Hafsa
i.e Hafsa copy of the Holy Book.
Administration:
Hazrat Abu Bakr laid the foundation of a truly democratic state following the teachings of the Quran and
the traditions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H).
• Abu Bakr conducted affairs of the Government by consultation. He used to consult eminent
companions in all important matters.
• For the purpose of administration, Arabia was divided into provinces each under a governor, who
was required to lead the prayers, superintended the army, collect taxes, administer justice, and
maintain law and order. He was aided by an Amil who collected revenues and a Qazi who
administered justice.
• There was no regular police department at that time, but whenever any crime came into his notice,
he took strict action against in the light of Quran and the Hadith.
• Abu Bakr selected all his officers, commanders and governors on their merit and not because of
family or tribal consideration.
• He set up a strict standard of accounting of public money. He also gave proper shape to the public
treasury, the Bait-ul-Maal.
• He established military cantonments and maintained a reserve force. He dispatched expeditionary
forces to Iran, Syria and Palestine. As a result, vast territories were added to Muslim Empire.
• He safeguarded and protected the rights of non-Muslim subjects who were granted religious and
cultural freedom. They were allowed to manage their affairs themselves.
• By his efficient administration he preserved the integrity of Islam by suppressing rebellions and
making sure that the Pillar of zakat was enforced.
• Hazrat Abu Bakr’s caliphate was also significant for the preservation of the Quran.

Main events/ Achievements of Caliphate:

Abu Bakr was elected as the first caliph of the Islamic state in 11A.H/632A.D. He addressed the
community and pledged that the state will be governed according to Islamic principles.
He continued Prophet’s intention of sending expeditions to North and sent Usama bin Zayd to Syria
in 632AD despite all the opposition and threats. It shows that he was obedient to the Prophet’s command
and he continued the policy of the expansion of the Islamic state. Later another force under Khalid bin
Walid advanced into Iraq and then turned west into Palestine to defeat the Byzantines at the battle of
Ajnadain 13 AH/634AD. In this way Abu Bakr began Muslim advance into Syria and Iraq.
He fought against tribes who withheld zakat and apostatized Islam. At that time many hostile tribes
such as Banu Asad, Banu Ghatafan, Banu Murrah and Banu Abbas sent their delegates to Madina and
demanded that they should be exempted from the payment of Zakat. Abu Bakr remained firm and rejected
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their demand. These tribes attacked Madina in 632 AD but eventually they were defeated and agreed to
pay Zakat.
Under the influence of the false prophets many tribes renounced Islam. Abu Bakr collected the army
in Madina and divided it into eleven battalions and sent them to different parts of Arabia in order to crush
the apostasy movement. Within a year the control of Islam was reestablished.
After Prophet’s death several false prophets arose in different parts of the Islamic state.
• Of these Aswad al Ansi from Ansi tribe, was first to rise in Yemen. He was killed during Prophet’s
lifetime. Later, his followers grouped and revolted under a man called Qais bin Abd Yaghus, but
eventually they were defeated.
• Tulayha from the tribes of Banu Asad and Banu Ghatafan in Northern Arabia. In 630 AD he converted
to Islam but shortly afterwards he rebelled and proclaimed himself as a prophet. Khalid bin Waleed
defeated him at the battle of Buzaka in September 632 AD.
• Sajjah from Banu Tamim tribe in Iraq she claimed to be a prophetess and collected a force of 4,000
to march on Madina. Khalid bin Waleed crushed her forces. She then joined Musailma and after his
death accepted Islam.
• And the most dangerous one Musailma from Banu Hanifa tribe in central Arabia. he was in
command of an army of 40,000. In December 632 AD Abu Bakr first sent Ikrmah and Shurabil. when
they were defeated then he sent Khalid bin Waleed with an army of 13,000 men . A hot contest
followed in which Muslims were victorious. It came to be known as the battle of Garden of Death.
This battle led to the compilation of Quran.
Hazrat Abu Bakr laid the foundation of a truly democratic state following the teachings of the Quran and
the traditions of the Prophet (P.B.U.H).
Abu Bakr conducted affairs of the Government by consultation. He used to consult eminent
companions in all important matters.
For the purpose of administration, Arabia was divided into provinces each under a governor, who was
required to lead the prayers, superintended the army, collect taxes, administer justice, and maintain
law and order. He was aided by an Amil who collected revenues and a Qazi who administered justice.
There was no regular police department at that time, but whenever any crime came into his notice, he
took strict action against in the light of Quran and the Hadith.
Abu Bakr selected all his officers, commanders and governors on their merit and not because of family
or tribal consideration.
He set up a strict standard of accounting of public money. He also gave proper shape to the public
treasury, the Bait-ul-Maal.
He safeguarded and protected the rights of non-Muslim subjects who were granted religious and
cultural freedom. They were allowed to manage their affairs themselves.
By his efficient administration he preserved the integrity of Islam by suppressing rebellions and making
sure that the Pillar of zakat was enforced.
He arranged for a compilation of Quran at the suggestion of Hazrat Umar when many memorisers of Quran
were martyred in the battle of Yamama against Musailima and appointed Zaid bin Sabit along with 20 to
25 scribes to accomplish this task. First copy was named Mushaf by Abullah bin Masood.
He died in 13 AH/634 AD.
 Questions from Past Papers
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 O/N 2009
3. (a) Describe Abu Bakr's activities against the false prophets and apostate tribes. [10]
 O/N2011
3. (a) Describe the main events of the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr. [10]
 O/N 2012
4. (a) Write about the election of Abu Bakr as caliph and how he dealt with the false prophets during his
reign. [10]
 M/J 2014, M/J 2023
3. (a) Write a detailed account of the four false prophets, and how the caliph Abu Bakr defeated them.
[10]
 O/N 2014
3 (a)Write an account of the Battle of Yamama fought during the caliphate of Abu Bakr. [10]
 M/J 2015
5(a)Write about any two major events that took place during the caliphate of Abu Bakr.[10]
 M/J 2016
3. (a) Write a detailed account of the battle of Yamama, and of the compilation of the Qur’an during the
caliphate of Abu Bakr. [10]
 O/N 2017
3(a) Write a detailed account about the election and administration of Abu Bakr. [10]
 M/J 2018, O/N 2019
3(a) Write a detailed account of Abu Bakr’s achievements as Caliph. [10]
 O/N 2018
4(a). Write an account of the campaign led by Abu Bakr against the tribes refusing to pay Zakat. [10]
 O/N2020
3(a). Write an account of how Abu Bakr led the Islamic empire when he became the first caliph. [10]
 M/J 2021(21)
3(a) Write an account of the false prophet Musailimah and the battle fought against him in 632.[10]
 M/J 2021(22)
3(a) Give an account of the election of Abu Bakr and the expedition he sent to Syria soon after becoming
caliph.[10]

Unseen Topics
3 (a) Trace the expansion of the Islamic empire under the rule of the caliph
‘Abu Bakr. [10]
The Islamic state under Hazrat Abu Bakr was surrounded by the two great Empires. On its northeastern side
was the Border of Persian Empire while the Northern part of the peninsula was bordered by the Byzantine
Empire (the Eastern Roman Empire). It consisted of Syria, Palestine and Egypt.
The Persian Empire wanted to wipe out the Muslims who in turn felt endangered by the Persian threat.
Hazrat Abu Bakr also wanted to spread Islam and so taking advantage of the unrest in Persia. Muslims made
raids on various part of Persian Empire.
In 632 AD, the Kindi tribe in Hadramount broke into revolt and refused to pay taxes. Hazrat Abu Bakr
directed an army to Hadramount. The apostates were killed and others surrendered. In the same year the
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Battle of Kazima took place in Eastern Iraq.Hazrat Abu Bakr sent an army under Khalid Bin Waleed. Four
other columns under different commanders also proceeded to reinforce the Muslim Army. Khalid Bin
waleed invited Hurmuz, the Persian commander to accept islam, pay Jizya or engage in combat. He agreed
to fight and set out from Uballa to Kazima. The Persians were linked in chains and because of the heavy
Muslim attack, they retreated. Due to the chains they were trapped and suffered defeat.
After the Battle of chains (Kazima), some other small Skirmishes took place to Mazar, Walaja, Ullies, Anbar,
and Enat-Tamar in which the Muslims defeated the Persians one after the other. After these Conquest,
Khalid Bin waleed conquered Hira, Damat-Ul-Jandal and Firadalso. After the fall of Hira, thae whole of
South and most of North Iraq was conquered and the Persians subdued.
Byzantines began to conspire against the Muslims in co-operation of Bedouin tribes on the Syrian border.
Hazrat Abu Bakr raised a big army and divided into four corps each comprising of 7000 men. They were
given under command of Amr Bin Aas, Yazeed Bin Abu Sufyan, Shurabil Bin Hasanah and Abu Ubaidah
bin Jarrah. The first encounter of Muslims took place at Basra in which Muslims were victorious. Then the
Battle of Ajnadein took place. The byzantine Emperor, Heraclius sent an army of 250,000 men against the
Muslims army of forty thousands. Again the Romans were badly defeated.
After this success, Muslims advanced towards Damascus and laid siege to it. In the meantime. Hazrat Abu
Bakr fell ill and died in August 634 AD. This campaign was left incomplete
Persians
The Battle of Chains:
khalid ibn al-Waleed was ordered by Hazrat Abu Bakar to proceed to the Persian border and four more
battalions were sent to reinforce the Muslim army. Upon reaching the border Khalid sent a letter to
Hurmuz the Persian commander giving him three options: accept Islam, pay jizya, or be prepared for war.
Hurmuz an ambitious and confident commander accepted the third option and collected his forces to
meet Muslim army at Kazima. Upon arrival the Persian army had to immediately engage in battle as
Muslim army was already there, prepared to face Persians. The Persian soldiers are linked with chains to
encourage them to fight with unity and to prevent any soldier from retreating this was what gave battle
its name. However the chains had one drawback; in case of defeat the men could not retreat as chain
acted as fetters. The Muslim attack was ferocious and Persian were left with no choice but to retreat.
Here their chains became a death trap for them. Tabari also writes about the chains restricting the
Persian escape for whom this battle was humiliating defeat. Hurmuz along with thousands of his soldiers
was killed and the Muslims took many others as prisoners of war.
Following on from the battle of chains the Muslims forces defeated the Persians at Mazar, Walaja and
Ulleis. After the victory at Ulleis the Muslim army advanced to Hira where upon hearing of Khalid and his
army, the governor with his men abandoned the city and fled to Madina. With Hira under Muslim control
the whole of Central Iraq came under the rule of Caliphate.
Khalid Ibn al-Waleed now turned to Anbar, an important commercial center in Western Iraq. Walls and
deep ditch protected the city. khalid chose a narrow point to cross the ditch and then went on to
slaughter the old and weak camels of the army and filled with the ditch with their carcasses. Muslim army
crossed over the pile of carcasses and attacked Anbar, whose governor surrendered on the condition that
the Muslim would allow them to withdraw in safety. After Anbar, another fortified town, Enat-ul-Tamar
was taken by the Muslim after a few days siege and the region came under Muslim rule.
Byzantines
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Fall of Bostra
Hazrat Abu Bakr in February 634, called for a jihad to confront the Byzantines who were conspiring against
the Muslims with the Bedouin tribes on the Syrian border. A large army assembled in Madina response to
Caliph Call. Hazrat Abu Bakar divided the army into four units each consisting of 7000 men under Amr ibn
al-Aas, Yazid ibn Abu Sufyan, Shurahbil ibn al-Hasanah and Abu Ubaydah ibn al -Jarrah. These army fought
successfully but when Heraclius came to know of his conflict he despatched a large force under the
command of his brother Theodorous. When Hazrat Abu Bakr heard of his development he asked Khalid ibn
al-Waleed who was then at Iraq border to join and lead the Syrian campaign khalid marched from Hira with
9000 of his best men and reached Syrian in 18 days a swift march in those time across an unrelenting desert
terrain.
Instead of advancing to Damascus Khalid met the Muslim army under Shurahbil’s command at Basra and
sent word to Abu Ubaydah to join him there. When the Muslim army met the Byzantines khalid invited his
commander Romanus to fold of Islam; after discussing and understanding the different aspects of the
faith Romanus accepted Islam. After this turn of events, the Byzantine army lost courage they withdraw
into city and locked the gates. Romanus then guided the Muslims into the city through underground
passage in the darkness of night. The Byzantine were killed in large number and the surviving ones
surrendered. The Battle of Basra was the first and most significant victory of the Muslims in Syria.
Battle of Ajnadayn
The Byzantine Emperor Heraclius in reaction to the defeat of Basra mobilised a huge force against
Muslims in Ajnadayn. Khalid ibn al-Waleed also ordered all the Muslim armies to assembled at Ajnadayn.
The 40,000 strong Muslim drove wedges in the Byzantine army once the fighting started; their
commander was killed and Byzantine army retreated from the battlefield .The Muslim pursued the fleeing
army and killed a large number of them.
After their success in Ajnadayn, the Muslim army marched towards Damascus and were met by Byzantine
forces a few miles away. The Muslims were once again victorious and the remaining Byzantine force fled
back into city. The Muslim army laid siege to Damascus but did not proceed further as they received the
sad news of Hazrat Abu Bakar passing away. Damascus was finally conquered during the Caliphate of
Hazrat Umar the second Caliph.

3.(b) The Prophet called Abu Bakr ‘al-Siddiq’ (Testifier of the Truth). How did Abu Bakr live
up to his title during his caliphate? [4]
• During his caliphate, Abu Bakr fought to uphold the finality of the Prophet (pbuh) in the wars against
the false prophets;
• he refused to give in to the demands of those who wanted to be exempted from paying zakat and
fought battles with them, and
• he preserved the word of God by having the Qur’an compiled.
• Abu Bakr always stood by the truth and fought to maintain it, by which he lived up to the title of ‘al-
Siddiq’ (Testifier of the Truth) which the Prophet (pbuh) had given him when he was the first to
believe the Prophet’s (pbuh) account of mi’raj

(b). Why did Abu Bakr think it of great importance to defeat the false prophets? [4]
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If the false prophets were not defeated by Abu Bakr, the teachings of Islam could have been corrupted; the
purity of the religion would have been lost and many who called themselves Muslims in reality would be
following a man made faith. The first pillar of Islam would have been challenged as the second part of the
Shahada which deals with risala (prophethood) and finality of the Prophet Muhammad would be
contradicted if one believed in the so called prophets after Muhammad so the existence of the false
prophets was a great threat to survival of Islam. The apostasy wars confirmed that the Muslim state was
one under the leadership of one Caliph.
(b). Why is Abu Bakr called the Saviour of Islam? [4]
He was called the Saviour of Islam because he fought to prevent the break-up of Islam. The false prophets
and apostates threatened the uniqueness and unity of Islam and could not be allowed to continue their
activities. Hence when he became Caliph he not only gave new heart to the Muslims after the Prophet
(P.B.U.H) passed away but helped the community of Muslims against its many enemies. In his short term
as caliph he defeated the tribes who withdrew from Islam and made them stay Muslim and he fought and
won against tribes who refused to pay Zakat. He also defeated the false prophets and thus kept the unity
of Islam when there was much danger. His arrangements for the first compilation of Quran for the guidance
of future generations also make him the saviour of Islam.
3(b) What was the importance of this battle to future generations of Muslims?[4]
• Battle of Yamama marked the end of the false prophets and Abu Bakr could now establish the
Islamic empire on a firm footing.
• Musailimah was changing the key principles of Islam and with this battle the core teachings of Islam
were saved from being altered and corrupted.
• The first pillar of Islam would have been challenged as the second part of the Shahada which deals
with risala (prophethood) and finality of the Prophet Muhammad would be contradicted if one
believed in the so called prophets after Muhammad so the existence of the false prophets was a
great threat to survival of Islam.
• Post-Yamama the Muslims were united as one and could go on to deal with other forces that were
against Islam.
• The battle also led to the compilation of the Qur’an.