The caliphate of Abu Bakr-I

Abu Bakrbecame the Caliph onJune 8, 632CE and he died onAugust 23,
634CE. The period of his Caliphate covers two years, two months and
fifteen days only. Judged by the usual standards, this period was too
short to make an impact on history. However, the Caliphate ofAbu
Bakrdid not merely make an impact on history; it changed the very
course of history. The suppression of apostasy, the unification of
Arabia, and the conquests of greater parts ofIraqandSyriawithin the
space of two years arethe extraordinary marvels that took place during
his Caliphate. The speed, magnitude, extent and permanence of these
campaigns excite our wonder and evoke our admiration. For these
achievements, Abu Bakrholds a unique position in the history of the
world in general and the history of Islam in particular.
Abu Bakrcame to power in the midst of a critical situation. The crises
that he was called upon to encounter, were multi-dimensional – being
psychological, religious, political and international. The Islamic
State apparently stood at the brink of a precipice, and any wrong step
on the part of Abu Bakrat that stage, could haveled to chaos. Abu Bakr
not only averted possible disintegration, but also made Islam a world
force, which could successfully contend against the giant empires
ofByzantiumandPersia.
The historic role of Abu Bakr comprises the following achievements:
· The war of apostasy
· The compilation of the glorious Quran
· The conquest ofIraq
· The conquest ofSyria
The War of Apostasy
There were four main causes for this war:
First, because of the dispute regarding the Caliphate between the
Makkan emigrants)Muhaajireen( and the Prophet's supporters in
Al-Madeenah)Ansaar(, various tribes favored separatism. "Why should
the Caliph be from Makkah or Al-Madeenah and not from among us?" they
asked.
Second, the Prophet,collected the Zakaat, which the various tribes
used to send to Al-Madeenah. As the Prophet,, had died, they claimed
that there was no reason for them to send it there. Besides, the
Prophet,, had often agreed to local alms distribution; so whyshould
they send their contributions away?
Third, as the wars indicated, some of the uncivilized Bedouins had not
genuinely converted to Islam; they had adopted it because they admired
a man whocould challenge the two greatest empires of their time. As
soon as he,, died, his effect on them faded away and they turned
awayfrom Islam.
Fourth, the influence of the Romans from the north and the Persians
and Abyssinians from the east and the south, encouraged the distant
tribes to adopt their own religions and beliefs.
Abu Bakrfaced the crises with strong determination that knew no
wavering. He summoned all his combat forces to Thil-Qassah )the name
of a place(, where he arranged them into eleven different armies,
eachheaded by an appointed commander. The number and commander of each
army were well chosen for the exact commission of each particular
army, and the enemy to be confronted.
The first army was commanded by Khaalid bin Al-Waleedto meet and
subdue Tulayhah bin Khuwaylid of Bani Assad; then to march to Maalik
bin Nuwayrah of Bani Tameem; both situated east of Al-Madeenah at
Al-Bitah, and Al-Bazakhah. Bani Assad and Bani Tameem were the nearest
of the renegade tribes to Al-Madeenah. The second army was commanded
by 'Ikrimah bin Abi Jahland was commissioned to fight Mussaylamah of
Bani Haneefah at Al-Yamaamah. The third army was commanded by
Sharahbeel bin Hasnahwith orders to assist the second army under
'Ikrimah in the battle against Bani Haneefah. When victorious,
Sharahbeel and his army should move north to assist'Amr bin
Al-'Aasagainst Bani Quda'aha. The fourth army was commanded by Al-
Muhaajir bin Ummayah Al-Makhzoomito fight Al-Aswad Al-Ansi and his
followers inYemen, and after that to march to Kindah and Hadhramawt in
the south to fightAl-Ash'aath bin Qays and his tribes of apostates.
The fifth army was commanded by Suwayd bin Maqrin Al-Awsitofight the
reversionary groups in Tuhaamah on the East coast of the Red Sea
neighboringYemen. The sixth army was commanded by Al-Ale's bin
Al-Haddaamto subdue the renegade tribes inBahrainon thePersian Gulf.
The seventh army was commanded by Huthayfah bin Muhsin Al-Ghatfaanito
fight Thi Al-Taj Laquit bin Maalik Al-Azdi, the impostor inOman. The
eighth army was commanded by Arfajah bin Harthahwho was to march to
Mahrah on the south coast of the Peninsula betweenOmanand Hadhramawt.
The remaining three armies werecommissioned to march north. The first
under the command of 'Amr bin Al-'Aaswas ordered to confront Bani
Qudaah. The second commanded by Ma'an bin Haajiz Al-Salmito fight Bani
Saalim and their followers from Bani Hawaazen. The third was commanded
by Khaalid bin Sa'eed bin Al-'Aasto safeguard the northern frontiers
withSyria. The apostasy campaigns began in August 632 CE and by
February 633 CE, the apostate tribes were totally suppressed; Arabia
stood unified,and all people inArabiajoined thefold of Islam. That was
a remarkable achievement, which changed the course of history. Abu
Bakrwas adamant, intent in purpose, wise in action, and uncompromising
regarding the terms of Allaah.
Compilation of the Glorious Quran
A large number of Muslims were killed in the war of apostasy, among
whom were many of those known for memorizing the Quran. 'Umar bin al
Khattaabwhose brother Zaydwas among the dead, thought deeply of what
might happen if more such people were killed in furtherconfrontations.
He reached the conclusion that if the Quran was to be preserved, it
ought to be compiled into one volume. At that time, it was scattered
among the companions of the Prophet,with each preservinga part of it.
Methods of preservation differed -- some hadit written on parchment;
others on palm branches stripped of leaves; a third group on shoulder
bones of animals; and a fourth onstone tablets; a large number had
also learnt it by heart. If many of those who had memorized it were
killed, then a part of the Holy Book might disappear. So 'Umarwent to
the Caliph, who was then sitting in the mosque of the Prophet,. He
discussed his idea with him, but Abu Bakrrejected it because it had
not been approved by the Prophet,. A lengthy debate followed, after
which Abu Bakrwas convinced that 'Umarwas right.
He called for Zayd bin Thaabita youth of perfect character, and
commissioned him to compile the Quran into one volume. At first Zayd
objected for the same reason, which had made Abu Bakrprotest. Then he
agreed,but felt that the commission wasan extremely difficult task. He
had to collect every verse and every chapter from those who owned
them, and then classify them in the order, which was prescribed by the
Prophet,.
After Zaydaccomplished the task and had organized the Quraninto one
book, he submitted the precious collection to Abu Bakrwho kept it in
his possession until the end of his life. During 'Umar's Caliphate it
was placed inthe custody of his daughter, Hafsahthe Prophet's wife.
Finally, in the days of 'Uthmaanwhen different readers began to recite
it differently, the Caliph had several copies of it made, and
distributed them to the various countries, which comprised the Islamic
world. Themodern edition of the Quran is the 'Uthmaan copy, which is
considered the standard to whichevery other copy should conform.
The compilation of the Quran during the Caliphate of Abu Bakris
regarded by many people as his most significant achievement -- even
more significant than the war of apostasy and the conquests of
'IraqandSyria. `Ali bin Abi Taalib, may Allaah have pleased with him,
used to say: "May Allaah have mercy upon Abu Bakr! He is worthy of
being superbly rewarded, because he was unique in compiling the
Quran."
To Be Concluded