سيدنا أبو بكر الصديق Our master Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq - may God be pleased with him - Part Two
الخلفاء الراشدين الأربع رضي الله عنهم The four Rightly Guided Caliphs, may God be pleased with them
أولاً: اجتماع السقيفة
سقيفة بني ساعدة: يوم اجتماع الأنصار ولمهاجرين لبحث مسألة قيادة الدولة
بينما كان المهاجرون مشغولون أيضاً بتجهيز النبي الكريم للدفن، كان من أشد الاختبارات التي مر بها المسلمون
يوم سقيفة بني ساعدة – إن صح التعبير – مر المسلمون باختبار جدي غير عادي، لماذا؟
إنه اختبار حقيقي لخريجي المدرسة المحمدية من المهاجرين والأنصار.. لأول مرة يجدون أنفسهم أمام أمر لابد من الاجتهاد فيه بأنفسهم دون الرجوع للنبي الأكرم – ﷺ – ويعني ذلك أنهم عرضة للخطأ والصواب، فلا مرجعية سماوية فورية عبر الوحي كما كان قبل أيام مضت، بل هكذا الأمر لابد أن يسير من ساعته إلى يوم الدين.. اجتهاد وقياس وإجماع مبني على فهم صحيح للقرآن والسنّة. وهكذا سارت الأمور من يوم السقيفة إلى يوم الناس هذا، اجتهد الأنصار بعد وفاة النبي الأكرم – ﷺ – وتسارعوا لملء الفراغ الذي تركه في قيادة الدولة وقبل أن تنفلت الأمور، فاجتمعوا في سقيفة بني ساعدة لاختيار خليفة للمسلمين منهم، باعتبار موقفهم من الدعوة وحمايتهم ونصرتهم لها منذ البداية، بالإضافة إلى أن دولة الإسلام نشأت وظهرت في مدينتهم وهم أهلها، وبالتالي هم أحق بهذا الأمر من إخوانهم المهاجرين، الذين كانوا بمثابة لاجئين سياسيين، بحسب مصطلحات علم السياسة اليوم، وبالتالي ليس مستساغاً أن يتولى لاجئ سياسي زعامة وقيادة الدولة في وجود أهلها، أو هكذا كان التفكير الأولي لدى الأنصار الكرام.
وصل للمهاجرين( أبي بكر وعمر وأبي عبيدة - رضي الله عنهم) خبر اجتماع الأنصار لأبي بكر وعمر – رضي الله عنهما وأرضاهما – لإختيار أحدهما
فقاما من فورهما متجهين إلى مؤتمر الأنصار السياسي. وفي الطريق وجدوا أمين الأمة، أبي عبيدة بن الجراح، فطلبوا منه مرافقتهما، فاتجه العظماء الثلاثة إلى المؤتمر الأنصاري، كان هدفه التباحث مع الأنصار في مسألة القيادة أو الخلافة، وليس لفرض أو إجبار أمر ما على الآخرين، بدليل أن ثلاثة من المهاجرين فقط يذهب إلى حشد من الأنصار فيهم السادة والأشراف، وهم من هم في الإسلام. حتى إذا ما وصل الثلاثة إلى الاجتماع، ودارت نقاشات بشأن مسألة الخلافة، كما جاء عن ابن مسعود رضي الله عنه قال: لما قُبض رسول الله – ﷺ – قالت الأنصار منا أمير ومنكم أمير فأتاهم عمر بن الخطاب – رضي الله عنه – فقال: يا معشر الأنصار ألستم تعلمون أن رسول الله – ﷺ – قد أمر أبا بكر أن يؤم الناس؟ فأيكم تطيب نفسه أن يتقدم أبا بكر؟ فقالت الأنصار نعوذ بالله أن نتقدم أبا بكر.
قام أبو بكر الصديق – رضي الله عنه – بالثناء على الأنصار
ودورهم في بناء الدولة ونشر الإسلام والدفاع عنه، وأنهم كما كانوا أول البشر نصرة لدين الله، لا يجب أن يكونوا أول البشر في تفكيك وتصدع الدولة الوليدة. ثم تحدث بعدها إلى مرشح الأنصار للخلافة، سعد بن عبادة – رضي الله عنه – قائلاً له:» لقد علمت يا سعد أن رسول الله – ﷺ – قال وأنت قاعد: قريش ولاة هذا الأمر، فبرُّ الناس تبع لبرّهم، وفاجرُهم تبع لفاجرهم. فقال سعد: صدقت، نحن الوزراء وأنتم الأمراء وانتهى الأمر بصدر رحب، لا كما صوره بعض المؤرخين وافتراءاتهم على خير جيل ظهر في الإسلام. وانتهى الأمر في زمن قياسي، اتفق الحاضرون يومها على مبايعة الصديق – رضي الله عنه – خليفة للمسلمين، لقد حمى الله بفطنة وسياسة وحكمة عظماء الإسلام الثلاثة، ، وفهم عميق لفقه الواقع لدى الأنصار، من شر وفتنة عظيمة كان من الممكن أن تؤدي بالدولة إلى شر وخلاف عظيم. ونحمد الله أن اليهود كان قد انقطع شرهم عن المدينة بعد غزوة الأحزاب، وبالمثل اندثرت أوكار المنافقين بعد هلاك زعيمهم عبدالله بن أبي. ولك أن تتخيل يوم السقيفة، في وجود يهود بني قريظة والمنافقين.
كم استغرق من وقت للقضاء علي الردة؟ (3 سنوات)
بدأت في عام 11 هجرية واستمرت حتى العام الثالث عشر الهجري، ، وقد شن الخليفة هذه الحروب بعد أن استشار كبار الصحابة ووافقوا على ضرورتها حفاظًا على الدولة الإسلامية
أسباب حروب الردة
أ - ترك بعض العبادات
مع تولي سيدنا أبي بكر الخلافة، وبسبب وفاة الرسول صلى الله عليه وسلم أعلنت العديد من القبائل عن عدم رغبتها في اعتناق الإسلام بعد ذلك إما بشكل كلي، بتركهم لدين الإسلام، أو بشكل جزئي عن طريق رفضهم لأداء بعض الفرائض كالصلاة والزكاة أو شرب الخمر والزنا
ب- رفض الزكاة واعتباراها إتاوة مفروضة
التي اعتبرتها بعض القبائل نوعًا من أنواع الإتاوة التي تُفرض عليهم بدون وجه حق، ولذلك أعلنوا العصيان على الخليفة، وهو السبب الذي قال فيه أبو بكر الصديق قولته الشهيرة: والله لو منعوني عقالًا كانوا يؤدونها إلى رسول الله لقاتلتهم عليها
العلاء بن الحضرمي لإمارة اللواء السادس
لقتال الحطم بن ضبيعة أخي بني قيس بن ثعلبة والمرتدين معه بالبحرين
حذيفة بن محسن الغلفاني من حمير على رأس اللواء السابع
لقتال ذي التاج لقيط بن مالك الأزدي المتنبئ في عمان
عرفجة بن هرثمة للواء الثامن
إلى مهرة ان طبيعيًّا أن توجه هذه الألوية إلى الجنوب لبأس أهله وإلحاحهم في الردة
أما الشمال من شبه الجزيرة فتوجهت إليه ألوية ثلاث
على أحدها عمرو بن العاص لقتال قضاعة، وعلى الثاني معن بن حاجز السلمي لقتال بني سليم ومن معهم من هوازن، وعلى الثالث خالد بن سعيد بن العاص لاستبراء مشارف الشام
نتائج حروب الردة
- ظهرت قوة الإسلام وثبتت الدولة الإسلامية ولم يتجرأ أحد على الخروج عن الدولة الإسلامية بسبب ما فعله المسلمون بالمرتدين
- جمع القرآن الكريم بسبب وفاة عدد كبير من الصحابة وحفظة القرآن الكريم، مما أدى إلى قيام أبو بكر وعمر بجمع القرآن الكريم حتى لا يدخل إليه التحريف أو ينتهي بموت حفظة القرآن
- استطاع الخليفة أبو بكر الصديق توحيد كلمة المسلمين مرة أخرى حول الإسلام، وجعل المدينة المنورة هي عاصمة الدولة الإسلامية بعد أن أظهرت بعض القبائل اعتراضها على ذلك بعد وفاة النبي صلى الله عليه وسلم.
- استطاع المسلمون أن يثبتوا قدرتهم على حمل السلاح وطاعة القادة الذين وضعهم الخليفة على قيادة الجيوش، وهو الأمر الذي أعطاهم ميزة للقضاء على المرتدين الذين تعددت راياتهم.
- الاستمرار في نشر الإسلام
بعد الانتصار في حروب الردة، تمكن المسلمون من إعادة الاستقرار إلى شبه الجزيرة العربية، وكان لهم المجال لتوجيه جهودهم نحو نشر الإسلام في مناطق أخرى من العالم. كما أن هذه الانتصارات أظهرت للعالم الخارجي القوة العسكرية والسياسية التي أصبح المسلمون يمتلكونها.
- الانتقال إلى المرحلة التوسعية
مع نهاية حروب الردة، أعد المسلمون أنفسهم للمرحلة التوسعية التي شهدت قيام الفتوحات الإسلامية الكبرى في الإمبراطوريتين الفارسية والرومانية، وهو ما جعل الأمة الإسلامية تتوسع بشكل سريع في العقود التي تلت حروب الردة.
- تأثير حروب الردة على التاريخ الإسلامي
حروب الردة كانت بمثابة بداية التحديات السياسية والعسكرية التي واجهتها الأمة الإسلامية في مراحلها الأولى. أثبتت هذه الحروب قدرة الخلافة على البقاء والتمسك بأصول الدين الإسلامي، وفي ذات الوقت كانت بداية التوسع العسكري الذي سيؤدي إلى تشكيل إحدى أعظم الإمبراطوريات في التاريخ.
First: The Saqifa Meeting
The Saqifa of Bani Sa'ida: The day the Ansar and Muhajirun met to discuss the leadership of the state
While the Muhajirun were also busy preparing the Prophet for burial, this was one of the most difficult tests the Muslims had ever faced.
On the day of the Saqifa of Bani Sa'ida—if we may call it that—the Muslims underwent an extraordinary and serious test. Why?
It was a true test for the graduates of the school of Muhammad, both the Muhajirun and the Ansar. For the first time, they found themselves facing a matter in which they had to exert their own effort without referring to the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him. This meant they were subject to error and correctness, as there was no immediate divine guidance through revelation as there had been just days before. Rather, this was the approach that had to be taken from that moment until the Day of Judgment: independent reasoning, analogy, and consensus based on a sound understanding of the Quran and Sunnah. And so things went from the day of Saqifa to this day. The Ansar, after the death of the Most Noble Prophet - may God bless him and grant him peace - worked hard and rushed to fill the void that he left in the leadership of the state and before things got out of hand. So they gathered in the Saqifa of Bani Sa’ida to choose a caliph for the Muslims from among them, considering their position on the call and their protection and support of it from the beginning, in addition to the fact that the Islamic state was established and appeared in their city and they are its people, and therefore they are more entitled to this matter than their brothers the Muhajireen, who were in the form of political refugees, according to the terms of political science today, and therefore it is not acceptable for a political refugee to assume the leadership and command of the state in the presence of its people, or so was the initial thinking of the honorable Ansar.
The news reached the Muhajirun (Abu Bakr, Umar, and Abu Ubaidah – may God be pleased with them) that the Ansar (Helpers) were meeting to choose one of them as their leader.
They immediately set out for the Ansar's political gathering. On the way, they encountered the trustworthy Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah and asked him to accompany them. The three great men then proceeded to the Ansar's gathering. Their purpose was to discuss the issue of leadership or the caliphate with the Ansar, not to impose or force anything upon them. This is evidenced by the fact that only three Muhajirun went to a large gathering of Ansar, including prominent figures and leaders, who were highly respected in Islam. When the three arrived at the meeting, discussions ensued regarding the caliphate. As narrated by Ibn Mas'ud, may God be pleased with him, he said: "When the Messenger of God – peace and blessings be upon him – passed away, the Ansar said, 'Let there be a leader from among us and a leader from among you.' Then Umar ibn al-Khattab – may God be pleased with him – came to them and said, 'O Ansar, do you not know that the Messenger of God – peace and blessings be upon him – commanded Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer?'" Which of you would willingly step forward before Abu Bakr? The Ansar replied, "We seek refuge in God from stepping forward before Abu Bakr."
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may God be pleased with him) then praised the Ansar
and their role in building the state, spreading Islam, and defending it. He emphasized that just as they were the first to support God's religion, they should not be the first to dismantle and fracture the nascent state. He then addressed the Ansar's nominee for the caliphate, Sa'd ibn 'Ubadah (may God be pleased with him), saying, "O Sa'd, you know that the Messenger of God (peace and blessings be upon him) said, while you were present: 'The Quraysh are the rulers of this matter. The righteous among the people follow their righteousness, and the wicked among them follow their wickedness.'" Sa'd replied, "You are right. We are the ministers, and you are the rulers." And the matter ended amicably, contrary to the portrayal by some historians and their fabrications against the best generation that appeared in Islam. And so it was concluded in record time. Those present that day agreed to pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr – may God be pleased with him – as Caliph of the Muslims. God, through the shrewdness, political acumen, and wisdom of the three great men of Islam, and the profound understanding of the Ansar (Helpers) regarding the realities on the ground, protected the state from a great evil and sedition that could have led to immense discord and strife. We thank God that the Jews had ceased their malevolence towards Medina after the Battle of the Trench, and similarly, the dens of the hypocrites were eradicated after the death of their leader, Abdullah ibn Ubayy. Imagine the scene at Saqifa, with the Jews of Banu Qurayza and the hypocrites present.
One of the Companions, Rabi'ah, reported that he said to Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with him): "What compelled you to assume leadership of the people when you forbade me from ruling over even two people?"
He replied: "I found no other option. I feared division within the Muslim community." In another narration: "I feared a tribulation that would lead to apostasy."
After the Muslims pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with him) as their Caliph, thus declaring their success in averting the greatest tribulation that threatened to engulf them
while the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) was still unburied, he stood and delivered his first presidential address, outlining the broad principles of his rule. After praising and glorifying God, he said: "O people, I have been appointed over you, though I am not the best among you. If I do well, support me; if I err, correct me. Truthfulness is a trust, and lying is treachery. The weak among you is strong in my eyes until I restore his rights, God willing, and the strong among you is weak until I take what is due from him, God willing." No people ever abandon jihad in the way of God without God afflicting them with humiliation, and no people ever spread immorality without God afflicting them with calamity. Obey me as long as I obey God and His Messenger, but if I disobey God and His Messenger, then you owe me no obedience.
Secondly: The Life of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may God be pleased with him) During His Caliphate
His View of Caliphs and Kings (may God be pleased with him)
He did not assume the caliphate out of personal desire, but rather because the wise men of Medina deemed him the most suitable for it. From the moment he assumed it, he demonstrated such appreciation for its burdens that it testifies to his willingness to sacrifice for the sake of God. Among his statements, delivered shortly after his pledge of allegiance was: “As for what follows, I have been entrusted with this matter against my will, and by God, I wish one of you had relieved me of it!” On another occasion, after praising and glorifying God, he said: “The most wretched of people in this world and the hereafter are the kings.” The people raised their heads in astonishment, so he said: “What is wrong with you, O people? You are so quick to criticize and hasty! Among kings are those who, when they attain power, God makes them indifferent to what they possess and desire what others possess… They are like a deceptive mirage, outwardly joyful, inwardly sorrowful.”
Abu Bakr's house in As-Sunh, with his wife Habibah bint Kharijah, was a small Bedouin dwelling
He did not alter it, nor did he change his house in Medina, after he was given the oath of allegiance. He stayed there for six months, walking from As-Sunh to Medina, and sometimes riding his horse. He traded in clothes, but when he saw that the burdens of governance were too heavy to be combined with trade, he said, "By God, the affairs of the people and trade are not suitable for them! What is best for them is to devote oneself to their needs, and my family must have what is necessary for them." He abandoned trade and was provided with a stipend from the treasury of the Muslims to support himself and his family. When death approached, he said, "Return what we have of the Muslims' money, for I will not take anything from it. I give my land in such-and-such place to the Muslims in exchange for what I have taken from their money." Umar ibn al-Khattab, when he reclaimed this land after becoming Caliph, said, "Abu Bakr has made things difficult for those who come after him.
Where was Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may God be pleased with him) during the battles?
At that time, Abu Bakr stayed in Medina and did not leave it. This was not because he was unwilling to participate with the Muslims in their battles, but because Medina had become the general command center for the entire army, and the authority from which orders were issued to move from one place to another. Among the things Abu Bakr ordered his commanders was that none of them should move from fighting a group that they had defeated to another confrontation to fight it without his permission. This was because he believed that unity of command in war is one of the requirements of wise policy, and what guarantees victory and triumph. A group of the Ansar noticed that Abu Bakr gave priority to the Muhajirun and did not give them a share of it, and he did this only so that the people of Medina would keep the forces defending it. They were more knowledgeable about the matter and more eager than others to defend its boundaries. As for the notion held by some that he kept them in reserve out of caution after what they had shown at the Saqifah of Bani Sa'idah, there is no justification for it. These banners were raised specifically to fight the apostates, and the Ansar were no less faithful to God and His Messenger than the Muhajirun. Therefore, caution regarding them in this battle is unwarranted. If such an interpretation were valid concerning the Ansar, it would also be valid concerning the senior Muhajirun, such as Ali, Talhah, and Zubayr, who remained in Medina, just as Umar ibn al-Khattab did, to advise Abu Bakr. Thus, the overall command would be strengthened by their presence and the plans and strategies they devised.
His status, may God be pleased with him, was firmly established among the Muslims but between Arabs also
On the day he assembled the eleven banners, his status had already been firmly established among the Muslims, indeed among all the Arabs, due to the decisiveness, sound judgment, sincere faith, and eagerness to sacrifice that he had demonstrated throughout his life. These qualities reached their zenith and clarity at this time, when his hair had turned gray after he had passed sixty and assumed the caliphate of the Messenger of God. Therefore, no one doubted his intentions, and no one hesitated to carry out his commands.
The Arab tribes began to declare their apostasy from Islam
or from a fundamental aspect of ritual worship such as prayer, drinking alcohol, and adultery, or from some transactional acts such as paying zakat, which they considered a tribute paid to the caliph of the Messenger of God. They decided to rebel. Our master Abu Bakr al-Siddiq's plan to combat them was strong and decisive, and it took several forms, as follows:
1- His plan may God be pleased with him, to protect Medina
2- Deploying eleven war banners to fight the apostates who refused to pay zakat and those who falsely claimed prophethood.
Here are the details
1- Abu Bakr's plan to protect Medina
The delegations from the tribes that refused to pay Zakat left Medina after witnessing Abu Bakr's resolve and determination. They left with two directives:
- He ordered the people of Medina to spend the night in the mosque
so that they would be fully prepared for defense.
- He organized the guards who would stand at the city's entrances
and spend the nights around it, to repel any incoming raid.
- He appointed commanders for the guards:
Ali ibn Abi Talib, Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Talha ibn Ubayd Allah, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf, and Abdullah ibn Mas'ud (may God be pleased with them).
- Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with him) sent word to the surrounding tribes that had remained steadfast in Islam
Aslam, Ghifar, Muzayna, Ashja', Juhayna, and Ka'b, ordering them to fight the apostates. They responded to his call. Medina was filled with them, and they brought with them horses and camels which they placed at Abu Bakr's disposal. Indicating the large number of men from these tribes and the extent of their support for Abu Bakr, the tribe of Juhayna alone came to him with four hundred men, along with mounts and horses. Amr ibn Murrah al-Juhani drove one hundred camels to aid the Muslims, which Abu Bakr distributed among the people.
As for those apostates who remained far from Medina and whose threat was less severe, he fought them with letters
He sent these letters to the Muslim governors in their provinces, just as the Messenger of God had done, urging them to rise up and fight the apostates, and commanding the people to join them in this endeavor. An example of this is his letter to the people of Yemen, where the apostates were among the soldiers of al-Aswad al-Ans. In which he said: “Now then, keep an eye on our sons against those who oppose them, surround them, listen to Firuz, and work diligently with him, for I have appointed him.” This message bore fruit, and the Muslims of Persian origin, led by Firuz and aided by their Arab brethren, launched a fierce raid against the rebellious apostates until God turned their plots against them, and Yemen gradually returned to the path of righteousness.
As for those who were close to Medina and whose threat was severe, such as the Banu Abs and Dhubyan
From the tribes of Aslam, Ghifar, Muzaynah, Ashja', Juhaynah, and Ka'b, he commanded them to wage jihad against the apostates. They responded to him until Medina was filled with them. They brought horses and camels, which they placed at Abu Bakr's disposal. Indicating the large number of men from these tribes and the extent of their support for Abu Bakr, Juhaynah alone sent four hundred men to him, along with mounts and horses. Amr ibn Murrah al-Juhani also brought one hundred camels to aid the Muslims, which Abu Bakr distributed among the people.
As for those apostates who were far from Medina and whose threat was less pronounced, he fought them with letters
He sent these letters to the Muslim governors in their respective regions, just as the Messenger of God had done, urging them to rise up and fight the apostates, and commanding the people to join them in this endeavor. An example of this is his letter to the people of Yemen, where the apostates from the army of al-Aswad al-Ans were located. In it, he said: “Now then, let our sons be vigilant against those who oppose them, surround them, listen to Firuz, and work diligently with him, for I have appointed him.” This letter bore fruit, and the Muslims of Persian descent, led by Firuz and aided by their Arab brethren, launched a fierce raid against the rebellious apostates until God turned their plots against them, and Yemen gradually returned to the path of righteousness.
- As for those who were close to Medina and whose threat was severe, such as the Banu Abs and Dhubyan,
he saw no alternative but to fight them despite the harsh circumstances. The situation in the city of the Messenger of God (peace be upon him) was such that he took the women and children to the fortresses and mountain passes to protect them from the treachery of the apostates, and he himself and his men prepared for battle.
- The delegations of apostates attempted to enter the city, but failed for the following reasons
Three days after the apostate delegations returned, some tribes from Asad, Ghatafan, Abs, Dhubyan, and Bakr approached the city at night, leaving some of their men behind at Dhu Hasi to act as a rearguard. The guards of the passes noticed this and sent word to Abu Bakr, who then ordered them to remain in their positions! So, they did, and he went out with the people of the mosque on camels towards them. The enemy scattered, and the Muslims pursued them on their camels until they reached Dhu Hasa. There, the enemy came out with ropes they had inflated and placed in them, then they kicked the camels with their feet, each rope pulling them down. The Muslims' camels bolted, and they were riding them—camels never bolt like this—and they ran with them, unable to control them, until they entered the city. Not a single Muslim was killed or injured.
The enemy thought the Muslims were weak and sent word to the people of Dhu al-Qassah. They came to them, trusting in those who had informed them, unaware of what God Almighty had decreed and wished to accomplish among them. Abu Bakr spent the night preparing, arranging the people, and then he went out in formation at the end of the night, walking. On his right flank was Nu'man ibn Muqarrin, on his left flank was 'Abdullah ibn Muqarrin, and at the rear was Suwayd ibn Muqarrin with the stirrups. Before dawn, they and the enemy were on the same level ground. They heard neither whisper nor sound from the Muslims until they unsheathed their swords against them. They fought throughout the night, and before the sun had risen, they had turned their backs and routed them, overpowering most of their rear. Habal, the brother of Tulayha al-Asadi, was killed. Abu Bakr pursued them until he reached Dhu al-Qassah—which was the first conquest—and stationed Nu'man ibn Muqarrin there with a number of men. He then returned to Medina, where the polytheists were humiliated. The Banu Dhubyan then attacked the Muslims among them, killing them all. Those behind them did the same. The Muslims were strengthened by Abu Bakr's victory, and Abu Bakr swore an oath He vowed to kill every single one of the polytheists, and to kill in every tribe those Muslims they had killed, and more. Abu Bakr, may God be pleased with him, resolved to avenge the Muslim martyrs and to punish these spiteful people. He fulfilled his vow, and the Muslims in the remaining tribes became even more steadfast in their faith, while the polytheists suffered increasing humiliation, weakness, and disgrace. Tribal alms began to arrive in Medina. The alms of Safwan arrived first, then those of al-Zibriqan, then those of Adi. Safwan's came at the beginning of the night, the second in the middle, and the third at the end.
2- Deploying 11 war brigades to fight the apostates who refused to pay zakat and those who falsely claimed prophethood
Did Abu Bakr send these eleven brigades into battle immediately after they were equipped, or did he begin by preparing for this battle? He did not dispatch the first of these brigades until he had begun with a peaceful attack, which he had prepared in the best possible way. He had distributed a letter to all the people of the Arabian Peninsula, addressing all who received it, whether commoners or elites, whether they remained Muslim or had renounced Islam. This letter began with praise and glorification of God, mentioning His sending Muhammad with the truth from Him as a bearer of glad tidings and a warner. Then it alluded to the death of the Messenger of God after he had delivered what God had commanded him to deliver to the people, and that God had made this clear to the Muslims, saying: “Indeed, you will die, and indeed, they will die.” And He said: “And We did not grant immortality to any human being before you. So if you die, will they be immortal?” And He said to the believers: “Muhammad is not but a messenger. [Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he dies…” Or if he were killed, you would turn back on your heels. And whoever turns back on his heels will not harm God at all; but God will reward the grateful. (Al Imran: 144) The truthful one intended, by mentioning these verses, to refute the discord raised by those who said: “If Muhammad were truly a messenger, he would not have died.” After he had finished this and the exhortation to fear God and adhere to His religion, he said: “I have heard of some of you who have turned back from your religion after having professed Islam and acted upon it, being deceived by God (Exalted is He), ignorant of His command, and responding to Satan… I have sent so-and-so to you with an army of Muhajireen, Ansar, and those who followed them in righteousness, and I have ordered him not to fight or kill anyone until he calls them to the call of God. Whoever responds, professes, refrains, and acts…” we accepted from him and helped him with vectory, and whoever refused to fight him for that, and he would not spare any of them whom he was able to kill, and he would burn them with fire and kill them in every way, and take the women and children captive, and he would not accept from anyone except Islam. Whoever believed, it was better for him, and whoever left it, God would not be able to overcome him. I have ordered my messenger to read my letter in every gathering of yours, and the caller to prayer is the Adhan.” Therefore, if the Muslims called to prayer and the people called to prayer, they would leave them alone, and if they did not call to prayer, they would ask them what they were doing, and if they refused, they would hasten to them. Abu Bakr spread this message in various parts of the peninsula, and he only sought by it to leave the hesitant people a chance to think; Many have been swayed by the call to prayer for fear of what might befall them if they remain steadfast in their Islam, or at least refrain from supporting the leaders of apostasy. By doing so, bloodshed is prevented, and the resolve of many is weakened so that they do not resist. You will see that this effect, which Abu Bakr intended from his peaceful attack, has achieved a great degree of success. If it produces its effect, then so be it. If it does not produce it, he should seek another means for another peaceful attack. No! Indeed, he was utterly serious in every word of his letter and in every threat he included. No sooner had he completed this letter than he offered an excuse to the apostates and warned them that he had written to the commanders of the brigades, instructing them to fight those who had renounced Islam. He ordered them to be given a chance to recant and to be invited to Islam. If they responded to the commander of the Muslim army, he would refrain from attacking them. If they did not respond, he would launch an attack until they submitted. Then he would inform them of their obligations and rights, taking what was due from them and giving them what was due, without delay. Whoever answered the call was beyond reproach, and God would hold him accountable for what he had concealed. As for those who did not answer God's call, they were to be killed and fought wherever they were, and nothing but Islam would be accepted from them. They were to be killed with weapons and fire. With these two letters and the brigades that Abu Bakr established, preparations were made for the Wars of Apostasy.
How long did it take to eradicate apostasy? (3 years)
It began in the year 11 AH and continued until the year 13 AH. The Caliph launched these wars after consulting with the senior Companions, who agreed on their necessity to preserve the Islamic state.
The reasons for the Wars of Apostasy
A - Abandoning some religious obligations
With the caliphate of Abu Bakr, and due to the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), many tribes declared their unwillingness to embrace Islam, either completely by abandoning the religion, or partially by refusing to perform certain religious duties such as prayer and zakat, or by refraining from drinking alcohol and committing adultery.
B - Refusal to pay zakat and considering it an imposed tribute
Some tribes considered zakat a form of unjust tribute imposed upon them, and therefore they rebelled against the Caliph. This is the reason Abu Bakr al-Siddiq famously said: "By God, if they withheld even a camel's tether that they used to give to the Messenger of God, I would fight them for it."
C - The desire to return to the tribal system that existed in the pre-Islamic era
The Prophet Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him) worked to Eliminating tribalism and its manifestations, and uniting all Muslims under one banner, led some tribes, whose pre-Islamic status had been usurped, to see this as an opportune moment to regain their former standing, especially given the turmoil that afflicted the Muslim community after the Prophet's death. Some believed that Islam had ended with the Prophet's passing and that there was no longer any need for the Islamic faith or belief in it.
E - Due to the dispute over leadership: Who was more deserving of it than Abu Bakr (may God be pleased with him)?
These tribes rejected the rule of the first Caliph, Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, deeming it illegitimate, particularly after he was chosen through consultation (shura) at Saqifa. This rebellion reflected the political disagreements that were going on in the minds of some tribes. Moreover, there was a general feeling among some tribes that the wars waged by the Islamic nation against the Persian and Roman empires had created a kind of social and economic inequality, which prompted some tribes to protest the way in which spoils and resources were being distributed at that time.
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