ABU BAKAR THE 1st CALIPH
Note: Before embarking
upon to learn any historical details about Abu Bakar; there is a dire need to
fully understand the specific milieu in which he had to take critical responsibility
as the first caliph of Islam. Abu Bakar headed the Muslims at a time which was
most crucial in the entire history of Islam, it may well be said in history of
mankind, if the specific perspective is kept in mind, because in the past we
see Moses was followed by a series of prophets like David and Solomon ending at
Jesus (peace and blessings be upon them all), Hadis 3455. Hence the challenge as first caliph of a
burgeoning Muslim state was not only enormous in magnitude but unique in nature
because Abu Bakar not only had to establish a highly civilized polity in a
typical tribal environment in Arabia but he had to fill a vacuum created at the
death of Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) having Divine Help with him, not only as guidance
through Gabriel but physical help like in the battle fields, following is one
such example mentioned in Quran in answer to an earnest prayers of the Prophet
(pbuh) before the Battle of Badar.
“And when you were praying to Allah for succor, He answered, "I
am sending for your succor one thousand angels, one after another". (8:9)
Abu Bakar though a soft person at heart and mild by nature was
to handle a plethora of problems in his short reign of 2 ½ years. He sent the
main army to Syria, because it was planned and prepared in lifetime of Prophet
(pbuh) and had to handled uprisings by tribes around Madina who failed to pay
Zakat, Abu Bakar with untrained troops, much less in size, calmed them down
with an iron will. Latter on when main
army came back from Syria, Abu Bakar had to fight against apostasy movement
mainly arising from newly converted border tribes ending only in making his
armies come face to face with biggest empires of the time, the Persian on the
east and Byzantine on the west, which too were encountered with strong will as
long as he lived. At the same time Abu Bakar faced another fire in the form
of false prophets rising from different parts of the country extinguished after
fierce battles. One such battle of Yamama raised another huge task when lot of
Huffaz of Quran, companions who had memorized Quran from Surah Fatiha to Surah
Nass, as it is today, but was not put together in written form till that time
because The Creator took responsibility of both its preservation and
compilation.
“Indeed, it is We who sent down the Qur'an and indeed, We will be
its guardian.” (15:9)
“Indeed, upon Us is its collection and its recitation.” (75:18)
Abu Bakar’s strict stance
about not taking a single step which Prophet (s) did not, was now faced with a new challenge,
prudently solved through consensus on the constant insistence of Umar. Quran
was finally put into in a book form, also laying foundation for secondary
sources of Islamic Law, “Shariah” like “Ijma”, “Consensus”.
This brief background is necessary to correctly understand and
properly judge the attitude of Abu Bakar towards such problems as matter of
inheritance, firstly the Prophet (s) said, “Our (Apostles') property should not be inherited, and whatever we
leave, is to be spent in charity” (Hadis
6727) besides Quran and Sunnah laid
the broad principles about different
sources of wealth, much to be explained with passage of time through Ijtihad. In Islamic legal terminology Khums meaning "one-fifth or
20%" of produce, Jizyah, Pol Tax paid by non-Muslims living as free citizen for protection
provided by the Muslim ruler,
referred in Quran (9:29) FAI, referred in Quran
(59:6-10) meaning wealth received without a battle like the one referred
in above Hadis regarding land in Khyber and Fadak. Explanation and implication
of Quranic Ayahs by Prophet (pbuh) in his life time are binding on Muslims as
Sunnah, part of Primary Source of Islamic Law “Shariah”. However Quran
and Sunnah having laid broad principles leave vast room for developing laws
with time, a reason Islamic Law remains practical and dynamic for all times to
come if door to “Ijtihad” remains open. Latter
during reign of Umar same questions about inheritance arose and were addressed
besides laying foundation for a role model of Good Governance based on justice
and compassion, the true reflection of egalitarian spirit of Islam. Examples of
“Ijtihad” in time of Umar are also appended below. (Volume 5 No 4033, 4034,
5358 Volume 7, No 7305)
Bukhari
Volume 5, Book 64, Number 4240-4241:
Narrated 'Aisha:
Fatima the daughter of the Prophet
(s) sent someone to Abu Bakar (when he was a caliph), asking for her
inheritance of what Allah's Apostle (s) had left of the property bestowed on
him by Allah from the Fai (i.e. booty gained without fighting) in Medina, and
Fadak, and what remained of the Khumus of the Khaibar booty. On that, Abu Bakr
said, "Allah's Apostle (s) said, "Our property is not inherited.
Whatever we leave, is Sadqa, but the family of (the Prophet) Muhammad (s) can
eat of this property.' By Allah, I will not make any change in the state of the Sadqa of Allah's Apostle (s) and will leave it as it was during the lifetime
of Allah's Apostle (s), and will dispose it of as Allah's Apostle (s) used to
do." So Abu Bakr refused to give anything of that to Fatima. So she became
angry with Abu Bakr and kept away from him, and did not talk to him till she
died. She remained alive for six months after the death of the Prophet (s). When she died, her husband 'Ali, buried her at night without
informing Abu Bakr and he offered the funeral prayer by himself.
When Fatima was alive, the people used to respect 'Ali much, but
after her death, 'Ali noticed a change in the people's attitude towards him. So
Ali sought reconciliation with Abu Bakr and gave him an oath of allegiance. '
Ali had not given the oath of
allegiance during those months (i.e. the period between the Prophet's death and
Fatima's death). 'Ali sent someone to Abu Bakr saying, "Come to us, but
let nobody come with you," as he disliked that 'Umar should come, 'Umar
said (to Abu Bakr), "No, by Allah, you shall not enter upon them alone
" Abu Bakr said, "What do you think they will do to me? By Allah, I
will go to them' So Abu Bakr entered upon them, and then 'Ali uttered
Tashah-hud and said (to Abu Bakr), "We know well your superiority and what
Allah has given you, and we are not jealous of the good what Allah has bestowed
upon you, but you did not consult us in the question of the rule and we thought
that we have got a right in it because of our near relationship to Allah's
Apostle."
Thereupon Abu Bakr's eyes flowed
with tears. And when Abu Bakr spoke, he said, "By Him in Whose Hand my
soul is to keep good relations with the relatives of Allah's Apostle (s) is
dearer to me than to keep good relations with my own relatives. But as for the
trouble which arose between me and you about this property, I will do my best
to spend it according to what is good, and will not leave any rule or
regulation which I saw Allah's Apostle (s) following, in disposing of it, but I
will follow." On that 'Ali said to Abu Bakr, "I promise to give you
the oath of allegiance in this afternoon." So when Abu Bakr had offered
the Zuhr prayer, he ascended the pulpit and uttered the Tashah-hud and then
mentioned the story of 'Ali and his failure to give the oath of allegiance, and
excused him, accepting what excuses he had offered; Then 'Ali (got up) and
praying (to Allah) for forgiveness, he uttered Tashah-hud, praised Abu Bakar’s
right, and said, that he had not done what he had done because of jealousy of
Abu Bakr or as a protest of that Allah had favored him with. 'Ali added,
"But we used to consider that we too had some right in this affair (of
ruler ship) and that he (i.e. Abu Bakr) did not consult us in this matter, and
therefore caused us to feel sorry." On that all the Muslims became happy
and said, "You have done the right thing." The Muslims then became
friendly with 'Ali as he returned to what the people had done (i.e. giving the
oath of allegiance to Abu Bakr).
NOTE: Following
Ahadis are also worth noting in this regard:
Umar deciding dispute between Ali and Abbas regarding share of “Fai”
Bukhari Volume 4, Book 57, Number
3094: [Volume 5 No 4033, 4034, 5358 Volume 7, No 7305]
Narrated Malik bin Aus:
While I was at home, the sun rose
high and it got hot. Suddenly the messenger of 'Umar bin Al-Khattab came to me
and said, "The chief of the believers has sent for you." So, I went
along with him till I entered the place where 'Umar was sitting on a bedstead
made of date-palm leaves and covered with no mattress, and he was leaning over
a leather pillow. I greeted him and sat down. He said, "O Malik! Some
persons of your people who have families came to me and I have ordered that a
gift should be given to them, so take it and distribute it among them." I
said, "O chief of the believers! I wish that you order someone else to do
it." He said, "O man! Take it." While I was sitting there with
him, his doorman Yarfa' came saying, "'Uthman, 'Abdur-Rahman bin 'Auf,
Az-Zubair and Sad bin Abi-Waqqas are asking your permission (to see you); May I
admit them?" 'Umar said, "Yes", so they were admitted and they
came in, greeted him, and sat down. After a while Yarfa' came again and said,
"May I admit 'Ali and 'Abbas?" 'Umar said, "Yes." So, they
were admitted and they came in and greeted (him) and sat down. Then 'Abbas said, "O chief of the
believers, judge between me and this (i.e., 'Ali.)" They had a dispute regarding the property of Bani An-Nadir
which Allah had given to His Apostle as Fai. The group (i.e. 'Uthman
and his companions) said, "O chief of the believers! Judge between them
and relieve both of them front each other." 'Umar said, "Be patient! I beseech you by Allah by Whose
Permission the Heaven and the Earth exist, do you know
that Allah's Apostle said, 'Our (i.e. prophets') property will not be
inherited, and whatever we leave, is Sadaqa (to be used for charity),' and
Allah's Apostle meant himself (by saying "we'')?" The group
said, "He said so." 'Umar then turned to 'Ali and 'Abbas and said,
"I beseech you by Allah, do you know that Allah's Apostle said so?"
They replied, "He said so." 'Umar then said, "So, I will talk to
you about this matter. Allah bestowed on His Apostle with a special favor of
something of this Fai (booty) which he
gave to nobody else." 'Umar then recited the Ayah:
"What
Allah bestowed as (Fai) Booty on his
Apostle (Muhammad) from them for this you made no expedition with either
cavalry or camelry; But Allah gives power to His Apostles over whomever He will
'And Allah is able to do all things." (59:6)
'Umar added "So this property
was especially given to Allah's Apostle, but, by Allah, neither did he take
possession of it and leave your, nor did he favor himself with it to your
exclusion, but he gave it to all of you and distributed it amongst you till
this property remained out of it. Allah's Apostle used to spend the yearly
expenses of his family out of this property and used to keep the rest of its
revenue to be spent on Allah's Cause. Allah's Apostle (s) kept on doing this
during all his lifetime. I ask you by Allah do you know this?" They
replied in the affirmative. 'Umar then said to 'Ali and 'Abbas. "I ask you
by Allah, do you know this?" 'Umar added, "When Allah had taken His Prophet (s) unto
Him, 'Abu Bakr said, 'I am the successor of Allah's Apostle so, Abu Bakr took
over that property and managed it in the same way as Allah's Apostle used to
do, and Allah knows that he was true, pious and rightly-guided, and he was a
follower of what was right. Then Allah took Abu Bakr unto Him and I became Abu
Bakr's successor, and I kept that property in my possession for the first two
years of my Caliphate, managing it in the same way as Allah's Apostle used to
do and as Abu Bakr used to do, and Allah knows that I have been true, pious,
rightly guided, and a follower of what is right. Now you both (i.e. 'Ali and 'Abbas) came to talk to me, bearing the same claim and presenting the same
case; you, 'Abbas, came to me asking for your share from (Muhammad) your
nephew's property, and this man, i.e. 'Ali, came to me asking for his wife's share from her
father's property. I told you both that
Allah's Apostle said, 'Our (prophets') properties are not to be inherited, but
what we leave is Sadaqa (to be used for charity).' When I thought it right that
I should hand over this property to you, I said to you, 'I am ready to hand
over this property to you if you wish, on the condition that you would take
Allah's Pledge and Convention that you would manage it in the same way as
Allah's Apostle used to, and as Abu Bakr used to do, and as I have done since I
was in charge of it.' So, both of you said (to me), 'Hand it over to
us,' and on that condition I handed it over to you. So, I ask you by Allah, did
I hand it over to them on this condition?" The group aid, "Yes."
Then 'Umar faced 'Ali and Abbas saying, "I ask you
by Allah, did I hand it over to you on this condition?" They said,
"Yes; "He said, "Do you want now to give a different decision?
By Allah, by Whose Leave both the Heaven and the Earth exist, I will never give
any decision other than that (I have already given). And if you are unable to
manage it, and then return it to me, and I will do the job on your
behalf."
Bukhari
Volume 3, Book 41, Number 2328:
Narrated 'Abdullah bin 'Umar:
The Prophet (s) concluded a contract
with the people of Khaibar to utilize the land on the condition that half the
products of fruits or vegetation would be their share. The Prophet (s) used to give
his wives one hundred Wasqs each, eighty Wasqs of dates and twenty Wasqs of
barley. (When
'Umar
became the Caliph) he gave the wives of the Prophet (s) the option of either having
the land and water as their shares, or carrying on the previous practice. Some
of them chose the land and some chose the Wasqs, and 'Aisha chose the land.
Note:
One Wasq equals 4 Mun and 12 Saeer (Urdu translation) equals about 50 KG as such
the amount will be in tune of some 100X50 = 5000 KG, obviously that was more
than sufficient for all Ummul Momineen - Mothers Faithful in lifetime of
Prophet (s).
Another estimates says; One Wasaq = 60 Sa's and 1 Sa'= 3 kg thus 100 wasaq equals 180X100 approximately 18000 kg (Hadis 148)
Umar and Spread of Islam through peaceful conquests by purifying
rules of war
(9) CHAPTER. The war booty is for those who
witness the battles.
Bukhari Volume 4, Book 57, Number
3125:
Narrated Aslam:
'Umar said, "Were it not for those
Muslims who have not come to existence yet, I would have distributed
(the land of) every town I conquer among the fighters as the Prophet (s) distributed the land of Khaibar."
Bukhari Volume 5, Book 64, Number
4235:
Narrated 'Umar bin Al-Khattab:
By Him in Whose Hand my soul is,
were I not afraid that the other Muslims might be left in poverty, I would
divide (the land of) whatever village I may conquer (among the fighters), as
the Prophet divided the land of Khaibar. But I prefer to leave it as a (source of) a common
treasury for them to distribute its revenue amongst themselves.
Note
1: Umar Bin Khattab during his reign solved a big question through “Ijtihad”, in the light of Ayah 59:6-10,
“And those who came (into
the faith) after them…”,
“wa-alladhīna
And those who jāū
came min
baʿdihim after them and
Ayah 62:2-3 “As well as (to confer all these
benefits upon) others of them, who have not yet joined them: And He is exalted
in Might, Wise.” , waākharīna and others
min'hum among them lammā
who have not yet yalḥaqū bihim
Note
2: “Ijtihad” means a process of deliberations for reaching a solution
to a legal matter relating to a new situation. Umar also laid foundation for
Islamic legal thinking giving priority to wellbeing of humanity in a larger
spectrum by opening gates to an ever dynamic way of Islamic jurisprudence.
Unfortunately such dynamic principles were not fully utilized due to “Taqleed”,
“blind
following” a process negating the dynamic spirit of Quran and Sunnah,
ending in few schools of Jurisprudence like “Hanfi”,
“Maliki”, “Shafii” and “Hunmbaly”
besides “shiia” schools of legal
thought. Only a few dared to criticize this trend but faced huge oppositions
and appreciated by only a few select. These are scholars like Ibn Taymiyyah (January 22, 1263 -
September 26, 1328) Ibn Abd al-Wahhab
(1703 – 22 June 1792) and modern day scholar Dr. Muhammad Iqbal. (November 9,
1877 – April 21, 1938).
This modest analysis
amply explains a typical behavior of Abu Bakar towards minor problems like
inheritance raised at a time when he was handling huge problems which were
challenging the very existence of Muslims as a state. We have seen that in all
2 ½ years of his career, his top priority was to strictly follow the Prophet (pbuh)
although Prophet (pbuh) had left sufficient wisdom and guidance in the form of
Quran and Sunnah as an ever dynamic, source of guidance but according to Divine
Design this was to happen after reign of Abu Bakar.
Today in 21st
century there is a dire need to make the best of these sources to establish
peace for all which is only possible if the door to Ijihad is reopened as it
was done by Umar the 2nd Caliph and followed for sometimes after
which Muslims fell to “Taqleed”, blind following and got divided into sects, increasing in
bitterness with passage of time greatly damaging their prestige as a whole.
It is time we must
remind ourselves of the foremost
objectives laid down for this humble venture of HADIS REVISED 21st CENTURY which is to bridge the sectarian
misunderstandings developed over the past centuries which if not addressed
today we will not be able carry on our duty as Ummah, laid down clearly in
Quran at two places but let’s read another Ayah to really understand the magnitude and significance of this
responsibility before these two.
“Just imagine how they
will fare, when We shall bring forward a witness from every community and raise
you (O Muhammad) as a witness in regard to these people. 64 At that time, all those, who rejected the Messenger and disobeyed
him, would wish the earth to split open and swallow them; for there they will
not be able to hide anything from Allah.” (4:41-42)
“Thus We have appointed you a middle
nation, that ye may be witnesses
against mankind, and that the
messenger may be a witness against you. And We appointed the qiblah which
ye formerly observed only that We might know him who followeth the messenger,
from him who turneth on his heels. In truth it was a hard (test) save for those
whom Allah guided. But it was not Allah's purpose that your faith should be in
vain, for Allah is Full of Pity, Merciful toward mankind.” (2:143)
“Exert your utmost for the
cause of Allah as one should. 128 He has chosen you for His service 129 and has not laid on you any hardship in your religion. 130 Therefore, be steadfast in the religion of your father Abraham. 131 Allah had called you "Muslims" before this and has called
you 132 (by the same name) in this (Qur'an) also so that the Messenger may be a witness in regard to you and you
may be witnesses in regard to the rest of mankind. 133 Therefore, establish Salat and pay the Zakat dues, and hold fast to
Allah, 134 for He is your Guardian: What an excellent Guardian and what an
excellent Helper!” (22:78)
“Ijma”, “Consensus”, a legal opinion by
companions of Prophet (s) if agreed upon by the majority and followed for at
least 3 generation, i.e. companions, successors of companion, “Tabyien”,
successors of the successors, “Taby Tabyien” it got the status of law, 1st of its type called “Ijma
of
companions” being of obligatory nature, 2nd type was “Ijma
of
jurists”, “Fuqha”, however it remained open to questioning as long as
Muslims fell to “Taqleed” blindly following one of the jurists and got divided
into sects thus the 3rd type known as Ijma of Muslim Ummah was put
to an end..
“Ijtihad” is legal term carrying a complete system of developing Islamic
Law “Shariah” thorough exertion of a jurist's mental faculties in finding a
solution to a legal question.
(2) Prophet (s) not appointed anyone
but clearly
showed preference for Abu
Bakar
to be caliph after his death
Narrated
Jubair bin Mut'im:
A
woman came to the Prophet (s) and spoke to him about something and he told her to return
to him. She said, "O Allah's Apostle! If I come and do not find you?"
(As if she meant, in case if you die!!) The Prophet (s) said, "If you should not find me, then go to Abu
Bakar."
Bukhari
Volume 9, Book 93, Number 7217:
Narrated Al-Qasim bin Muhammad:
'Aisha said, "O my head!" (Note 1) Allah's Apostle (s) said, "If that (i.e., your death) should happen while I am still alive, I would ask Allah to forgive you and would invoke Allah for you." 'Aisha said, "O my life which is going to be lost! By Allah, I think that you wish for my death, and if that should happen then you would be busy enjoying the company of one of your wives in the last part of that day." The Prophet (s) said, "But I should say, 'O my head!' I feel like calling Abu Bakr and his son and appoint (the former as my successors) lest people should say something or wish for something. (Note 2) Allah will insist (on Abu Bakr becoming a Caliph) and the believers will prevent (anyone else from claiming the Caliphate)," or "...Allah will prevent (anyone else from claiming the Caliphate) and the believers will insist (on Abu Bakr becoming the Caliph)."
Translator’s Note:
- Complained of a headache.
- Lest some people should say that the right of ruling belongs to them or some others should wish for becoming the caliph instead of Abu Bakr.
NOTE: Prophet (s) never lead Muslims like an autocratic king or an emperor, he was extremely humble and democratic in his conduct as head of the burgeoning state of Islam, his reluctance, clearly visible in the above Hadis and many other Ahadis about nominating anyone as successor in his life time is a clear testimony to this great reality. Emphasis on this democratic spirit is clearly laid down by Allah in Quran;
Quran on the topic
Who obey their Lord, 60 establish Salah, and conduct their
affairs by mutual consultation. 61 (42:38)
Prophet (s) always
gave due regard and value to the opinion of his companions and was duly praised
by Allah for this and strongly advised to always adhere to this practice. Hadis
about Kaba not built on foundations laid by Ibrahim, door of Kaba kept higher
by Quraish and why Prophet (s) did not take corrective measures are also worth
noting in this regard. (Bukhari Volume 1, Book 3, Number 126,
Volume 2, Book 25, Number 1584-1586, Volume 4, Book 60, Number 3368)
Quran on the topic
(O
Messenger,) it is a great mercy of Allah
that you are very gentle and lenient towards them: for, had you been harsh
and hard hearted, they all would have broken away from you: so pardon them and
implore Allah to forgive them, and take
counsel with them in the conduct of the affairs; then, when once you make
up your mind (to do a thing), trust in Allah (and do it). Allah likes those who
trust in Him in whatever they do. (3:159 Context,
is Battle of Uhad)
However at many other
places there are adequate indications about his strong preference in the matter
of caliphate after his death, such as ordered Abu Bakar to lead
prayers during fatal illness (Bukhari Volume 9, Book 96, Number 7303),
ordered closing all doors opening into Mosque except that of Abu
Bakar (Bukhari
Volume 1, Book 8, Number 467), few to mention.
(3) Abu Bakar as caliph opted to fight people
failing to pay Zakat
Bukhari
Volume 2, Book 24, Number 1399-1400:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
When Allah's Apostle (s) died and
Abu Bakr became the caliph some Arabs renegade (reverted to disbelief and Abu
Bakr decided to declare war against them), 'Umar,
said to Abu Bakr, "How can you fight with these people although Allah's
Apostle (s) said, 'I have been ordered (by Allah) to fight the people till they
say: "None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, and whoever said it
then he will save his life and property from me except on trespassing the law
(rights and conditions for which he will be punished justly), and his accounts
will be with Allah.'
“Abu Bakr said, "By Allah! I
will fight those who differentiate between the prayer and the Zakat as Zakat is
the compulsory right to be taken from the property (according to Allah's
orders) By Allah! If they refuse to pay me even a she-kid which they used to
pay at the time of Allah's Apostle (s). I would fight with them for withholding
it" Then 'Umar said, "By Allah, it was nothing, but Allah opened Abu
Bakr's chest towards the decision (to fight) and I came to know that his
decision was right."
(40) CHAFFER. To accept a she-kid
as Zakat;
Bukhari
Volume 2, Book 24, Number 1456:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Abu Bakr said, "By Allah! If
they (pay me the Zakat and) with-hold even a she-kid which they used to pay
during the life-time of Allah's Apostle, I will fight with them for it."
Bukhari Volume 2, Book 24, Number
1457:
‘Umar said, "It was nothing but
Allah Who opened Abu Bakr's chest towards the decision to fight, and I came to
know that his decision was right."
Note: It is worth
noting here that Abu Bakar had to take some firm steps and strict action for
ensuring stability which was seriously threatened for obvious reasons after
death of the Prophet (s). However when situation in burgeoning Islamic State
got under control strict rules practiced by Abu Bakar were not followed
through; thus did not become part of Shariah as legal injunctions such as, “to
fight people refusing to pay Zakat”.
(4) Abu
Bakar paid Prophet’s promise
after his
death
(18) CHAPTER. If somebody gives somebody else a present, or promises to give him a present, and one of them dies before the gift reaches the other person.
"Ubaida
said, "If both the giver and the receiver have died but the present was
set aside (i.e. separated) in the lifetime of the receiver, it will be given to
his inheritors, and if it was not separated, it will go to the inheritors of
the giver." Al-Hasan said, "It will be given to the inheritors of the
receiver (i.e. to whom the present was meant) no matter who died first, if the
gift has been delivered to the messenger."
Bukhari
Volume 3, Book 51, Number 2598: [4383]
Narrated
Jabir:
The
Prophet (s) said to me, "I will give you so much (the Prophet pointed
thrice with his hands) when funds of Bahrain will come to me." But the
Prophet (s) died before the money reached him. (When it came) Abu Bakr ordered
an announcer to announce that whoever had a money claim on the Prophet (s) or
was promised to be given something, should come to Abu Bakr. I went to Abu Bakr
and told him that the Prophet (s) had promised to give me so much. On that Abu
Bakr gave me three handfuls (of money).
(5) Umar gave in to Abu Bakar’s strict
action
against apostasy movement
Bukhari
Volume 9, Book 93, Number 7221:
Narrated Tariq bin Shihab:
Abu Bakr said to the delegate of
Buzakha. (Note 1) "Follow the tails of the
camels till Allah shows the Caliph (successor) of His Prophet (s) and
Al-Muhajirin (emigrants) something because of which you may excuse yourselves.”
Translator’s Note: Buzakha were the tribes who turned apostates after the death of the Prophet (s) some of them came to the Caliph Abu Bakr after they had regretted their dissention from Islam. 'Umar ordered them to stay in the desert taking care of their camels till he and the other Muslims decided their case.
Bukhari
Volume 9, Book 88, Number 6924-6925:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
When the Prophet died and Abu Bakr
became his successor and some of the Arabs reverted to disbelief, 'Umar said, "O
Abu Bakr! How can you fight these people
although Allah's Apostle said, 'I have been ordered to fight the people till
they say: 'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah, 'and whoever said,
'None has the right to be worshipped but Allah', Allah will save his property
and his life from me, unless (he does something for which he receives
legal punishment) justly, and his account will be with Allah?' "
Abu Bakr said, "By
Allah! I will fight whoever differentiates between prayers and Zakat as Zakat
is the right to be taken from property (according to Allah's Orders). By Allah!
If they refused to pay me even a kid they used to pay to Allah's Apostle, I
would fight with them for withholding it." 'Umar said, "By Allah: It was nothing, but I noticed that Allah
opened Abu Bakr's chest towards the decision to fight, therefore I realized
that his decision was right."
Abu
Bakar took strict action against those failing to pay Zakah
Bukhari Volume 2, Book 24, Number
1399-1400:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
When Allah's Apostle died and Abu
Bakr became the caliph some Arabs renegade (reverted to disbelief) (Abu Bakr
decided to declare war against them), 'Umar, said to Abu Bakr, "How can
you fight with these people although Allah's Apostle said, 'I have been ordered
(by Allah) to fight the people till they say: "None has the right to be
worshipped but Allah, and whoever said it then he will save his life and
property from me except on trespassing the law (rights and conditions for which
he will be punished justly), and his accounts will be with Allah.' "Abu
Bakr said, "By Allah! I will fight those who differentiate between the
prayer and the Zakat as Zakat is the compulsory right to be taken from the
property (according to Allah's orders) By Allah! If they refuse to pay me even
a she-kid which they used to pay at the time of Allah's Apostle I would fight
with them for withholding it" Then 'Umar said,
"By Allah, it was nothing, but Allah
opened Abu Bakr's chest towards the decision (to fight) and I came to know
that his decision was right."
(40) CHAFFER. To accept a she-kid as Zakat;
Bukhari Volume 2, Book 24, Number
1456:
Narrated Abu Huraira:
Abu Bakr said, "By Allah! If
they (pay me the Zakat and) with-hold even a she-kid which they used to pay
during the life-time of Allah's Apostle, I will fight with them for it."
Bukhari Volume 2, Book 24, Number
1457:
‘Umar said, "It was nothing but Allah Who opened Abu Bakr's chest towards the decision to fight, and I came to know that his decision was right."
(2) CHAPTER. The legal regulation concerning Al-Murtad and Al-Murtaddah [male and the female who reverts from Islam (apostates)]
Allah (SWT) said:
"How
shall Allah guide a people who disbelieved
after their belief and after they bore witness that the Messenger (Muhammad) is
true and after clear proofs had come unto them? And Allah guides not the people
who are Zãlimün (polytheists and wrongdoers). They are those whose
recompense is that on them (rests) the Curse of Allah, of the angels, and of
all mankind. They will abide therein (Hell). Neither will their torment be
(lightened) nor will it be delayed or postponed (for a while) except for those
who repent after that and do righteous deeds. Verily, Allah is Oft-Forgiving,
Most Merciful. Verily, those who disbelieved after their belief and then went
on increasing in their disbelief (i.e., disbelief in the Quran and in Prophet
Muhammad never will their repentance be accepted [because they repent only by
their tongues and not from their hearts]. And they are those who are
astray." (V3: 86-90)
Allah also said:
"O’ you who believe; if you
obey a group of those who were given the Scripture (Jews and Christians), they
would (indeed) render you disbelievers after you have believed!" (V.3:100)
Allah also said:
"Verily, those who believe,
then disbelieve, then believe (again), and (again) disbelieve, and go on
increasing in disbelief; Allah will not forgive them, nor guide them on the
(Right) Way." (V.4:137)
Alah also said:
"0’ you who believe; whoever
from among you turns back from his religion (Islam), Allah will bring a people
whom He will love and they will love Him; humble towards the believers, stern
towards the disbelievers..." (V.5:54)
Allah also said:
"Whoever disbelieved in Allah
after his belief, except him who is forced thereto and whose heart is rest with Faith - but such as open their
breasts to disbelief, - on them is wrath from Allah, and theirs will be a great torment. That is
because they loved and preferred the life of this world over that of the Hereafter.
And Allah guides not the people who disbelieve. They are those upon whose
hearts, hearing (ears) and sight (eyes) Allah has set a seal. And they are the
heedless! No doubt, in the Hereafter, they will be the losers. Then, verily!
Your Lord, for those who emigrated after they had been put to trials and
thereafter strove hard and fought (for the Cause of Allah) and were patient, verily, your Lord afterward is,
Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." (V.16: 106-110)
Allah also said:
"...And they will never cease fighting you until they turn you back from your religion (Islamic Monotheism) if they can. And whosoever of you turns back from his religion and dies as a disbeliever, then his deeds will be lost in this life and in the Hereafter; and they will be the dwellers of the Fire. They will abide therein forever." (V.2:217)
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