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MANAGEMENT BOARD Mr Munir-ud-din Shams (Chairman) November 2007, Vol.102, No.11 Mr Mansoor Shah (Secretary) Mr Naseer Ahmad Qamar Mr Mubarak Ahmad Zafar Mr Mirza Fakhar Ahmad CONTENTS Mr. Abdul Baqi Arshad Continuing our series of special issues on Khilafat – We start with the first two Khalifas CHIEF EDITOR AND MANAGER Mansoor Ahmed Shah of Islam.

EDITORIAL BOARD (RA) Basit Ahmad HADHRAT ABU BAKR Bockarie Tommy Kallon Account of the life of the first Caliph of Islam, Fareed Ahmad Fazal Ahmad. who was closest in example to the teachings of Fauzia Bajwa (saw) Mansoor Saqi the Qur’an after the Holy Prophet himself. Mahmood Hanif His practical leadership was based on belief in Mansoora Hyder-Hanif Navida Shahid the power of Allah that supported the Muslims. Sarah Waseem Saleem Ahmad Malik Adam Hani Walker – UK ...... 3 Tanveer Khokhar HADHRAT ‘UMAR(RA) SPECIAL CONTRIBUTORS Amatul Hadi Ahmad Story of how a young Makkan turned from a Farina Qureshi hostile enemy of Islam to the second Caliph of PROOFREADERS Islam, and a humble servant of his people. How Abdul Ghany Jahangeer Khan his leadership inspired Islam’s greatest expansion Shaukia Mir across the world. DESIGN AND LAYOUT Tanveer Khokhar Mashhood Ahmad and Fazal Ahmad – UK ...... 40

PUBLISHER Al Shirkatul Islamiyyah

DISTRIBUTION Muhammad Hanif

All correspondence should be forwarded to the editor at: The Review of Religions The London Mosque 16 Gressenhall Road London, SW18 5QL United Kingdom Email: [email protected]

© Islamic Publications, 2007 ISSN No: 0034-6721

Cover photo: Views expressed in this publication are not Jerusalem Arch necessarily the beliefs of the Ahmadiyya Copyright: Big Stock Photos. Muslim Community Nov 2007.qxd 28/12/07 11:31 Page 2

Verse references to the Holy Qur’an item count ‘Bismillah...’ (In the Name of Allah...) as the first verse of each Chapter. In some non-standard texts, this is not counted. Should the reader refer to such texts, the verse quoted in The Review of Religions will be found a verse earlier, i.e. at one verse less than the number quoted.

In this journal, for the ease of non-Muslim readers, ‘(saw)’ or ‘saw’ after the words, ‘Holy Prophet’, or the name ‘Muhammad’, are used. They stand for ‘Sallallahu ‘alaihi wa sallam’ meaning ‘peace and blessings of Allah be upon him’. Likewise, the letters ‘(as)’ or ‘as’ after the name of all other prophets is an abbreviation meaning ‘peace be upon him’ derived from ‘Alaihis salatu wassalam’ which are words that a Muslim utters out of respect whenever he or she comes across that name. The abbreviation ‘ra’ or (ra) stands for ‘Radhiallahu Ta’ala anhu and is used for Companions of a Prophet, meaning Allah be pleased with him or her (when followed by the relevant Arabic pronoun). Finally, ‘ru’ or (ru) for Rahemahullahu Ta’ala means the Mercy of Allah the Exalted be upon him.

In keeping with current universal practice, local transliterations of names of places are preferred to their anglicised versions, e.g. Makkah instead of Mecca, etc.

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Hadhrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq(ra) – The Great Lover of Allah By Adam Hani Walker – UK

In a reported hadith (Tradition: as such with the most compelling saying of) the Holy Prophet(saw) relating to a hadith in which the said1: Holy Prophet(saw) said:

‘Love of Abu Bakr(ra) and ‘Abu Bakr(ra) you are the one gratitude to him are a duty on whom Allah has freed from the everyone of my Ummah’ hellfire’2.

Introduction He was also known as As-Siddiq, Abu Bakr(ra) was one of many which comes from the root Arabic titles (kunya) given to ‘truthfulness’ and literally means Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) but his actual that a person is in a constant state name was Abdul Ka’aba but after of truthfulness. It has been related he became a Muslim was named in Al-Bukhari (Book of Hadith – by the Holy Prophet(saw) ‘Abdullah Traditions) that the Holy ibn Abi Qahafa ‘Uthman ibn ‘Amir Prophet(saw) once climbed with ibn ‘Amr ibn Ka’b ibn Sa’d ibn Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra), Hadhrat Taym ibn Murrah ibn Ka’b ibn ‘Umar(ra) and Hadhrat ‘Uthman(ra) Lu’ayy ibn Ghalib al-Quraishi al- to the top of Mount ‘Uhud upon Taymi. His other titles are which he said3: numerous and offer us a deep insight into his character as ‘Be firm, O ‘Uhud, for upon perceived by those around him. you are a Prophet, a Siddiq The first of his titles is ‘Ateeq (Hadhrat Abu Bakr) and two which literally means noble or one martyrs (Hadhrat ‘Umar and who is freed from some Hadhrat ‘Uthman)’. unfortunate outcome or circum- stance. There are countless reasons In relation to this the Promised put forward for him being named Messiah(as) writes in Arabic4:

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‘My Lord has made it clear to attributed to Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) me that the Siddiq (Abu but none more esteemed than the Bakr(ra)) and Fariq (‘Umar(ra)) title As-Sahib (the companion) and ‘Uthman were of the which was most magnificently righteous and the faithful and assigned to him by Almighty Allah. were of those who were chosen It is said that when taking shelter in by Allah and were bestowed in the cave of Hira, Hadhrat Abu particular with the bounties of Bakr(ra) began to weep. The Holy the Gracious One. Prophet(saw) asked him why he was weeping. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) I have been informed that they replied6: were of the righteous and he who hurts them, hurts Allah and ‘I do not weep for my life, O is a transgressor.’ Prophet of God, because if I die it is only the question of a single In further expounding the deep life. But if you die it will be the meaning of As-Siddiq the death of Islam and of the entire Promised Messiah(as) delves into his Muslim Community.’ vast ocean of knowledge and, as was his habit, presents us with a It was here that Almighty Allah glowing pearl of knowledge. He revealed a comforting verse to writes that Prophethood after remove the fears of Hadhrat Abu Hadhrat Muhammad(saw) is only Bakr(ra) in which He gave him the attainable through the complete and title As-Sahib7, absolute losing of oneself in the love of the Holy Prophet(saw). The …when he said to his Promised Messiah(as) writes5: companion, ‘Grieve not, for Allah is with us.’ ‘…all the doors leading to Prophethood have been closed To merit such a unique title, and be except the door of Sirat-e- so closely associated with Hadhrat Siddiqi, i.e., losing oneself in Khatam-An-Nabiyyeen(saw), indi- the Holy Prophet.’ cates that Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was exemplary in the way he conducted There were several other titles himself. This was exemplified in

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his acceptance of Islam when he Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was blessed did not hesitate for a fraction of a with four wives who bore six second to believe the Holy children between them. His wives Prophet(saw) and offer his bai’at at were Hadhrat Qateelah, Hadhrat the hand of Hadhrat Khatam-An- Umm Ruman, Hadhrat Asma' and Nabiyeen(saw). Regarding his accep- Hadhrat Habibah. His blessed tance the Holy Prophet(saw) children were Hadhrat ‘Abdur- addressed the companions and Rahman(ra), Hadhrat ‘Abdullah(ra), said8: Hadhrat Muhammad(ra), Hadhrat Asma'(ra), Hadhrat ‘A'ishah(ra) and ‘Verily, when Allah sent me to Hadhrat Umm Kulthoom who was you, you said, “You are lying”, born shortly after he passed away. but Abu Bakr said: ‘He has spoken the truth.” He then His were blessed believers who consoled me by sacrificing his contributed heavily towards the life and his wealth.’ success and development of traditional Islamic thought and rule. Family The family of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) came from a was one of the very few families prominent family of good standing that was blessed with four gener- and his father was called ‘Uthman ations classed as companions of ibn ‘Aamar ibn ‘Amr(ra) (also the Holy Prophet(saw). known by the title Abu Quhafa) and his mother was called Salma Delving deeply into the lineage of bint Sakhr ibn ‘Amr ibn Ka’ab ibn Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) leads one to Sa’ad ibn Tayim(ra) (also known by realise the rich prophetic tree from the title Umm-ul-Khair). Whilst his which he grew. He was in fact mother accepted Islam in the early related to Hadhrat Muhammad(saw) days before Hijrah, his father did through Hadhrat Tamim (his fourth not accept until the day that Islam generation grandfather), who was liberated Makkah Al-Mukarramah the brother of Hadhrat Kulab (the from the hands of the tyrannical fifth generation grandfather of the pagans. Holy Prophet(saw)) who were the sons of Hadhrat Morah from the

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ABU BAKR(RA) LINEAGE

family tree of Hadhrat ‘Adnan as Ra’u ibn Falakh ibn Aybar ibn shown in the diagram9. Shalakh ibn Arfakhshadh ibn Sam ibn (Prophet) Nuh ibn Hadhrat Ibn Hishaam concurs with Lamk ibn Muttushalakh ibn the above lineage and goes even Akhnukh [who was said to be further listing the blessed lineage of Prophet Idris] ibn Yard Hadhrat ‘Adnan all the way to Mahlayl ibn Qaynan ibn Hadhrat Adam(as). The list is as Yanish ibn Shith ibn Adam(as).’ follows10: This was indeed a lineage of great ‘Adnan ibn Udd [also known as blessings and miracles including Udad] ibn Muqawwim ibn no less than six Prophets (Hadhrat Nahur ibn Tayrah ibn Ya’rub Muhammad, Hadhrat Isma’il, ibn Yashjub ibn Nabit ibn Hadhrat Ibrahim, Hadhrat Nuh, (Prophet) Isma’il ibn (Prophet) Hadhrat Idris and Hadhrat Adam, Ibrahim [the intimate friend of may Allah be pleased with them Allah] ibn Tarih [also known as all). Azar] ibn Nahur ibn Sarugh ibn

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Early Life and Acceptance of darkness into spiritual illumi- Islam nation; however, Hadhrat Abu Not much is known about the life Bakr(ra) was an extraordinary indi- of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) prior to his vidual because, unlike most pre- accepting Islam. Scholars have Islamic Arabs, he lived a pure and estimated that he was born in honest life in the period of Makkah roughly two and a half ignorance (Jahiliyyah). It is easy to years after the birth of the Holy understand why he was such an Prophet(saw) in 572 AD. He spent honest person because during his most of his youth in Makkah youth he kept the very best of learning how to become a company being a friend of the successful merchant and as the Holy Prophet(saw). Regarding years passed he would often leave Hadhrat Abu Bakr’s friendship Makkah with various caravans on with the Holy Prophet(saw) before trade expeditions in other the advent of Islam Al- countries. His business activities Zamakhshari writes11: proved to be very successful and he soon established himself as a ‘Abu Bakr’s name will be wealthy merchant. It is also known juxtaposed alongside that of the that from a young age Hadhrat Abu Messenger of Allah until the Bakr(ra) lived the life of a Bedouin end of time. When he was and came to be known as someone young Abu Bakr was a close who had a keen interest in camels friend of the Prophet(saw); and of which he owned many. He was a when he grew older he spent just and equitable man quickly his wealth on him…’ gaining a reputation for being trustworthy and honourable, so In addition to his extraordinary much so that he was entrusted by qualities he was also exceptional in many tribes with blood money and his actions as was exemplified by other items of value. the fact that he was one of the few blessed companions who protected It is a natural sign of the truth of themselves from alcohol before the Islam that following its advent advent of Islam. In a gathering of people were delivered from the companions Hadhrat Abu

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Bakr(ra) was questioned about a trusted brother, then whether or not he drank wine remember your brother Abu before entering the fold of Islam to Bakr for what he did. which he admonished the questioner by saying12: The best of creation, most fearfully obedient among them, ‘I seek refuge in Allah…I tried and the most just, except for the to protect my honour and my Prophet, and most certain to manliness, for whoever drinks fulfil what he has undertaken. wine will lose his honour and his manliness’. The second, the follower whose assembly is praised, and On this incident being related to the first of those men who the Holy Prophet(saw) he replied: affirmed the Messenger.’

‘Abu Bakr has told the truth, Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was not Abu Bakr has told the truth’. present in Makkah when the first conversions took place. Regarding his accepting Islam, some scholars document Hadhrat The first grown man to accept was Abu Bakr(ra) as the first grown free the freed slave of the Holy man to accept Islam with Hadhrat Prophet(saw) Hadhrat Zaid ibn ‘Ali(ra) being the first child and Haarithah(ra) who was about thirty Hadhrat Khadija(ra) the first lady. years of age at the time. It is the Imam Al-Suyuti supports the view view of Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih that Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was the II(ra)14 that upon Hadhrat Abu first man to accept Islam citing in Bakr’s(ra) return to Makkah he evidence the following couplets of began to hear stories about how the the great poet of the Holy Holy Prophet(saw) had turned mad, Prophet(saw), Hadhrat Hassaan ibn announcing to people that angels Thaabit(ra), as related by Hadhrat were delivering him messages Ash-Sha’bi(ra)13: from God. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was a close friend of the Holy ‘When you recall the distress of Prophet(saw) and knew that if he had

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actually made such claims they detracted from the sincerity and would most certainly be true. Such value of his faith and acceptance. was the absolute trust he placed in On reading this, who, from all of the Holy Prophet(saw). Hadhrat Abu Allah’s creation, would dare to Bakr(ra) proceeded to the home of question the sincerity or pure the Holy Prophet(saw), and upon righteousness of Hadhrat Abu entering, asked the Holy Bakr(ra) ‘the trusted one.’ This Prophet(saw) about what had taken alone should be enough to make place. So as to avoid any clear that the status of Hadhrat Abu misunderstanding of what he was Bakr(ra) was amongst those who saying, the Holy Prophet(saw) began had the highest levels of Taqwa to offer him a long explanation of (righteousness). His acceptance the events but Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was indeed the most spectacular of stopped him and said that he all the companions because it was wanted no explanation but only to based on complete belief and know if an angel had conveyed required no qualification. Surely messages from God to him. this unique action of trust places Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) amongst Once again the Holy Prophet(saw) those referred to in the following tried to offer a lengthy explanation verse:15 but Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) again said that he had no need for such an And who is better in faith than explanation but only to know if he who submits himself to God had communicated with him. Allah, and he is a doer of good The Holy Prophet(saw) answered and follows the religion of him in the affirmative and Hadhrat Abraham, the upright? And Abu Bakr(ra) accepted the claims of Allah took Abraham for a the Holy Prophet(saw) without special friend. hesitation and affirmed his status as a Muslim. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) This verse mentions the term went on to say that had the Holy ‘Special Friend’ (khalil) which is Prophet(saw) offered a lengthy taken from the Arabic Khullah explanation to be followed by (meaning intimate friendship) debate then this would have which more precisely refers to a

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type of16, ‘friendship or affection circumstances such as Hajj and to which penetrates the heart and take part in battles. It has been takes root in it’ making a Khalil reported20 that in gatherings the someone who is17, ‘a special and companions would always particular friend who penetrates surround the Holy Prophet(saw) and the inner parts’ of the heart. listen to him with such enthusiasm and intensity that their circle In a famous hadith, the Holy would resemble a solid wall; Prophet(saw) expresses his deep however, a place by the side of the love for Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) by Holy Prophet(saw) would always be both connecting the concept of a left for his trusty companion Khalil with the unshakeable trust Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) and when he and submission shown by Hadhrat would join the group the Holy Abu Bakr(ra) when he accepted Prophet(saw) would address the Islam18. Further reiterating this entire group but face Hadhrat Abu Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II(ra) Bakr(ra). relates another hadith in which the Holy Prophet(saw) said19: As has already been touched upon, Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was blessed ‘If I had taken anyone as my with the opportunity to accompany Khalil I would have taken Abu the Holy Prophet(saw) during Hijra Bakr as such, but my Khalil is (migration from Makkah to God’. Madinah) and seek refuge from the Quraish in the Cave of Thaur Companion of the Holy (Ghaar Thaur). It is important to be Prophet(saw) fully aware of the magnitude of From the day that Hadhrat Abu this blessing and know that Allah Bakr(ra) is said to have uttered the chose Abu Bakr(ra) from the blessed Shahadah (affirmation of greatest companions to accompany the unity of Allah and of His beloved Prophet(saw). Muhammad being a Messenger of Reminiscing upon the glorious Allah) he did not leave the side of miracles and the fond memories of the Holy Prophet(saw) but with his those three nights spent in Ghaar express permission for special Thaur, the Holy Prophet(saw) asked

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the greatest of the poets among the apparent to the inhabitants of companions, Hassaan ibn Thabit, if Arabia that Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) his dazzling pen had recorded was the most generous of all the anything about Hadhrat Abu companions. It was his habit to Bakr(ra) during those nights. regularly free a slave for the sake Hadhrat Hasaan ibn Thabit of Allah. It is famously known that responded in the affirmative and Allah blessed Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) recited21: with the opportunity to free Hadhrat Bilal Al-Habashi(ra) from ‘and “the second of the two’’ in his torturous life of slavery but the glorious cave, another incident involved Hadhrat The enemy went round about it Zinneerah(ra) who was also a freed when he ascended the slave. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) paid mountain. for her freedom and shortly after The love of the Messenger (for this Hadhrat Zinneerah(ra) lost her him) they already knew, vision. The Quraish became Amongst people he held not boastful and mocked Hadhrat Abu equal any man.’ Bakr(ra) and Hadhrat Zinneerah(ra) saying that her loss of vision was Indeed, the love of the Holy in fact a curse upon her from the Prophet(saw) for his beloved Abu ‘real gods’ saying that it was none Bakr(ra) was special and derived other than al-Laat and al-Uzzah itself from the immense love and (two pagan gods) who took her sacrifice which Hadhrat Abu eyesight. Hadhrat Zinneerah(ra) Bakr(ra) continuously displayed for rebuked them and remained the Creator of the Heavens and steadfast in her faith, after which, Earth, Almighty Allah. out of His Mercy and Grace, Almighty Allah cured her by The life of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) returning her vision22. was characterised by his pure will to excel in all good and noble The resilience and power of faith qualities and none more than entered the hearts of those slaves kindness and generosity. Over a whom Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) freed. very short period of time it became One young lady who was freed by

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Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was subse- ever benefited me as much as quently captured and contin- Abu Bakr’s wealth.’ uously beaten. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was also Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was not only blessed with the honour of his generous with his wealth in freeing daughter, Hadhrat ‘A'ishah (some- slaves but he would never hesitate times spelt as Ayesha or Aisha)(ra), for even a second to offer his marrying the Holy Prophet(saw). The wealth, effort and very life for the events leading up to the Nikah and sake of Almighty Allah. There was consummation of this blessed great rivalry between Hadhrat Abu marriage have been beautifully Bakr(ra) and Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) in the expounded by Hadhrat doing of good works. Once the Muhammad Zafrullah Khan(ra) in Holy Prophet(saw) invited funds for his book ‘Muhammad; Seal of the a campaign and when Hadhrat Prophets’24. In summary the facts, ‘Umar(ra) was asked what he had as we know them, were that two brought, he responded that he had years before Hijrah the Holy brought one-half of what he Prophet(saw) was asked by Hadhrat possessed. When Hadhrat Abu Khaulah(ra),‘Messenger of Allah, Bakr(ra) was asked, his response why do you not marry?’ to which was that he had brought everything he replied, ‘Whom shall I marry?’ and had only left behind the name She enquired as to whether he of Allah and His Messenger. In this would prefer to marry a virgin or a regard Abu Bakr(ra) was an example widow. The virgin she talked of for all mankind as related to us by was Hadhrat ‘A'ishah(ra) and the the Holy Prophet(saw) who said23: widow Hadhrat Saudah(ra). The Holy Prophet(saw) requested that ‘I have never been under Khaulah approached both of them. obligation to anyone but that I Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was pleased have repaid him, except for with the proposal but wanted to Abu Bakr(ra), for he has put first enquire from the Holy obligations on me which Allah Prophet(saw) if such a marriage will repay him on the Day of would be permissible considering Rising; no one’s wealth has the close relationship of bro-

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therhood they had. The Holy the marriage ceremony between Prophet(saw) informed Hadhrat Abu the Holy Prophet(saw) took place Bakr(ra) that it was permissible as when Hadhrat ‘A'ishah(ra) was five only physical, and not spiritual or six years old with the marriage brotherhood, prohibits marriage. being consummated when she was The Nikah ceremonies were thus nine or ten years of age. Such held for both Hadhrat ‘A'ishah(ra) allegations are based on a cocktail and Hadhrat Saudah(ra) in the of half-truths, manipulation and month of Shawwal during the tenth deception of the highest order. year of Prophethood. The Mahr for Historical research establishes that both marriages was a modest Hadhrat ‘A'ishah(hra) was in fact ten amount of 400 dirhams each. years old at the time of her Nikah which took place two years before Describing his love for Hadhrat Hijrah. Her marriage was not Abu Bakr(ra), the Holy Prophet(saw) consummated until the third year is reported by Hadhrat Ibn after Hijrah making her about ‘Abbas(ra) to have remarked25: fifteen years old when the marriage was consummated. To be married ‘No one has shown greater at the age of fifteen during the time favour to me than Abu Bakr. of the Holy Prophet(saw) was not at He shared himself and his all out of the ordinary. By the age wealth with me and married me of fifteen it was common for girls [to] his daughter’. of the Arabian peninsular, in the hot climate of Arabia, to have It is worth pausing for a moment matured beyond the age of puberty and discussing the age of Hadhrat and to have begun married life. ‘A'ishah(ra) when she married the Explaining the great wisdom Holy Prophet(saw) as this has been behind this marriage Hadhrat an issue the opponents of Islam Muhammad Zafrullah Khan have manipulated in order to attack writes:26 the pure character of the Holy Prophet(saw). Using the ill-informed ‘In no single marriage of his research of some Muslims, the [the Holy Prophet(saw)] was he opponents of Islam propose that inspired by any purely personal

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desire or motive. At the time of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) with the when his nikah was performed Holy Prophet(saw) expanded in with Aisha, she was only ten meaning and purpose upon the years of age. She was the marriage of his daughter to the daughter of his closest and Holy Prophet(saw).The love of the most devoted friend; had been Holy Prophetsaw) for Hadhrat brought up from her birth in an ‘A'ishah was of a very special and atmosphere of piety and unique nature. Commenting on righteousness; her mind under Hadhrat ‘A'ishah(ra) the Holy the Holy Prophet’s care could Prophet(saw) showered her with be moulded along lines of praise by saying27: utmost beneficence; she could be instructed in an intimate ‘Many amongst men attained relationship with regard to all perfection but amongst women that Islam required of a woman none attained perfection except and could thus prove most Mary, the daughter of ‘Imran helpful in guiding Muslim and Asiya, the wife of Pharaoh. women, both by precept and by And the superiority of 'Aisha to example, along the ways of other women is like the righteousness; and she could be superiority of Tharid (i.e. an expected to survive the Holy Arabic dish) to other meals.’ Prophet for a long period and to serve as a source of instruction Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was an ever- for the whole Muslim forgiving person who always community, as indeed proved sought to find goodness in people to be the case in fact. A great and act justly in his every action part of the knowledge of the even if he himself had been ways and practice of the Holy wronged. In one incident, a man Prophet, peace be on him, was slandered his daughter, Hadhrat handed down to future ‘A'ishah(ra) (The Mother of the generations of Muslims Faithful) who, as mentioned through Aisha’. previously, was the wife of the Holy Prophet(saw). By coincidence Thus do we find that the friendship the slanderer was reliant upon

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charitable donations given to him occurrence for Hadhrat Abu by Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) in order to Bakr(ra) to request the Holy live and feed his family. Hadhrat Prophet’s permission for him to Abu Bakr(ra) immediately stopped openly preach the message of supporting this man financially but Allah but the Holy Prophet(saw) his generous and forgiving nature continuously refused his requests overwhelmed him and he soon knowing that it was not yet the began to again support the man appropriate time. One day, Hadhrat financially. It should be noted that Abu Bakr(ra) was granted this in this instance the Holy permission upon which he stood up Prophet(saw) advised him that mercy in the middle of a large gathering was the best reaction. Throughout outside Ka’bah and, with no his life Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was thought for his own safety, privileged to learn and expand as a delivered a sermon inviting the human being under the watchful people of the various tribes present eye of the greatest of teachers from to the Sirat-ul-Mustaqeem (the Almighty Allah’s creation, Straight Path of Islam). The people Hadhrat Muhammad(saw)28. present became enraged and began to beat Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) and Prior to outlining some of his indeed all the other Muslims achievements during the latter part present which included the Holy of his life as Khalifat-ur-Rasul Prophet(saw). Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) is (Successor to the Messenger) we said to have been beaten to within should spend a few sentences an inch of his life and was saved by reflecting upon the status of the members of his tribe as they Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) as a Da’ee could not bear to see him trampled ilallah (one who calls others to the upon by members of opposing way of Allah). He was an tribes. His injuries were so severe exceptional preacher and, with the that people found it difficult to permission of the Holy Prophet(saw), distinguish his nose from his face. became the first of the companions Despite being close to death, and in to openly preach the message of no state to carry out even simple Islam in public. After accepting tasks, he could not allow himself to Islam it became common rest until he stood face to face with

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the Holy Prophet(saw) to ensure that and also in light of the great he was healthy and unharmed. It burden which the Holy Prophet(saw) was during this emotion-filled would place upon him during this meeting that Ummul Khair(ra), the period. The Holy Prophet(saw)’ blessed mother of Hadhrat Abu instructed Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) to Bakr(ra), accepted Islam in the lead the prayers whilst the Holy presence of the Holy Prophet(saw). Prophet(saw) was too weak to do so. Many people, including the wives This painful test in no way deterred of the Holy Prophet(saw), felt that this great Da’ee (caller) from such a burden was too great for the continuing to invite people to tender heart of such a kind and Islam but only acted to make him gentle person but the Holy far more resolute in his pure Prophet(saw) was firm in his intention to serve Almighty Allah command. The great historian Al- by spreading the great news of Tabari has reported that for some Islam. In addition to the members three days or seventeen prayers, of his own blessed family, Hadhrat Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) endured the Abu Bakr(ra) was enabled by Allah deep pain of acting as the Holy to convert countless people Prophet’s deputy and leading the including Hadhrat ‘Uthman ibn prayers30. ‘Affan(ra), Hadhrat Al-Zubayr ibn- ul ‘Awwam, Hadhrat ‘Abdur- In one heartbreaking hadith, it is Rahman ibn ‘Awf(ra), Hadhrat Sa’d narrated that two companions ibn Abi Waqas(ra) and Hadhrat carried the Holy Prophet(saw) into Talha ibn ‘Ubaidillah(ra)29. the Mosque while Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was leading the prayers as Demise of the Holy Prophet(saw) he had been bidden by the Holy Prior to becoming a Khalifah, Prophet(saw). The Holy Prophet’s Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) suffered illness is said to have become so through the pain of the Holy overpowering that his blessed feet Prophet’s final days on earth. This were dragging along the floor of was especially testing for him the Mosque as he was being because of the unique love he had carried by the two companions. developed for the Holy Prophet(saw) On realising his presence, Hadhrat

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Abu Bakr(ra) began to weep but ‘Today I have received the continued to lead the prayer in revelation: complete obedience to his duty. His love and complete When the help of Allah comes subservience to Allah’s Messenger and the victory, and thou seest was so great that he even tried to men entering the religion of step back so that the Holy Allah in troops, Glorify thy Prophet(saw) could lead but the Lord with His praise and seek Holy Prophet(saw) did not permit forgiveness of Him. Surely He this. The unrelenting pain he felt at is Oft-Returning with com- the mere thought that he should passion. lead the Holy Prophet(saw) in (Ch.110: Vs.2-4) prayers was so piercing that he could no longer bear it and Ordinarily Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) cleverly placed himself in such a would take great joy in eagerly position that the congregation listening to new verses of the Holy believed that the Holy Prophet(saw) Qur’an as they were being was leading. The effect of this was revealed; but on this occasion, that the congregation was rather than display happiness, he following the Holy Prophet(saw) and began to weep and cry the Holy Prophet(saw) was uncontrollably. This perplexed the following Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra). companions as the context of this chapter seemed to hold glad tidings It was during the last days of the of victory. Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) life of the Holy Prophet(saw) that we became agitated by this and he and are reminded of the great other companions questioned why connection and understanding Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) should be which Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) had crying so. They had not realised with the Holy Prophet(saw) and also that the coming of the victory of Hadhrat Abu Bakr’s phenomenal Islam also meant that the Holy comprehension of the Holy Prophet(saw) would soon pass away. Qur’an. One day the Holy Of all the companions it was only Prophet(saw) addressed the Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) who had companions saying31: instantly understood the meaning

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and in a display of the highest atmosphere of sorrow, fear and affection and love which a man can disunity. Ibn Rajab reports that offer to his brother, the Holy when the Holy Prophet(saw) passed Prophet(saw) spoke the words:32 away the Muslims became33:

‘Abu Bakr(ra) is very dear to me. ‘…shocked, bewildered and If it were permissible to love confused. Some of them were anyone more than others, I stunned and became perplexed; would so have loved Abu others sat down and were not Bakr(ra). But that degree of love able to stand; others lost their is only for God. O my people, ability to speak; and yet others all the doors which open to the were in complete denial and Mosque should be closed from refused to believe that the Holy today except the door of Abu Prophet(saw) had really died’’. Bakr(ra)’. Hadhrat Abu Bakr was away from Could any sincere lover of the Madinah on the day that the Holy Holy Prophet(saw) wish for more Prophet(saw) passed away. Upon his precious words than these to be return, he entered the chamber in uttered about him or her by the which the blessed body of the Holy Holy Prophet(saw)? There most Prophet(saw) lay and with tears in his certainly could have been no eyes, kissed the forehead of his person left in the Mosque that day beloved companion and then who did not come to appreciate the walked out into the assembly of the love held by the Holy Prophet(saw) faithful where Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) for his dear companion Hadhrat stood with his sword drawn ready Abu Bakr(ra). to smite anyone who dare say that the Prophet was dead. He asked Appointment as Khalifah Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) to sit down and After the passing of Hadhrat then addressed the companions Muhammad, Khatam-An- with the most fitting of words34: Nabiyeen(saw) there emerged a void within the Ummah. Losing the ‘Whosoever used to worship Holy Prophet(saw) created an intense Muhammad, then (let him

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know that) indeed Muhammad Following this, there was has died. And whosoever consensus that the Holy worships Allah, then Allah is Prophet(saw) was indeed dead. This alive and does not die’. is known as the first consensus amongst the Muslims. He then qualified this statement and proved that the Holy There was no established system Prophet(saw) was not immortal by by which a Khalifah could be reciting a verse from the perfect elected and it was in this book, the Qur’an35: distressing atmosphere that the blessed companions found them- And Muhammad is only a selves. A heated and unfruitful Messenger. Verily, all debate erupted between members Messengers have passed away of the Muhajirun and Ansar as to before him. If then he dies or be who should become the Khalifah slain, will you turn back on and lead the faithful. At this critical your heels? And he who turns juncture it could only have been back on his heels shall not Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra), perhaps the harm Allah at all. And Allah most tender-hearted and fragile of will certainly reward the all the companions, who could grateful. bring calm to the situation.

Al-Qurtubi very poignantly points Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was out that this very action of Hadhrat universally agreed upon by the Abu Bakr(ra) was the highest Muhajirun and Ansar as the display of courage36: Khalifatul Rasul (the Successor to the Messenger). Commenting on ‘...If bravery is defined as this great day of blessing the having a firm and steadfast Promised Messiah(as) writes37: heart during times of hardship and calamities, and there was ‘As it happened at the time of no calamity that was greater Hadhrat Abu Bakr Siddiq(ra), than the death of the Holy the death of the Holy Prophet.’ Prophet(saw) was considered

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untimely and many ignorant is written in Torah that with the Bedouins turned apostate. The grief at this untimely death [of companions of the Holy Moses] and his sudden Prophet(saw), too, stricken with departure the Israelites wept for grief, became like those who forty days. The same happened lose their senses. Then Allah with Christ(as). At the time of raised Abu Bakr Siddiq(ra) and the incident of Crucifixion all showed for the second time the his disciples scattered and even manifestation of His Power and one of them apostatised.’ thus Islam, which was about to fall, was supported by Him and The Promised Messiah(as) records He fulfilled this promise of His this first consesus as the greatest which was given [in the verse service to Islam as in its absence, of Surah An-Nur]. the Muslim community would have never united. It also proves ... and that He will surely that all prophets, including Jesus(as) establish for them their religion had passed away. In another place which He has chosen for them; the Promised Messiah(as) reaffirms and that He will surely give that the position of Khalifah could them in exchange security and have gone to none other than peace after their fear. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra)38: (Ch.24:V.56) ‘And I have been told that the That is, after the fear we shall Siddiq (Abu Bakr(ra)) was the firmly re-establish them. That greatest in rank and the highest is what also happened at the in station of all the time of Moses(as), when he died Companions.’ on his way from Egypt to Canaan before taking the Over the following years and Israelites to the intended centuries there erupted much destination in accordance with criticism of his appointment by the promise. At his [Moses’s] Shia scholars, as they were, and death the Israelites were are, of the opinion that Hadhrat plunged into deep mourning. It ‘Ali(ra) was the rightful successor to

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the Holy Prophet(saw). The evidence Prophet(saw) and his Companions, against this opinion is so regarding the legitimacy of overwhelming that it would be Hadhrat Abu Bakr’s(ra) Khilafah, unmanageable to discuss it all in the magnificent explanation of this article. A seeker of truth is best Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih IV(ru) is advised to read the book of the one of pure logic. In a Question Promised Messiah(as) ‘Sirr-ul- and Answer41 session, he very Khilafah’ in which he outlines that sensibly points out that as a matter upon the death of the Holy of common knowledge it was Prophet(saw) the verse of accepted that Hadhrat Ali(ra) was Successorship (Istikhlaf)39 came one of the most courageous into immediate action and could companions and that in the have only applied to Hadhrat Abu battlefield the fiercest position to Bakr(ra). The Promised Messiah(as) be, after that of the Holy writes40: Prophet(saw), was where Hadhrat ‘Ali(ra) was standing. Hadhrat ‘In the verse of Istikhlaf, Khalifatul Masih IV(ru) says that in (Ch.24:V.56), Allah has light of the tremendous bravery promised Muslim men and and righteousness of Hadhrat Muslim women that, in any ‘Ali(ra) it is incomprehensible that case, under His mercy and he would offer his bai’at at the blessings, some of the believers hand of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) had would be made Khalifahs; and he known that the Holy Prophet(saw) Allah would replace the sense instructed that somebody else of danger in their hearts with a should be the Khalifah. It is in sense of security and peace. So actuality an insult of the highest this is a circumstance, a order to accuse Hadhrat ‘Ali(ra) of condition, which does not disobeying a direct command of properly and fully apply to any the Holy Prophet(saw), Hadhrat except the Khilafat of the Khatam An-Nabiyeen, and Siddiq.’ offering his pledge of allegiance to Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra). The only Before mentioning a few logical conclusion is that he in fact conclusive narrations of the Holy knew and accepted that Hadhrat

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Abu Bakr(ra) should be the rightful and ‘Umar in the heart of a Khalifah. believer’.

Likewise, it is inconceivable that a Regarding the status of Hadhrat man of the towering status of Abu Bakr(ra) in the eyes of the Holy Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra), a pillar of Prophet(saw) we find an interesting righteousness, should have hadith44 in which a lady visited the accepted a position which he knew Holy Prophet(saw) and was told to the ‘Beloved of Allah’(saw) had come back after a while, to which issued to someone else. It is she asked the Holy Prophet(saw) reckless of anyone to infer that the who she should visit if she one whom the Holy Prophet(saw) returned and he was not there (i.e. named ‘the truthful one’ would act he had passed away); to which he so deceitfully upon the Holy responded, ‘If you should not find Prophet’s(saw) death. me, go to Abu Bakr’. This, coupled with the fact that the Holy Hadhrat ‘Ali(ra) has himself been Prophet(saw) chose Hadhrat Abu recorded on many occasions as Bakr(ra) to lead the prayers when he having expressed his love and was ill, should leave no doubt in respect for Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra). the heart of a sincere believer that He is reported to have said in one Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was the narration42, ‘By the One in Whose legitimate Khalifah after the death Hand is my self, we never strove of the Holy Prophet(saw). to be first in a good action but that Abu Bakr was before us in it’. In After being elected, Hadhrat Abu another report he praised, and Bakr(ra) reluctantly, and under the showed his deep love for, both persuasion of Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra), Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) and Hadhrat climbed the pulpit. After a heart- ‘Umar(ra) saying43: ‘The best of rendering introduction by Hadhrat mankind after the Messenger of ‘Umar(ra), the Muslim world was Allah, may Allah bless him and treated to one of the most famous grant him peace, is Abu Bakr and and meaningful speeches in the ‘Umar. Love for me will never be history of Islam. Although only a united with hatred of Abu Bakr paragraph or so long, his humble

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statements would not only outline now and pray; may Allah have his Khilafah but that of those mercy on you.’ shining stars that followed him. He said the following45: The Great Leader These words of humility and ‘O People, I have indeed been wisdom marked the beginning of appointed over you, though I Hadhrat Abu Bakr’s Khilafah and am not the best among you. If I encapsulated the way with which do well then help me; and if I he conducted himself throughout act wrongly then correct me. his entire term as Khalifah. He was Truthfulness is synonymous a champion of absolute justice. with fulfilling the truth, and This was then exemplified in one lying is tantamount to treach- of his first decisions to dispatch an ery. The weak among you is army led by Hadhrat Usamah ibn deemed strong by me, until I Zaid to Syria to defend the Muslim return to them what is empire against an aggressive rightfully theirs, Allah Willing. Roman Empire. What was peculiar And the strong among you is about this order is that despite it deemed weak by me, until I actually being the final order of the rightfully take from them what Holy Prophet(saw), before his is rightfully someone else’s, passing away, many of the com- Allah Willing. No group of panions disagreed with Hadhrat people abandons Jihad in the Abu Bakr’s decision to dispatch way of Allah, except that Allah the army. They did not agree that makes them suffer humiliation. such a large number of people And wickedness does not should leave Madinah when the become widespread among a Muslims were so vulnerable as a people, except that Allah result of loss of the Holy inflicts them with widespread Prophet(saw). They also objected to calamity. Obey me so long as I the army being led by a Hadhrat obey Allah and His Messenger. Usamah ibn Zaid who was just a And if I disobey Allah and His teenager. Their argument did hold Messenger, then I have no right some weight considering the many to your obedience. Stand up apostate tribes threatening to cause

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internal disorder; however Hadhrat of the Holy Prophet(saw) to the finest Abu Bakr(ra) did not flinch for a detail. The result was that Hadhrat second and remained obedient to Usamah(ra) returned some forty the order of the Holy Prophet(saw). days later with a healthy army that He rebuked the companions who had successfully suppressed the were against dispatching the army Roman empire in Al-Shaam. and in the strongest of terms said:46 However, whilst he was away with ‘By the One Who has the soul most of the Muslim army and of Abu Bakr in His hand, had I military resources, there erupted a thought that wild predatory surge of internal battles, which are animals would make off with known as the Al-Riddah or me, I would still send out Apostate wars. Hadhrat Khalifatul Usamah’s army in accordance Masih IV(ru) has referred to the with what the Messenger of challenge here faced by Hadhrat Allah commanded Usamah to Abu Bakr(ra) as48, ‘The main task of do. And even if I were the last the Prophet(saw)’s successor, Abu person to remain in these cities, Bakr(ra)…’. It is worth noting that I would still do the same.’ whilst Al-Riddah literally means ‘the wilful recantation from the With this Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) religion of Islam’, Huzur(ru) dispatched the army to Al-Shaam established that the groups (present day Syria, Lebanon, involved in the Al-Riddah wars Jordan and Palestine) ordering were named as such by the Hadhrat Usamah(ra) to adhere to the companions in the metaphorical regulations of war as set out by the sense and that they had in fact, for Holy Prophet(saw) and stressed that the most, not recanted the religion no Muslims should be unjust, nor of Islam. Huzur(ru) clarifies the cut down trees, nor injure the holy actual facts of the revolt through people of other lands47. His the following quote of Bernard obedience to the Holy Prophet(saw) Lewis49: was such that he ordered Hadhrat Usamah(ra) not to rush back but to ‘The refusal of the tribes to take his time and fulfil every order recognise the succession of

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Abu Bakr was, in effect, not a 1. those who falsely claimed relapse by converted Muslims prophethood creating deviant to their previous paganism, but splinter groups; the simple and automatic termination of a political 2. those who wanted to continue contract by the death of one of to follow Islam only to be the parties. The tribes nearest to prevented from doing so by Madinah had in fact been tyrannical leaders; converted and their interests were so closely identified with 3. those who wanted to remain those of the umma that their within the Ummah but refused separate history has not been to pay Zakah or wanted to recorded. For the rest, the death renegotiate the amount, and; of Muhammad automatically severed their bonds with 4. those who did not feel Madinah, and the parties obligated to pledge allegiance resumed their liberty of action. to, and accept, Hadhrat Abu They felt in no way bound by Bakr(ra). the election of Abu Bakr in which they had taken no part, It would be credible to say that and at once suspended both following the death of the Holy tribute and treaty relations. In Prophet(saw), and with the exception order to re-establish the of the great moral degradation hegemony of Medina, Abu which the Promised Messiah(as) Bakr had to make new treaties.’ was sent to remove, there has been no greater threat to Islam than the In reality, the Al-Riddah defectors Al-Riddah wars. represented several corrupt factions which either intentionally The effect they were having was to or unintentionally attempted to create serious disorder within the spark disorder within the Ummah Muslim provinces, which had the following the passing of the Holy potential to split and fragment the Prophet(saw). They can be divided Ummah. Following the death of into four broad categories, namely: the Holy Prophet(saw) the Ummah

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was spiritually unified by Hadhrat safeguard themselves and their Abu Bakr’s wise and decisive property from me’.” decisions when faced with the crisis of succession. In a very Here Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) stood similar fashion the magnificent firm and refused to act upon the and righteous qualities of Hadhrat opinion of his companions. He Abu Bakr(ra) were called upon knew the cunning mischief behind during the Riddah wars to the renegade tribes’ actions and neutralise the threat of anarchy conveyed this to the people of and maintain the physical and Madinah by delivering the political unity of the Ummah. following sermon51: Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) successfully thwarted one attack upon the ‘The delegation has observed Muslims which was headed by just how few of you there are in Kharjah ibn Hism. Then in a later Madinah. You do not know incident five prominent tribes whether they will attack you by visited the city of Madinah to day or night. Their vanguard is negotiate a lowering of the Zakah; only a stone’s throw from however, to the dismay of many Madinah. They wanted us to companions, Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) accept their proposals and refused to negotiate with them. A make an agreement with them, group led by Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) but we have rejected their approached Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) request. So make ready for and voiced their dismay at his their attack.’ decision to fight those who refused to pay Zakah with the following In fulfilment of his words the tribes words:50 attacked no less than three days later and were suppressed by the ‘What right do you have to Muslims’ thinly spread army of fight these people? The Madinah. A testament here to the Prophet(saw) has said: “I was great statesman-like and military ordered to fight people until qualities of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) they say there is no God but was that not only could he read Allah. If they say this, they situations with unique vision but

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that he repelled each of these forward by several companions ruthless attacks with the barest of ordering that the Muslims from military resources. The campaign among the army that knew the in Syria under Hadhrat Usamah ibn Holy Qur’an by heart should form Zaid had used up much of the a separate elite regiment to attack Muslims’ financial and physical Musailimah. It was thought that resources and left them short of the rest of the army, made up of manpower. In the face of such relatively new Muslims, did not tribulation, Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) fully appreciate the spirit of jihad was successful due to his and that a regiment comprised unshakeable belief in trusting specifically of Huffaaz would Allah (Tawakkul ‘Alallah). make for a formidable force. The Huffaaz, numbering 3,000 in total, Another great test for Hadhrat Abu attacked the army of Musailimah Bakr(ra) during this period was the with such stealth and power that false claimants of prophethood they were ultimately granted with perhaps the most famous and victory by Almighty Allah. well-documented being Musailimah was killed in battle by ‘Musailimah the Liar’. In an Hadhrat Wahshy ibn Harb (the unprecedented action, Musailimah same person who, before accepting moved to attack Madinah with a Islam, had killed Hadhrat Hamza hundred-thousand-man-strong the uncle of the Holy Prophet(saw)) army. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) reacted in what later became known as the by dispatching Hadhrat Khalid ibn garden of death. Waleed at the head of a far weaker force of only 13,000 men in what The shortfall of this action was that would later be called the battle of of the 3,000 Huffaaz some 500 Yamamah (Yamamah being the were martyred. Deeply concerned place where they fought). Despite by the inevitability that the their valiant efforts, the Muslim Huffaaz would continue to reduce army was suppressed at several in number with each new battle, key junctures and needed a fresh Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) suggested that it strategy. Hadhrat Khalid ibn was now necessary for the verses Waleed adopted a proposal put of the Holy Qur’an to be collected

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into one book. The fact that the which many billions of people Holy Prophet(saw) had not done this have since benefited, and will made Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) hesitant continue to benefit, Insha Allah. at first; however, he eventually agreed and initiated the process. After resolving the internal He assigned this task to Hadhrat problems of the Muslim empire, Zaid ibn Thabit(ra) who began to Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) pursued a collate the verses of the Holy defensive military strategy to Qur’an by writing down what fortify and defend the Muslim others had recited and copying territories against bordering down verses that had been written enemies. This started with him on differing objects which even dispatching an army headed by included tattoos on people’s skin. Hadhrat Khalid bin Waleed(ra) to Relating the magnitude of the the South-West of Iraq and a mammoth task, Hadhrat Zaid ibn second army led by Hadhrat ‘Iyaad Thabit(ra) said52: ibn Ghanam to North-Eastern Iraq. It is during this period that we ‘By Allah, if he had imposed discover how much of a master on me the responsibility of military strategist Hadhrat Abu removing one of the mountains Bakr(ra) was. Al-Tabari records that it would not have been heavier Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was very for me than what they ordered explicit in his instructions to the me to do of collecting the two generals who were tasked with Qur’an.’ defending Muslims against the Persians in Iraq. Hadhrat Abu Collating the Qur’anic verses into Bakr(ra) instructed that Muslims one book was an achievement of were forbidden to initiate any act the highest order. The measure of of aggression against the enemy this great act of Hadhrat Abu but rather proceed with love in an Bakr(ra) certainly amounts to an attempt to win the hearts of non- immeasurable fountain of Muslims. One must pause and ask blessings, as Allah afforded him when in the annals of history has the honour of an initiative, the any army been dispatched with its publishing of the Holy Qur’an, by primary instruction to put aside the

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sword and win over the hearts of Roman-ruled Shaam threatened its opponents? that he would one day attack Madinah and it was therefore He also instructed Hadhrat Khalid important that a defensive force be bin Waleed(ra) not to admit people stationed on the border. Khalid bin into his army that had left Islam Waleed(ra) was thus under strict and subsequently re-entered the orders to remain on the border but fold of Islam. Such people might not fight anyone unless the have posed too great a threat to the opponents were the aggressors. It greater stability of the military was not long before the leader who lines having already displayed a had once threatened to attack great weakness in faith. The two Madinah ordered his army to armies did as Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) attack the Muslim army. Khalid instructed and under Hadhrat bin Waleed, the Sword of Allah, by Khalid bin Waleed’s leadership the Allah’s Grace, was unaccustomed combined army managed to repel to losing on the battle field. The the Persian aggressors and take Muslim army thus successfully control of the whole of Iraq. defeated the fearsome Arab tribes Following this great victory of Al-Shaam with each of them Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) replaced scattering on seeing the resilience Khalid bin Waleed(ra) with a great of the Muslim army. After a period warrior and commander Hadhrat of setbacks and great hardship Al-Muthanna ibn Haaritha Al- which included the martyrdom of Shaybani(ra) who was assigned the the son of Hadhrat Khalid bin task of defending Iraq from once Waleed(ra), and an impressive again falling under the control of build-up of Roman military might tyrannical rule. in Shaam, it became apparent to Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) that a more Hadhrat Khalid bin Waleed(ra) was robust defensive strategy was subsequently appointed the general required. He thus gathered his of a new army dispatched to the closest companions for a Majlis-al- border of Shaam where they would Shura (a consultative council) to remain. During the time of the discuss the options available to Holy Prophet(saw) the leader of the them. After much thought, he

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assigned Hadhrat Khalid bin again rebuked the four generals Waleed(ra) to another province and saying53: came to the decision that four armies should be sent to Al-Shaam ‘Verily, people such as which would be commanded by yourselves do not lose because Hadhrat Yazeed ibn Abi Sufyan, they are few in number. When Hadhrat Shurahbil ibn Hasanah, tens of thousands of soldiers Hadhrat Abu ‘Ubaidah ibn Al- gather together, they are Jarrah, and Hadhrat Amr ibn Al- defeated only because of their ’Aas. The task ahead of them was sins. So protect yourselves great as they knew they would from sins, gather in Yarmook, have to hold off the might of the so that you can support one Roman Empire, which had built another. And let each man up an impressive set of defences among you lead his com- across the whole Al-Shaam panions in prayer.’ region. Sensing the need for a more Over time, the four leaders of the powerful strategy of defence Muslim armies became weary of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) ordered all the powerful threat facing them four armies to gather in Yarmook and each wrote letters to Hadhrat and issued an order which sent Abu Bakr(ra) requesting tremors throughout the land of Al- reinforcements. Hadhrat Abu Shaam. He instructed that the Bakr(ra) remained steadfast and Sword of Allah, Hadhrat Khalid reminded each of them of their Bin Waleed(ra) should leave his post duty and that whilst they were in Iraq and lead a combined large fewer than the Romans in number, Muslim army in Al-Shaam. Khalid Almighty Allah had blessed them bin Waleed(ra) did so with great with Muslim soldiers who each skill and ability defeating the valued death in the cause of Allah Romans in both Ajnadain and more than life. As was the great Yarmook despite being far less characteristic of Hadhrat Abu well-equipped and greatly Bakr(ra) , he remained constant in outnumbered. A fierce battle then his trust in Almighty Allah and ensued which required of Hadhrat

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Khalid bin Waleed(ra) some of his this decision and all were obedient greatest tactical mastery, but the to it. Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) died in inevitable outcome was that the his house with Hadhrat ‘A'ishah(ra) Muslim army was victorious by his side as he was instructing inflicting unprecedented damage that Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) should repay upon the Roman army. the simple wage he received from the Baitul Maal by giving his However, the Muslims could not garden to the treasury. On this day, rejoice in their victory as Khalid Madinah was filled with sadness bin Waleed(ra) informed them of the only second in intensity to that felt demise of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra). It after the passing of the Holy was in fact during the battle that Prophet(saw). The companions were news reached Khalid bin Waleed(ra) distraught and Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra)’s demise cried with such pain and anguish but he kept the news from the that his tears formed a small pool Muslim army so as not to on the floor. On hearing the news dishearten them. The military Hadhrat ‘Ali(ra), filled with accomplishments of Hadhrat Abu emotion, marched to the house of Bakr(ra) cannot be understated and Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) and, provided a clear and unifying surrounded by a large crowd, platform for his successors to build delivered a long speech in which upon. The magnitude of his he outlined some of the dazzling advancement of Muslim territories achievements and sacrifices of can be appreciated as shown on the Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra). In this heart- map54: warming tribute Hadhrat ‘Ali(ra) is reported to have said55: Demise of Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) As Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) became ‘O Abu Bakr, may Allah have more and more ill he came to the mercy upon you. You were the decision that the station of closest companion and friend Khalifah should be given to of the Messenger of Allah(saw); Hadhrat ‘Umar ibn Al-Khattab(ra). you were a comfort to him; you The companions for the most part were the one he trusted most. If were in complete agreement with he had a secret, he would tell it

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to you; and if he needed to Messenger of Allah, and Islam. consult someone regarding a Of all people you were the best matter, he would consult you. companion to the Messenger of You were the first of your Allah; you possessed the best people to embrace Islam, and qualities; you had the best past; you were the most sincere of you ranked the highest; and them in your faith. Your faith you were the closest to him. was stronger than any other And of all people you person’s, as was the degree to resembled the Messenger of which you feared Allah. And Allah the most in terms of his you were wealthier than guise and demeanour. Your anyone else in terms of what ranking was higher than you acquired from the religion anyone else’s, and the Prophet of Allah ‘Azza Wa Jall (The held you in higher esteem than Possessor of Majesty and anyone else. On behalf of the Might). You cared most for the Messenger of Allah and Islam,

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may Allah reward you with the regarding the religion of Allah best of rewards. When the and his Nation. And a truly people disbelieved in the good successor you proved to Messenger of Allah you be when the people apostatised. believed in him. Throughout You did what no other Khalifah your life you were both his of God did before you. You eyes with which he saw, and his stood up firmly and bravely ears with which he heard. Allah when his other Companions has named you ‘Truthful’ in lost their resolve and became His Book when He said: soft. You truly were as the Messenger of Allah said: weak And He who has brought the in your body but strong truth and he who testifies to it regarding the commands of as the truth – these it is who are Allah; humble in yourself, but the righteous. lofty in your ranking with Allah; well-esteemed in the When people were stingy in eyes of the people, honoured their support for the Messenger and great in their hearts. Not a of Allah, you comforted him. single one of them had any And when people sat still, you reason to dislike you, to be stood side by side with the suspicious of you, or to hold Messenger of Allah, facing the you in contempt… The weak same hardships that he faced. and humble you have always In times of hardship, you were treated as strong and truly a good and noble honourable, making sure you companion of his. You were the gave them what was rightfully ‘second of two’, his theirs. And in this regard, you Companion in the Cave; and have treated relatives and the one upon whom As- strangers equally. Of all people, Sakeenah (peace, tranquility, you respected those who are calmness) descended. You most obedient to Allah and were his companion during the who fear Him the most. In your migration (to Al-Madinah), and overall character, you embod- you were his successor ied truth and compassion. Your

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speech has always been which the companions had for him. characterised by the qualities of It is at this juncture that we relate wisdom and decisiveness. And the most astonishing part of his you have always struck a noble Khilafah. His achievements as balance between gentleness Khalifah, as outlined in the and firmness. You have always previous pages, were not made in based your knowledge on ten years or twenty or even thirty knowledge, and once you have but rather over just two years and made your decisions, you have some months. With the exception always kept firm resolve to of Hadhrat Muhammad(saw), no execute them… Verily to Allah statesman or spiritual head has do we belong, and to Him is achieved so much in such a our return. We are pleased with, concentrated period of time. Most and submit to, Allah’s decree. importantly he took his And by Allah, other than the responsibilities seriously and death of the Messenger of fulfilled his mission, which Allah Allah, Muslims have never had set him. He presented Hadhrat been afflicted with greater ‘Umar(ra) with a spiritual calamity than the calamity of community which was stable, your death. You have always unified, greatly expanded and most been a protector, a sanctuary, importantly filled with the and a source of honour for this Madinite love for Almighty Allah. religion. May Allah make you If one had to highlight any single join the company of His defining characteristic of Hadhrat Prophet, Muhammad(saw), and Abu Bakr(ra) which those after him may He not deprive us of your benefited from the most, it would reward. And may He not lead have to be his complete trust in us astray after you.’ Allah. Not a calamity challenged the Ummah when Hadhrat Abu This statement of love gives us not Bakr(ra) did not hold firm to the fact only a valuable insight into the that Allah had the power to great achievements of Hadhrat overcome anything. It should be Abu Bakr(ra) but also of the fitting that on perhaps the only immense love and high esteem occasion that Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra)

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had experienced fear from a keep you with your two situation, namely, the threat to the companions, for I often heard Holy Prophet(saw) in Ghaar Thaur, it Allah’s Apostle saying, “I, was Allah Who comforted His Abu Bakr and ‘Umar were most truthful of servants. (somewhere). I, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar did (something). I, Abu At the age of 63, Hadhrat Abu Bakr and ‘Umar set out.’’ So I Bakr(ra) moved into the next world. hoped that Allah will keep you He was buried in the same with both of them.’ chamber as the Prophet and at the shoulder of his great leader, mentor Hadhrat Ibn ‘Abbas says that he and dearest of loves Hadhrat turned to find that the man was Muhammad(saw). It is fitting here, none other than the ‘Gates of and should provide us with Knowledge’ Hadhrat ‘Ali ibn Abi immense comfort, to recall a Talib(ra). Still to this very day do we glorious hadith of the Holy find the graves of these two Prophet(saw) in which he said56: faithful companions set at the shoulders of our beloved ‘As for you, Abu Bakr, you will Habibullah(saw) in the Prophet’s be the first of my Ummah to Mosque. enter the garden.’ Conclusion Here, we are reminded of heart- Hadhrat Abu Bakr(ra) was the warming incident involving greatest of the companions and Hadhrat Ibn ‘Abbas which after the Holy Prophet(saw) occurred as he stood over the dead displayed in word and deed the body of the second Khalifah of closest characteristics to those of Islam, Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra). He relates the Holy Qur’an. Indeed, the that as he stood there, a man rested Promised Messiah(as) was gifted by his elbow on his shoulder, saying57: Almighty Allah with unique insights into the characteristics and ‘O ‘Umar(ra)! May Allah lives of the companions of the bestow His Mercy on you. I Holy Prophet(saw) by way of always hoped that Allah would visions. On many occasions the

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Promised Messiah(as) was blessed Chief of the Messengers and with the opportunity to meet some the Pride of Mankind. When of these great ambassadors of the life of the hereafter and the Islam and even feel their hardship. mysteries of the Divine were His words, therefore, hold manifested to him, he forsook exceptional standing and have worldly connections and been vouchsafed as being physical attachments and was representative of the truth. Writing tinged with the tinge of his about our beloved Hadhrat Abu beloved, and he gave up all Bakr(ra), the Promised Messiah(as) objectives for the sake of the comments58: One sought after. He discarded all physical impurities and took ‘Abu Bakr (may Allah be on the colour of the One, the pleased with him) was a man of True, and he disappeared in the deep insight, meek, and pleasure of the Lord of the compassionate. Humility and worlds. meekness were his qualities. Forgiveness, kindness and When the love of the True compassion were his Divine saturated the whole of characteristics. He was his being and its light began to recognised by the light of his manifest itself in all his actions forehead. He was deeply and words and his attitudes, he attached to the Holy Prophet was named the Siddiq and he and his soul had been united to was invested with fresh and the soul of the best of creation. deep knowledge from the He was covered by the same presence of the best of light that had been bestowed bestowers. Faithfulness upon his master, the beloved of became his nature and its the Lord. He was enveloped by effects made themselves the light of the Holy Prophet(saw) manifest in all his doings and and his great bounties. He was sayings and movings and distinguished from all other stoppings and in his senses and men in his understanding of the in his pure breath. He was Qur’an and in his love of the included among those upon

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whom the Lord of the heavens spirituality, preaching, courage, and the earth had bestowed His etc. The Promised Messiah(as) has favours. The truth is that he instructed59: ‘For my part, no one was a comprehensive can be a true Muslim unless he illustration of the book of imbibes the colour and complexion prophethood. He was a leader of Abu Bakr, ‘Umar, ‘Uthman, and of those who are recipients of ‘Ali, (may Allah be pleased with grace and perfection and had them all). They did not love this partaken of the nature of the world but placed themselves Prophet. In stating this I have entirely at the service of God.’ not been guilty of exaggeration, nor is my statement merely the result of my wishful thinking but is a Bibliography reality which has been 1. The Holy Qur’an; With English Translation and Commentary. 1988. disclosed to me from the Published under the auspices of Hadhrat Presence of the Lord of Mirza Tahir Ahmad. Islam International Honour.’ Publications. Islamabad (England). 2. Tafsir Al-Qurtubi, ‘Abu Abdullah Muhammad Ibn Ahmad Al-Ansari Al- The content of this article amounts Qurtubi. 1965. Daar Ihya At-Turaath Al- to nothing more than a droplet in Arabee. Beirut. the ocean of the life and 3. Sahih Al-Bukhari achievements of Hadhrat Abu 4. Sirrul-Khilafah, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam (ra) Bakr . We should each aspire to Ahmad. 2007. Al-Shirkatul-Islamiyya. delve deeper and deeper into the Islamabad (England). life of this great lover and servant 5. The Will. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. of Almighty Allah. The best way 2004. Islam International Publications. Islamabad (England) to display our sincere love and gratitude for his great sacrifices is 6. A Misunderstanding Removed, Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. 2007. Islam to pray to Allah that we may each International Publications. Islamabad instil the spirit of Hadhrat Abu (England). Bakr(ra) in ourselves and our 7. Tadhkirah; Compilation of the Dreams, children.. Let us aspire to become Visions and Verbal Revelations of (ra) Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad, an Abu Bakr in our faith, love, Chaudhry Muhammad Zafrullah Khan.

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2006. Islam International Publications. Armoush. 1997. Dar An-Nafaes. Beirut. Islamabad (England). 20. Selected Friday Sermons, ‘Abdul Malik 8. Lecture Ludhiana, Hadhrat Mirza Mujahid. 2000. Darussalam. Riyadh. Ghulam Ahmad. 2003. Islam 21. Historical Atlas of the Islamic World. International Publications. Islamabad Oxford University Press, Malise Ruthven (England) & Azim Nanji. 2004. Oxford. 9. Introduction to the Study of the Holy Qur’an, Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud Ahmad. 1989. Islam References International Publications. Islamabad (England). 1. Al-Suyuti, The History of the Khalifas, p.47 10. Murder in the Name of Allah, Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad. 1989. Lutterworth 2. Al-Suyuti, p.14; At-Tirmidhi in Al- Press. Cambridge. Manaaqib 3679. 11. As-Seerah An-Nabawiyya. Maktaba As- 3. Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.5. Ch.57, No.24. Safa Abi Mohammad Abdul Malik Ibn 4. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. Sirrul Hishaam Al-Ma’afiri. 2001. Cairo. Khilafah. p.8-9; also see Tadhkirah. 12. Biography of the Prophet, Abdus Salam P.317. Harun. 2000. Sirat Ibn Hisham; Al-Falah 5. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. A Foundation. Cairo. Misunderstanding Removed, p.4. 13. Tarikh At-Tabari; Tarikh Al-Umam wal- 6. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II, Tafsir Al- Muluk, Abi Ja’afar Mohammad ibn Jareer Kabir, p.387, Ft.1186. At-Tabari. 2003. Dar Sader. Beirut. 7. The Holy Qur’an, Ch.9 Vs.40 14. The History of the Khalifahs who took the right path, Imam Jalal ad-Din as-Suyuti. 8. Al-Bukhari, 3661. 2006. Ta-Ha Publishers Ltd. London. 9. Taken from Ahmad Rateb Armoush. The 15. Al Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah, Abul-Fidaa Political and Military Leadership of the Al-Haafidh ibn Katheer Ad-Dimashqee. Prophet(saw) Muhammad. p.40; Original 1988. Al Bidaaya Wan-Nihayya. Daar Ar source Hamidullah. Majmu’at al- –Rayyaan. Cairo. Watha’eq, p.257. 16. Lataaif al-Ma’aarif, Ibn Rajab al-Hanbali 10. Ibn Hishaam, p.3. 17. Muhammad; Seal of the Prophets, 11. As-Sallaabee, p.108. Muhammad Zafrullah Khan. Routledge & 12. IBID Pg.17. Keagan Paul. London. 13. Al-Suyuti, p.18. 18. The Biography of Abu Bakr As-Siddeeq, Dr ‘Ali Muhammad Muhammad As- 14. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II. Introduction Sallaabee. 2007. Darussalam. Riyadh. to the Study of the Holy Qur’an, p.144-45. 19. The Political and Military Leadership of 15. The Holy Qur’an. Ch.4:V.126. the Prophet Mohammad, Ahmad Rateb 16. Khalifatul Masih II. Tafsir Al-Kabir.

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Ft.261; Original source Aqrab & Lane. 39. The Holy Qur’an, Ch.64: Vs.56. 17. IBID Ft.591. 40. Sirrul Khilafah, p.15. 18. Al-Suyuti, pp.41-42; Also see Sahih Al- 41. Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad. 17th July Bukhari, Vol.5, Bk.57, No.13. 1994. Liqaaa Ma’al ‘Arab. http://66.250.64.38/dmlmediafiles/video/ 19. Hadhrat Khalifatul Masih II. Tafsir Al- wmv/QALQ071794_04.wmv Kabir. Ft.261. 42. Al-Sayuti, p.48. 20. Al-Suyuti, p.47. 43. IBID. 21. IBID. Pgp.34. 44. Sahih Al-Bukhari. Vol.5, Bk.57, No.11. 22. Ibn Hishaam. 1/393. 45. Al-Bidaayah Wan Nihaayyah. 6/306. 306. 23. Al-Suyuti, p.26. 46. Al-Tabari. 4/45. 24. Muhammad Zafrullah Khan. Muhammad; Seal of the Prophets. p.129. 47. IBID 4/46. 25. Al-Suyuti, p.26. 48. Hadhrat Mirza Tahir Ahmad. Murder in the Name of Allah, p.67. 26. IBID. p.61. 49. IBID, p.69. 27. Sahih Al-Bukhari. Vo.5, Bk.57, No.113. 50. IBID, p.68; Also see Muhammad Idris al 28. See Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Shafii. Kitab al-Umm. ed. Muhammad Mahmud Ahmad. Introduction to the Zahri al Nadjjar (Cairo, n.d.), vol. VIII. Study of the Holy Qur’an. pp.345-45. 256. 29. Al-Suyuti, p.41. 51. IBID 30. Al-Tabari, p.513. 52. Al-Suyuti, p.70 31. Hadhrat Mirza Bashir-ud-Din Mahmud 53. Al-Tabari. 4/211. Ahmad. Introduction to the Study of the Holy Qur’an. pp.298-99. 54. Malise Ruthven & Azim Nanji. Historical Atlas of the Islamic World. Map.1. p.29; 32. IBID, pp.299. 55. As-Sallabee, pp.737-8; Also see At- 33. Ibn Rajab. Lataaif al-Ma’aarif, pp.114. Tabsirah. Ibn Al-Jawzee. 1/477-479. 34. See Sahih Al Bukhari, Vol.5, Ch.57, 56. Al-Suyuti, pp.41; Also see Sahih Al- No.19. Bukhari. Vol.5, Bk.57, No.34. 35. The Holy Qur’an, Ch.3:Vs.145. 57. Sahih Al-Bukhari, Vol.5, Bk.57, No.26. 36. Tafseer al-Qurtubi. 2/222. 58. Sirrul Khilafah, pp.31-32. 37. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. The Will, 59. Hadhrat Mirza Ghulam Ahmad. Lecture p.6. Ludhiana, p.64. 38. Sirrul Khilafah, p.18; Also see Tadhkirah. p.317.

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Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) By Mashhood Ahmad and Fazal Ahmad – UK

Introduction as agents for the Quraish in In the formative years of Islam, a dealings with other tribes. He grew young man was suddenly turned up with his brother Zaid and his from being the most animated sister Fatimah. His father Khattab enemy of the new religion to its ibn Nufayl had been from a middle staunchest defender. His character class family with access to a degree changed dramatically from of wealth and power. So the young aggression and violence to one of ‘Umar(ra) received a good education humility and compassion, and he and was literate unlike most Arabs went on to become the second of the time, even becoming an Khalifah of Islam. expert in Arabic poetry. He was described as tall and well built, fair- However, not all Muslims revere skinned and with a ruddy ‘Umar(ra). The minority Shi’a sect complexion. revile him and consider that he prevented ‘Ali(ra) (who would later As a youth, he was trained in self- become the 4th Khalifah) from defence (he was a champion becoming the Khalifah in a pact wrestler) as well as public that he supposedly made with Abu speaking. From the outset, he Bakr(ra). This article briefly covers showed unusual courage and his early life and the key events and frankness in his dealings. He was achievements of the life of Hadhrat also thorough in whatever he ‘Umar(ra). undertook.

Background In his early years, he gained ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab(ra) was to experience as a shepherd and as a become the second Khalifah of merchant. He was becoming Islam. He was born in June 580 into known as a shrewd businessman the Banu Adi clan of the tribe of who led trade delegations as far as Quraish in Makkah who often acted Syria and Iraq which broadened his

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knowledge of other tribes and treat us most cruelly here. We cultures. will not return now until Allah pleases to make it easy for us.” As a non-Muslim and a believer in the traditional faith (idol worship) ‘Umar(ra) was surprised and a little of the Quraish, he considered Islam emotional at the scene, and said to to be an affront to the traditions of her “God be with you”. Behind his Makkah. He became a staunch and tough exterior was a sensitive robust enemy of the faith. He young man. He felt disturbed that mistreated Muslims in Makkah and this new faith seemed to be was foremost in their persecution. dividing his tribe, and thought to According to Ibn Hisham’s As himself that if he killed the new Sirah an-Nabawiyyah, when one of prophet, the people of his tribe of his maid-servants also accepted Quraish would return to Makkah Islam, he beat her violently, yet she and the tribe would be reunited. would not give up the faith. Acceptance of Islam His mother was Hantamah, the According to the detailed account sister of Abu Jahl, so he was of Ibn Hisham, one morning, intimate with the leadership of ‘Umar(ra) set out with his sword to Makkah and the strength of its kill the Holy Prophet(saw). He feeling against Islam. quickly came to know that his own sister, Fatimah, and her husband One famous incident before his Sa’id ibn Zayd (who was also his acceptance of Islam was when he cousin), had converted to Islam. noticed a group of Muslims with all This enraged him further. He of their goods packed onto camels therefore, diverted to his sister’s and leaving for Abyssinia. He house to confront them. approached a lady in the party, called Umm ‘Abdullah, and asked As he approached their house, he “Are you leaving?” She replied: heard the voice of Khabbab ibn al- Arat who had been teaching his “Yes, God is our witness. We go sister the Qur’an. He stormed into to another land, because you the house, and as he did so,

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Khabbab hid, and his sister put Verily, I am Allah; there is no away the leaves of the Qur’anic God beside Me. So serve Me, pages. Confronting her, he said: and observe prayer for My remembrance. Surely the Hour “I hear you have renounced is coming; I am going to your own faith.” manifest it, that every soul may be recompensed for its He then raised his hands to strike endeavour. Sa’id, but as Fatimah came (Ch.20:Vs.15-16) between them, he struck her nose and she was injured. The blow did He was clearly moved. He cried out not scare her, and she turned to her “How wonderful, how inspiring!” brother and said: On hearing this reaction, even “Yes, we are Muslims now and Khabbab came out of hiding and shall remain so; do what you exclaimed: may.” “God is my witness, only Having seen the blood on his yesterday I heard the Prophet sister’s face, he felt ashamed, and pray for the conversion of also realised that the new faith must ‘Umar or 'Amr ibn Hisham. have some merit to have won her Your change is the result of that heart. In his remorse, he asked to prayer.” hear what the verses of the Qur’an (The Life of Muhammad, p.20) had to say. At first, his sister was afraid that he would tear up the Soon after, ‘Umar(ra) went to the leaves of the Qur’an, but when Holy Prophet(saw) in Dar Arqam in ‘Umar(ra) promised not to do so, she Makkah, his sword still in his hand, first asked him to perform ablutions but no longer a threat to Islam. At in order to cool down and to be the door were Hamzah, Talha and a clean and purified before touching couple of other companions. the sacred texts. He then read a few Having suffered at his hands, the verses from Chapter Ta Ha: companions of the Prophet were reluctant to let him in, but the Holy

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Prophet(saw) knew of his intentions. It was after his conversion that He asked ‘Umar(ra) “What brings Islam began to be preached openly you?” to which ‘Umar(ra) replied: in Makkah with the confidence that he brought to the Muslims, and this “Prophet of God, I am here to is attested by Ibn ‘Abbas(ra) and become a Muslim.” Suhayb.

‘Umar(ra) also recited the Kalimah. Ibn Mas’ud(ra) is reported to have The Prophet(saw) replied happily said: with Allahu Akbar and the happy news of the conversion spread ‘The Islam of ‘Umar was an rapidly through Makkah and opening, his emigration was a neighbouring towns. help and his imamate was a mercy. I saw us unable to pray At that time, according to Adh- in the House until ‘Umar Dhahabi ‘Umar(ra) was just twenty- accepted Islam’. seven years of age. In those early days, there were very few other Having accepted Islam, the first converts to Islam. Scholars vary in thing that ‘Umar(ra) did was to call their view of the numbers, but it is together the chiefs of Makkah to thought that when he accepted declare that he had become a Islam, there were around 40 men Muslim. No one had the courage to and 10 women who were Muslims. tell him off. He then requested the Prophet(saw) to lead prayers at the Having accepted Islam, he was to Ka’bah and led the party of become one of the staunchest and Muslims there. This was the first bravest defenders of the faith such prayer observed by Muslims against severe torment. Asked later at the Ka’bah. about his conversion, he said: ‘Umar’s conversion had embold- “When I heard the Qur’an, my ened the Muslims, but brought heart was softened and I wept, about no change in attitude from and Islam entered into me.” the Makkans. ‘Umar(ra) was sub- (Armstrong, p.5). jected to the same torment at their

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hands as the other Muslims and and shouted out first to the indeed the persecution worsened Prophet(saw), then Abu Bakr(ra) and over time. then ‘Umar(ra) to confirm whether they were alive (Tabari, Vol. VII, Role under the Prophet(saw) p.131). The fact that ‘Umar(ra) was ‘Umar(ra) became a close advisor to among the three names shouted the Holy Prophet(saw) and sacrificed shows his position among those his wealth to dedicate his life for early Muslims. the cause of Islam. In his early years as a Muslim, his He was among the first wave of temper was still legendary, emigrants from Makkah to although his aggression was now Madinah during the Hijrah. On only applied to the defence of the leaving Makkah, he told the local Holy Prophet(saw). An example of pagans of his intentions to head for this was when Zayd b. Sa’ya Madinah and challenged them to forcefully asked for the repayment stop him if they were brave enough. of a loan from the Prophet(saw) at the Needless to say, nobody dared to time of a funeral. ‘Umar's initial stop him. response was threatening, but the Prophet(saw) knew his character well He took part in many of the early and asked him to pay Zayd his dues defensive struggles as the Muslims and to give him a bonus of dates for held on to their freedom in his troubles. ‘Umar(ra) carried out Madinah. He took part in the the instructions, and impressed by defensive battles of Badr, ‘Uhud the patience of the Prophet(saw), and Khaibar when the Muslims Zayd accepted Islam soon after. struggled to shrug off persecution and tyranny. Indeed at ‘Uhud, the Although he is most often Makkans thought that they had remembered as being aggressive, killed the prophet and the senior he also began to demonstrate other Muslims. Abu Sufyan, leader of the qualities. In one example, at the Makkans shouted ‘Glory to Hubal’ Battle of Badr, he surprised his (the primary idol of the Makkans) colleagues by allowing a youngster, and then turned to the battlefield Ibn ‘Abbas, to attend the planning

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council. His colleagues commented ibn al-Khattab(ra).” that he was letting a child enter the (Bukhari, Vol.5, 57.38) meeting to which he replied: In the Hadith above, commentators “He is knowledgeable, as you described the meaning of 'spoken well know.” to' as meaning inspired. (Bukhari) “I have two ministers from the This showed his open heart and inhabitants of the heaven and lack of arrogance, and his respect two ministers from the for knowledge at an early age. inhabitants of the earth. The former are Jibreel (Gabriel) and In 625, his daughter, Hafsah, was Mika’il (Michael) and the latter married to the Prophet(saw) to further are Abu Bakr and ‘Umar.” He strengthen his ties. said of the latter: "These two are [my] hearing and eyesight” The Holy Prophet(saw) had great and instructed his Companions: regard for ‘Umar's character. There “Follow those that come after are many references to the status of me: Abu Bakr and `‘Umar.” ‘Umar(ra) in the Hadith, and the following illustrate that strength of A lot has been made of ‘Umar’s feeling: selfless courage, but as described at the beginning, he was also well- “Never does Satan find you educated. During his time in the going on a way, but he takes a company of the Prophet(saw), he was way other than yours.” fortunate to pick up a vast treasure (Bukhari, Vol.5, 57.32) of knowledge which he would later apply. The Holy Prophet(saw) “In the nations long before you himself is reported by Ibn ‘Umar(ra) were people who were spoken as saying: to [by the angels] although they were not prophets. If there is “While I was asleep I drank – anyone of them in my meaning milk – until I saw Community, truly it is ‘Umar satiation flowing through my

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nails, and then I passed it to the clear verdict on this subject in ‘Umar.” the Qur’an that he became calm. (Bukhari, Vol.1, 3.82) Shi’as sometimes assert that ‘Umar(ra) was merely trying to delay When asked on the meaning of this, the burial to allow Abu Bakr(ra) to the Prophet(saw) clarified that it was return and pick up the reigns as knowledge that he had passed on to Khalifah, but this is incorrect. ‘Umar(ra). Role under Abu Bakr(ra) ‘Umar(ra) had great zeal for Islam, Abu Bakr(ra) became the first and on one occasion when the Khalifah of Islam in 632 and lead companions were asked for funds the Muslims for just two years. to support an expedition to Tabuk, ‘Umar(ra) held Abu Bakr(ra) in great ‘Umar(ra) offered half of his esteem, and according to a household. He was only outdone by testimony of Muhammad b. Sirin Abu Bakr(ra) who offered all of his recorded by Abu ‘Abd Allah, when household and replied to concerns during his own Khilafat a few years for his family that “Allah and his later he overheard people Apostle are enough for them.” commenting that they preferred ‘Umar(ra) to Abu Bakr(ra), he The death of the Prophet(saw) in 632 staunchly reminded them of the was a stunning shock to ‘Umar(ra). Hijrah when Abu Bakr(ra) had the He could not believe it so much so privilege of escorting the Holy that he drew his sword and swore Prophet(saw) to the Cave of Thaur that he would cut off the head of and ensured his protection by any man that said that the keeping vigil both in front of and Messenger of Allah was dead behind the Prophet(saw). ‘Umar(ra) (Tabari, Vol. IX, p.187). He could said: not contemplate life without his master and was consumed in grief “By Him who holds my soul in and concern for the plight of Islam. His hand, that night was better These dark thoughts blotted out than the whole clan of ‘Umar!” reason from his mind. It was not (Helminski p.41) until Abu Bakr(ra) reminded him of

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During that time, ‘Umar(ra) was one ‘Umar as his successor in the of his closest advisors and allies. It presence of the followers of was ‘Umar(ra) who was concerned Muhammad(saw). They at the strife facing the early considered themselves obliged Muslims and encouraged the first by it to render obedience to Khalifah to have the Qur’anic ‘Umar. Likewise, ‘Umar verses compiled in book form such appointed six persons to be that they would not be lost members of (an electoral) (Bukhari, Vol.6, 60.201). Having council.’ (Ibn Khaldun, p.167) been convinced by ‘Umar(ra), the task was given to Zaid ibn Similarly, al-Tabari records a Thabit(ra). conversation that Abu Bakr(ra) had with ‘Uthman(ra) about Hadhrat Some of the Arab tribes had tried to ‘Umar(ra): dissociate from Islam following the death of the Prophet(saw) and in ‘Abu Bakr said: ‘O Abu some cases, set up false new Abdallah, inform me about prophets to fill the void. Many ‘Umar.’ ‘Uthman said: ‘O God, thought that each tribe should now my knowledge about him is that have its own Imam. ‘Umar(ra) what he does in private is better helped to bring them back into the than what he shows openly, and fold and unite the Arabs as a single that there is no-one like him united Muslim community with a amongst us.’ single Khalifah. (Tabari, Vol.XI, p.146)

At the death of the first Khalifah, The implication was that since the Abu Bakr(ra), ‘Umar(ra) became the example he had shown in public second Khalifah of Islam in 634. was so noble, the fact that his The famous historian Ibn Khaldun private actions were better showed (1332 - 1406) describes the events the strength of his spiritual nature of the appointment of Hadhrat and character. Abu Bakr(ra) gave a ‘Umar(ra) as follows: clear indication that ‘Umar(ra) would succeed him as the second ‘Thus, Abu Bakr appointed Khalifah.

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‘Umar’s compassion as Khalifah fancy garments, hundreds of slaves Having been given the highest and lavish displays of wealth and office in Islam, his aggression power. But this was not the manner turned to warmth and humility. In of the great Khalifah. He preferred one of his early sermons as to live a simple life. His clothes Khalifah, he appealed to his were simple. He ate simple food followers in the following terms: like his followers. Once he is quoted as saying: “In running the State, you are my partners. Help me with your “Nothing of the Lord's goods is sound advice. If I follow the allowed me except a garment right path laid down by God for winter and one for summer, and His Prophet, follow me. If I and enough for the Pilgrimage deviate, correct me. Strengthen and the rites, and food for me me with your advice and and my household at the middle suggestions.” rate allowed one of my people; (Helminski p.406) beyond that I have no more right than any other Muslim.” Sir William Muir records in The (Helminski p.408) Caliphate that one of ‘Umar’s earliest acts was to examine the He is often cited as owning just a Treasury, but all he found was a single shirt and even that patched small coin in the fold of one of the up. He slept on a bed of palm sacks showing that Abu Bakr(ra) had leaves just as his followers did. distributed all the revenue collected by the state. ‘Umar(ra) was greatly ‘Umar(ra) would often walk the impressed. ‘Umar(ra) is renowned streets of Madinah at night in for establishing the principles of disguise to check the safety and the Islamic state. comfort of the poorest members of society. He would patrol the streets As Khalifah, the norms of the time to gauge the sleeping conditions, (in the prevailing world) would the availability of food, water and have led him to have a grand palace clothing, and the level of safety. and court with many luxuries,

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Once while walking the streets, he enquired about the palace of the noticed a woman cooking some- Khalifah where he could take his thing in a pot while her children horse and baggage. Hearing this, an were restless around her. On onlooker is recorded by Jalaluddin enquiring, he learned that the pot Rumi as telling the ambassador: was empty but on the fire just to console them, but that they had not “He has no palace; ‘Umar’s eaten for two days. He was moved only palace is an illuminated to tears. ‘Umar(ra) immediately went spirit. Though he is famous as to the treasury and brought food Commander of the Faithful, his items for the woman. An employee only dwelling is a hut, like the offered to carry it for ‘Umar(ra) but poor.” he declined saying who would (Helminski p.159) carry his burden on the final day. He took the food to this lady and He is often described as performing instructed her to visit the treasury his own tasks rather than engaging regularly for her provisions. She servants in order to keep himself had not recognised him. The humble. One such account is woman was very pleased. Although recorded by ‘Urwah bin az-Zubayr she had no idea who he was, she who had commented that it was not cried out: befitting of a Khalifah to walk around carrying a waterskin on his “May Allah make you the shoulder, to which he received the Khalifah in place of ‘Umar!” following response from ‘Umar(ra): (Tabari, Vol.XIV, p.110-111) “When deputations came to me, ‘Umar(ra) began to cry and left listening and obedient, a certain without saying a further word. This arrogance entered my soul, and is an illustration of the genuine I wished to break it.” compassion that he had for his (Helminski, p.160) people. He also promoted brotherly On another occasion, an ambas- affection among Muslims, and is sador of Greece was visiting and recorded by Al-Ghazali in his ‘On

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Duties of Brotherhood’ as saying: endeared themselves to the inhabitants of Jerusalem when they “There are three ways of were forced to retreat from a showing sincere brotherly love; Christian territory under pressure give him the greeting ‘Peace!’ from superior numbers of Roman when you first meet him, make troops. Having levied the Jizyah him comfortable, and call him tax on those people, the Muslims by his favourite names”. returned the tax because they could no longer defend them against the To some extent, this would have advancing Romans. The people of been expected from the Khalifah, Jerusalem were greatly impressed but he also demonstrated love and by the integrity of the Muslims so compassion for non-Muslims when the Muslims finally came to living under Islamic protection. take control of their city, they had While in Syria, he met an old man no concerns. (Jizyah was a defence begging on the streets and learned tax on non-Muslims whereas that he was a Jew. He was upset Muslims paid Zakat and were also and told the governor of Syria to required to physically take part in look after the old man as his duty. the defence). He was very mindful of his subjects’ feelings and once even ‘Umar(ra) came to the city himself scolded his governor in Egypt after a long siege. He left Madinah saying: with one attendant and a camel which they took turns riding. As “Since when have we enslaved they approached Jerusalem, it was people who were born free?!” the attendant’s turn, and he said to the Khalifah: Taking of Jerusalem There were many memorable “Commander of the Faithful, I incidents from his 10 years as the give up my turn. It will look second Khalifah. One of these is awkward in the eyes of the the taking of Jerusalem in 637. people if I ride and you lead the camel.” Around that time, the Muslims had

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Interior of the Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem Photo by Eric Stoltz - licenced under Creative Commons, Attribution 2.5

But ‘Umar insisted on maintaining Islamic Empire without conflict. the rota and replied: He signed a peace treaty as follows:

“Oh no, I am not going to be “From the servant of Allah and unjust. The honour of Islam is the Commander of the Faithful, enough for us all.” ‘Umar: The inhabitants of Jerusalem are granted security So it was that the people of of life and property. Their Jerusalem witnessed a humble man Churches and Crosses shall be walking towards them leading his secure. This treaty applies to all servant riding the camel. This people of the city. Their places endeared him to the people of the of worship shall remain intact. city who came into the fold of the These shall neither be taken

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over nor pulled down. People Treaties with the Christians to shall be absolutely free to preserve their status and rights follow their religion. They shall within the Muslim state. When not be put to any trouble ...” returning from his tour of Syria, he (Tabari, Vol.XII, p.191) delivered a speech in which he said:

‘Umar(ra) was given the keys to the “Allah has for the time being city by the Orthodox Christian made me your ruler. But I am Patriarch Sophronius. He then led one of you. No special prayers on the site of the Al-Aqsa privileges belong to a ruler. I mosque away from the Christian have some responsibilities to Church to ensure that later Muslims discharge, and in this I seek would not lay any claim on the your cooperation. Government Church. is a sacred trust, and it is my endeavour not to betray the He wanted to build a mosque in trust in any way. For the Jerusalem and the Bishop fulfilment of the trust I have to suggested the Sakha, or the rock on be a watch-man. I have to be which God had spoken to Jacob(as). strict. I have to enforce The Christians had heaped rubbish discipline. I have to run the there to tease the Jews. ‘Umar(as) administration not on the basis helped clear the site of rubbish and of personal idiosyncrasies; I then a mosque was built on the site. have to run it in public interest and for promoting the public Under his leadership, a simple good. For this we have the wooden mosque was built to hold guidance in the Book of God. 3,000 worshippers, later extended Whatever orders I issue in the as the al-Aqsa Mosque. Elsewhere course of day to day on the rock, it was not until 692 that administration have to conform the famous Dome of the Rock was to the Qur’an. God has built on the site. (Al-Khateeb, favoured us with Islam. He sent p.34). to us His Messenger(saw). He has chosen us for a mission. Let us ‘Umar(ra) established the Umariyyah fulfil that mission. That mission

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is the promotion of Islam. In of ‘Umar(ra) as Islamic influence Islam lies our safety; if we err spread, this was not a religious we are doomed.” expansion. Each of the peoples that the Arabs came across were seen to His style of leadership surprised be Peoples of the Book (i.e. many non-Muslims, and the rights following Divine teachings and given to non-Muslims endeared prophets) and so could not be them to Islam. compelled to accept Islam. This was actually a process in which Spread of Islam under ‘Umar(ra) pacts were being made, and new Islam continued to spread in all trade routes expanded and directions under ‘Umar(ra). established. Although there were many raids and conquests during the Caliphate The motivation for this expansion

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and for the wars was in order to mankind. However, if in the course spread freedom and exchange of preaching they faced persecution knowledge with other faiths and or attacks, they could respond cultures. At that time, the under the following guidance: prevailing climate was one of rivalry, jealousy and greed, and And make ready for them constant fighting across the world. whatever you can of armed Therefore, when Muslims sent force and of mounted pickets at missionary expeditions to different the frontier, whereby you may countries and found that they were frighten the enemy of Allah and abused and attacked and that locals your enemy and others besides were being mistreated, they had no them whom you know not, but option but to fight the opression Allah knows them. And until freedom was once again whatever you spend in the way established. The Holy Qur’an gave of Allah, it shall be repaid to them guidance on how to conduct you in full and you shall not be themselves as we read: wronged. And if they incline towards peace, incline thou O mankind, We have created also towards it, and put thy you from a male and a female; trust in Allah. Surely it is He and We have made you into Who is All-Hearing, All- tribes and sub-tribes that you Knowing.(Ch.8: Vs. 61-62) may reconise one another. Verily, the most honourable This guidance as well as other among you, in the sight of instructions enabled the Muslims to Allah, is he who is the most fight defensive wars to attain peace, righteous among you. Surely, security and freedom but with the Allah is All-knowing, All- guidelines that no place of worship Aware. (Ch.49: V.14) or civilian could be attacked, and that hostilities must cease as soon So the Muslims were taught to as one side seeks peace or a respect other tribes and faiths, but ceasefire. believed that they had a better message for the good of all The Jews, Christians and

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Zoroastrians of the new Empire taking land in these new countries. were given a protected status Islamic Law applied only to (Dhimmi) with unconditional legal Muslims. and military protection just as they were in Jerusalem, and indeed, There are many examples of tribes often felt safer under Muslim who chose not to accept Islam but protection than under the Byzantine who were given protection. The Christians or the Persians who had Banu Taghlib tribe of Mesopotamia been less tolerant to what they saw had refused to accept Islam and had as unorthodox beliefs such as the also refused to pay the Jizyah tax. Arians and Nestorians. It has even ‘Umar(ra) gave a civilised response been suggested that under Islamic which the tribe accepted: protection, the Nestorians no longer faced persecution from ‘The caliph ‘Umar forbade any Orthodox Christianity and were pressure to be put upon them, able to expand rapidly eastwards when they showed themselves (Nicolle, p.63). unwilling to abandon their old faith and ordered that they Each new city was left to be should be left undisturbed in the governed by its own people who practice of it, but that they were paid a poll tax in return for not to oppose the conversion of protection through the Muslim any member of their tribe to armies. Although now under the Islam nor baptise the children protection of the Islamic Empire, of such as became Muslims.’ the conquered cities and their (Arnold, p.49) people were subject to their own laws and traditions as administered On the subject of Jizyah, the Banu largely by their own people; only Taghlib wanted to pay a levy for the the governor was an Arab poor similar to the Muslims rather appointed by the Khalifah to than it being seen as a protection maintain order to establish the new levy, and ‘Umar(ra) agreed to this. norms of tolerance and freedom. The Arabs were strongly It was during the time of ‘Umar (ra) discouraged by ‘Umar(ra) from that Islam expanded rapidly into

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Persia, all along North Africa, and When later a messenger came back into Asia Minor. Interestingly, the from Sariyah a month later, he Muslims up to that time chose to described how indeed the troops travel by land and did not exploit had been losing out until they heard the sea. One account by Ibn the shouts of ‘Sariyah, the Khaldun suggests that when mountain!’ and then as they turned ‘Umar(ra) asked ‘Amr ibn al-‘As towards the mountain, rather than about sea travel, the description being ambushed, they themselves that he was given was that it was were victorious. This story has like ‘a great creature upon which been narrated by Ibn ‘Umar and weak creatures ride - like worms ‘Amr ibn al-Harith. upon a piece of wood’. That description was sufficient to put As the influence of Islam spread, ‘Umar(ra) off sea travel and he ‘Umar(ra) appointed Governors in advised all of his generals and different lands, but also tried to envoys to travel by land. ensure that they stayed faithful and dutiful rather than getting At times, there were miracles embroiled in the trappings of power related to the rapid advance that the that he himself had also rejected. Muslims were making. There are Khuzaymah ibn Thabit records: numerous accounts of the time when Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) was ‘Whenever ‘Umar appointed a delivering his Friday Sermon and governor, he wrote to him and then suddenly broke off and made a condition on him that he shouted three times ‘Sariyah, the should not ride a birdhaun mountain!’ (Tabari, Vol.XIV, p.71). (heavy non-Arab horse from He then continued with his sermon, Turkey or Greece), nor eat but this obviously troubled the delicacies, nor dress in finery, worshippers. When quizzed later, nor lock his door against the he said that he saw his Muslim needy.’ forces led by Sariyah being attacked and defeated near From this, we get a sense of Nahawand in Persia so he shouted ‘Umar’s own stance on duty and to warn them. modesty. Had the future Muslims

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such as the Umayyads and established the Hijri Shamsi Ottomans kept this in mind, their calendar which began at the time of fate may have been different. the Hijrah from Makkah to Madinah (Tabari, Vol.VI, p.158). The conquered nations accepted the There had been a consensus that new peace with confidence because Muslims needed their own calendar the Arabs did not take their land or as many edicts had been going out impose Islamic Law. They took a on letters without dates, but there tax, and then discharged their was no agreement on the point at duties to the new people by which the calendar should begin. restoring roads and canals, building Some had suggested the dates of bridges, freeing slaves and the birth or death of the Holy improving living conditions for the Prophet(saw), but in the end, there poorest and the meekest in society. was agreement on the Hijrah. New trade routes were opened to the rest of the Islamic Empire. He began to codify Shariah Law, Rivers were banked and irrigation mainly because he recognised that paths established. The Muslims the people needed an effective, established new gardens. Hadhrat consistent and speedy form of ‘Umar(ra) was the pioneer in this justice based upon the Qur’an and new Empire, and was very cautious the teachings and practices of the to ensure that the rights of the new Holy Prophet(saw). He established people were maintained or courts for the public, and carefully enhanced, and that nobody, Arab or selected Judges who were otherwise, would lose out as a knowledgeable, honest, respected result of the Muslims, or blame the and not liable to be influenced. religion of Islam. One of the most senior and Achievements respected judges that he appointed It was during the stewardship of was ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib(ra), later the Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) that the Khalifah Fourth Khalifah, who was known took on the designation ‘Amir ul for his thorough knowledge of both Momineen’ (Commander of the the Holy Qur’an and the Hadith, Faithful). As Khalifah, ‘Umar(ra) having lived so close to the

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Prophet(saw) for thirty years as first Mohammad(saw), ponder the his cousin and then son-in-law. question over and over again.’ ‘Umar(ra) gave all of the Judges the following advice: He saw it as his duty to renovate and expand the two great Mosques ‘Verily Justice is an important in Makkah and Madinah. However, obligation to Allah and to man. Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) had a simple You have been charged with understanding of a Mosque. He this responsibility. Discharge expected to see a prayer hall with a this responsibility so that you niche for the Imam facing Makkah, may win the approbation of minarets where the muezzin would Allah and the good will of the call people to prayer and be heard people. Treat the people equally from a distance, and washrooms in your presence, and in your where worshippers could perform decisions, so that the weak ablutions before worship. He did despair not of justice and the not like innovations, and on one high-placed harbour no hope of occasion, when he learned that in favouritism. The onus of proof Fustat (Cairo), his governor ‘Amr lies on the plaintiff, while the ibn al-‘As had built a minbar party who denies must do so on (raised pulpit with steps on which oath. Compromise is the Imam stands to deliver sermons permissible, provided that it in some mosques), he wrote to him does not turn the unlawful into saying: something lawful, and the lawful into something unlawful. ‘And now, I have heard that you Let nothing prevent you from use a pulpit and thus raise changing your previous yourself above the necks of the decision if after consideration Muslims. Is it not sufficient for you feel that the previous you that you are standing while decision was incorrect. When the Muslims are at your heels? you are in doubt about a Therefore, I urge you to smash question and find nothing it to bits.’ concerning it in the Qur'an or the Sunnah of Prophet ‘Umar(ra) was concerned that this

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kind of innovation would be the the Quraish and not the start of arrogance creeping in Hudhail.’ amongst the Imams. Minbars became widely used in North After complaints from Yazid bin Africa and in the Ottoman Empire. Abi Sufyan about the lack of help in teaching in Syria, he despatched He established the Majlis Shura as Mu’adh, ‘Ubadah and Abu ad- an advisory body for the Khalifah. Darda' to Hims, and from there As the Islamic empire gained in Abu ad-Darda' went on to power and wealth, he also turned Damascus and Mu’adh to his attention to education and Palestine, while ‘Ubadah remained established a number of schools in Hims. Abu ad-Darda' established and mosques across his empire. a study circle of 1600 scholars in Damascus of whom his brighter As the numbers of Muslims in students went on to train hundreds outlying areas grew rapidly, so the of others. (Al-Azami, p.85-86) need for teaching them about Islam These were the growing pains of and the Qur’an became apparent. Islam that Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) had to ‘Umar(ra) despatched many of the deal with in order to ensure that the learned Companions to these areas next generation of Muslims were of to begin the process of teaching at a quality and not just quantity. Even sufficient level of quality. He sent in the wilderness, he sent people to 10 Companions to Basra to teach train and educate the bedouins, and the Qur’an, and sent Ibn Mas’ud to in Madinah, the home of Islam, he Kufa. He was also very careful tasked Companions to teach the about what was being taught and children and also to make the how. When he learned that Ibn Qur’an more understandable even Mas’ud was teaching the Qur’an in for adults. his native Hudhail dialect, he told him: He encouraged his followers to focus on the spread of the message ‘The Qur’an was revealed in of Islam rather than on settling and the dialect of the Quraish, so owning land. It was with this zeal teach according to the dialect of that his followers were able to

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Tomb of Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra), Madinah

rapidly take the message of Islam ‘Umar’s death to Syria, Jerusalem, Egypt, Libya ‘Umar’s(ra) end was untimely. He and Iraq. Islam expanded into the was marshalling worshippers for Middle East and Persia, across the midday prayer when a North Africa and up towards Asia disgruntled Persian non-Muslim, Minor. Muslims were encouraged Abu Lu'lu'ah Firoz of Basra, who to hand over land as trusts for the held a grudge against him, stabbed building of schools, hospitals and him. Just a few days earlier, Abu orphanages, and so as not to grow Lu'lu'ah had approached ‘Umar(ra) too attached to worldy things. The to complain about the amount he accumulation of wealth and power had to pay his master, Mugheerah was not in the minds of the ibn Sha’bah, and asked the levy to Muslims as the sphere of influence be reduced. ‘Umar(ra) listened to expanded. If anything, the larger him and suggested that the level of the Islamic Empire grew, the more the levy was reasonable. So it was opportunities arose to make according to historians, such as sacrifices for the sake of Islam. Tabari, that while ‘Umar(ra) began the prayers, Abu Lu'lu'ah stepped

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forward from one of the rows and regard of the Prophet(saw) for his stabbed him six times. When character as we read: apprehended, he stabbed himself (Tabari, Vol.XIV, p.89-90). ‘Truly Allah has placed the truth upon the tongue of ‘Umar On his deathbed, ‘Umar(ra) gave and he speaks by it.’ instructions for a Shura to be (Abu Daud, Book 19, No.2956) established to elect a new Khalifah. He said: He adopted a simple life and this extended to his clothing and his “To him who shall follow me, I tastes in food. He once admonished give it as my wish that he be his son ‘Asim for eating meat just kind to this city which gave a because he had a craving for it. In home to us and to the Faith, that response, Al-Hasan records him as he acknowledge much of their saying: virtues and pass lightly over their faults. And bid him treat ‘Every time you crave well the Arab tribes for they are something, do you eat it? It is the strength of Islam.” sufficient wasteful extra- (Helminski p.410-411) vagance for a man that he eats everything for which he has an He died two days later on appetite.’ November 644 at the age of just 64 years. He was a practical man, and inspired others with his insight and ‘Umar’s Character with his moral stand. This extended ‘Umar(ra) demonstrated his courage beyond actions towards fellow men throughout his life. He also showed to the treatment of animals. On one humility and compassion as occasion, he saw a man dragging a Khalifah. He was also very wise goat by its leg and taking it to and truthful. slaughter. He was apalled at this and said: There are hadith (sayings of the Holy Prophet(saw) that show the ‘Woe unto you. If you take the

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animal to its death, do so in a On another occasion, ‘Umar(ra) proper manner.’ turned to Salman and asked, “Am I a King or a Caliph?” Salman He felt a great responsibility as replied “If you collect from a Khalifah and a compassion for the Muslim territory 1 dirham – or less weak and the poor. At one time, or more - then you put it to use there was a great famine in the other than for what it is by right Hijaz and despite some supplies intended, you are a King, not a being sent from Egypt and Syria, Caliph”. ‘Umar wept at the thought ‘Umar(as) felt so touched by the of having used even the smallest plight of his people that he swore amount for a different purpose not to touch butter or honey while (Tabari, Vol. XIV, p.118), such was the famine lasted. Although his his sense of duty and responsibility. assistant could see the adverse reaction on his health, he still He had a keen sense of fair play. refused to consume what he Once he appeared before a Court in thought of luxuries saying: Madinah following a complaint against him. As he entered the “If I do not taste suffering, how Court, the Judge stood to show his can I know the suffering of respect, but ‘Umar(as) turned to the others?” Judge and said:

He was keenly aware of not “This is the first injustice you abusing his position as Khalifah. have done to the plaintiff.” He would only burn an oil lamp while on official business. Once he Conclusions refused to give a family member There were many great leaders and money because he had asked for it wise characters amongst the early out of God’s money. He later called followers of the Holy Prophet(saw), him back and gave him 10,000 but what makes ‘Umar's story so dirhams out of his own wealth intriguing is how he changed from (Tabari, Vol XIV, p.107), but was being such a well-known enemy of very careful on spending from the Islam to being its defender. In the funds of the Muslims. journey, his transformation from a

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passionate and aggressive man to preached in a gown that was the most humble and dignified of torn and tattered in twelve leaders despite the huge authority places; and the Persian satrap, that he carried is an example to us who paid his homage to the all. While the sphere of influence conqueror, found him asleep expanded rapdily and the great among the beggars on the steps Roman (Byzantine) and Persian of the mosque of Medina.’ Empires were both humbled during (The Decline and Fall of the his leadership, if the conquered Roman Empire, Vol.5) people came to the town and home of the most powerful man, rather Finally, although Shi’as claim that than seeing vast structures and the ‘Umar(ra) prevented Hadhrat ‘Ali(ra) pomp and show that they were used from becoming Khalifah earlier to seeing in Rome, Constantinople due to his own greed for power, the or Ctesiphon, they witnessed actions of the man show the instead humble mud-brick houses, opposite. ‘Ali(ra) himself admired simple mosques and a leader who Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) and keenly wore simple clothes, ate simple served him as a judge and key food and expected no special advisor. treatment. Hurmuzan, the conquered ruler of Ahwaz visited If a man were keen for personal the Khalifah wearing his silks and power, having attained that status, bejewelled crown only to see his such a person would then take steps master wearing coarse and patched to make the most of his position in clothes. terms of power, wealth and the exploitation of the trappings of The historian Edward Gibbon in power. With Hadhrat ‘Umar(ra) we the 18th Century wrote of him: see the opposite. He never sought a position. But having been given ‘The abstinence and humility of that position, he led by example, Omar were not inferior to the looked after the welfare of the virtues of Abu Beker: his food needy and lived a simple life. His consisted of barley bread or focus was not political expansion dates; his drink was water; he either, but the spread of freedom

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and then the sharing of knowledge. Review of Religions, Vol.92, No.3, He put a lot of thought into how to March 1997. 8. The Book of Character – writings on teach the Qur’an and the principles character and virtue from Islamic and of Islam to the large numbers of other sources, Camille Helminski, The new Muslim converts across the Book Foundation, Bristol 2004. 9. The History of the Khalifas who took the world and set up a system that right way, Jalaladdin as-Suyuti, Ta-Ha helped ensure the integrity of Publishers, London 2006. Islam. 10. Nubuwwat & Khilafat – Prophethood and its successorship, Islam (ra) International Publications Ltd, Tilford, Hadhrat ‘Umar always UK, 2006. remembered throughout his 11. The Excellent Exemplar: Muhammad the dealings that he was answerable to Messenger of Allah, Muhammad God for his actions. He was an Zafrulla Khan, The Chaucer Press, UK, 1962. exemplary Muslim. May God be 12. The Muqaddimah – an introduction to pleased with him. Amin. History, Ibn Khaldun, Princeton University Press, New Jersey, USA, 2005. 13. A short history of Islam, Dr. S. E. Al- References Djazairi, The Institute of Islamic History, Manchester, UK, 2006. 1. The Concise Encyclopaedia of Islam, 14. The Decline and Fall of the Roman Cyril Glasse, Harper San Francisco, Empire, Edward Gibbon, Volume 5, 1999. p.381, London, 1858. 2. Life of Muhammad, Mirza Bashiruddin 15. The Translation of the Meanings of Sahih Mahmud Ahmad, Islam International al-Bukhari (Vol.1-9), Dr Muhammad Publications Ltd, Tilford, UK, 1990. Muhsin Khan, Islamic University, 3. Islam – a short history, Karen Madinah, Saudi Arabia. Armstrong, Phoenix Press, London 16. Historical Atlas of the Islamic World, 2001. David Nicolle, Mercury Books, London, 4. The Preaching of Islam, T. W. Arnold, 2004. Aryan Books International, New Delhi, 17. History of Al-Tabari (Vol. VI-XIV), Suny 1998. Series of Near Eastern Studies, State 5. Al-Quds, Mohammed Abdul Hameed University of New York Press, USA. Al-Khateeb, Ta-Ha Publishers, London 1998. 6. Intrigues against Khilafat-i-Rashida and their Impact, Maulana Sheikh Mubarak Ahmad, Ascot Press, London. 7. Khulafa-e-Rashideen, Majeed A Mian,

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