Abu Bakr (r)Abu Bakr (r)Military ExpansionMilitary Expansion

A.S. Hashim, MDA.S. Hashim, MDFrom wikipedia.comFrom wikipedia.com

Sources of ReferenceSources of Reference

Tabaqat ibn Sa'd Tarikh ar-Rusul wa al-MulukEncyclopaedia of Islam, 1913-1936, Leidenal-Bidayah wa'an-NihayahLife of Muhammad Sahih al-Bukhari, Tabari.The Encyclopaedia of Islam."The Life of Muhammad - A translation of Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah" by A. Guillaume, Oxford University Press, Qutayba al Dinawari. Al Imamah Wa'l Siyasa.

In this Slide ShowIn this Slide Show

After the Ridda wars, Al-Muthanna leads a successful After the Ridda wars, Al-Muthanna leads a successful raid on a Persian town. He informs Abu Bakr. raid on a Persian town. He informs Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr sends Khalid as Commander-in-Chief to IraqAbu Bakr sends Khalid as Commander-in-Chief to IraqKhalid prevails over the Persians and liberates many Khalid prevails over the Persians and liberates many towns, all within only 11 monthstowns, all within only 11 monthsKhalid crosses the desert on his way to Byzantine SyriaKhalid crosses the desert on his way to Byzantine SyriaKhalid unifies the forces and is its Commander-in-ChiefKhalid unifies the forces and is its Commander-in-ChiefKhalid conquers Damascus, and Abu Bakr dies, Omar as Khalid conquers Damascus, and Abu Bakr dies, Omar as 22ndnd Khalifa KhalifaKhalid is removed from his post right away by OmarKhalid is removed from his post right away by OmarThe Vision of Abu BakrThe Vision of Abu Bakr

The ExpansionThe Expansion

Once the Ridda rebellions were put down, Abu Once the Ridda rebellions were put down, Abu Bakr began a war of conquest. Bakr began a war of conquest. Whether or not he intended a full-out imperial Whether or not he intended a full-out imperial conquest is hard to say; conquest is hard to say; he did, however, set in motion a historical he did, however, set in motion a historical trajectory that in just a few short decades would trajectory that in just a few short decades would lead to one of the largest empires in history. lead to one of the largest empires in history. Abu Bakr began with Iraq, the richest province of Abu Bakr began with Iraq, the richest province of the Persian Empire. the Persian Empire. He sent his most brilliant general Khalid ibn al-He sent his most brilliant general Khalid ibn al-Walid to invade the Persian Empire.Walid to invade the Persian Empire.

Muthanna ibn HarithMuthanna ibn Harith

After the Ridda Wars, a tribal chief of north eastern Arabia, After the Ridda Wars, a tribal chief of north eastern Arabia, Muthanna ibn Harith, raided the Persian towns in Iraq. Muthanna ibn Harith, raided the Persian towns in Iraq. With the success of the raids, a considerable amount of booty was With the success of the raids, a considerable amount of booty was collected. collected. Muthanna ibn Harith went to Medina to inform Khalifa Abu Bakr Muthanna ibn Harith went to Medina to inform Khalifa Abu Bakr about his success about his success

He was appointed commander of his people, after which he begun He was appointed commander of his people, after which he begun to raid deeper into Iraq. to raid deeper into Iraq. Using the mobility of his light cavalry he could easily raid any town Using the mobility of his light cavalry he could easily raid any town near the desert and disappear in itnear the desert and disappear in itThe Persian army was unable to chase them into the desert.The Persian army was unable to chase them into the desert.

Muthanna’s acts made Abu Bakr think about the expansion outside Muthanna’s acts made Abu Bakr think about the expansion outside of Arabia.of Arabia.

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Abu Bakr for ExpansionAbu Bakr for Expansion

1. To rule under Islam

2. Offer Islam

3. To unify the Arabians

4. Economic gains

5. Islamic power

The Persians and the ArabsThe Persians and the Arabs

Abu Bakr started with the invasion of Iraq. Abu Bakr started with the invasion of Iraq. The problems faced by Abu Bakr were that The problems faced by Abu Bakr were that

the Arabs feared the Persians with a deep, unreasoning fear the Arabs feared the Persians with a deep, unreasoning fear which ran in the tribal consciousness as a racial complex which ran in the tribal consciousness as a racial complex and was the result of centuries of Persian power and glory. and was the result of centuries of Persian power and glory.

In return the Persians looked down upon the Arabs and In return the Persians looked down upon the Arabs and regarded them with contempt.regarded them with contempt.It was important therefore It was important therefore

not to suffer a defeat, not to suffer a defeat, for that would confirm and strengthen this instinctive fear. for that would confirm and strengthen this instinctive fear.

Abu Bakr chooses KhalidAbu Bakr chooses Khalid

To make certain of victory, Abu Bakr decided on two measures; To make certain of victory, Abu Bakr decided on two measures; 1.1. that the invading army would consist entirely of volunteers; that the invading army would consist entirely of volunteers; 2.2. and he put his best general, Khalid ibn al-Walid, as and he put his best general, Khalid ibn al-Walid, as

commander-in-chief, commander-in-chief, Having defeated Musailema in the Battle of Yamama, Khalid was Having defeated Musailema in the Battle of Yamama, Khalid was still there when Abu Bakr sent him orders to invade the Persian still there when Abu Bakr sent him orders to invade the Persian territory. territory. Making Al-Heerah the objective of Khalid, Abu Bakr sent Making Al-Heerah the objective of Khalid, Abu Bakr sent reinforcements and ordered the tribal chiefs of north eastern reinforcements and ordered the tribal chiefs of north eastern Arabia,Arabia,

Muthanna ibn Harith, Mazhur bin Adi, Harmala and Sulma Muthanna ibn Harith, Mazhur bin Adi, Harmala and Sulma to operate under the command of Khalid along with their men. to operate under the command of Khalid along with their men.

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Chain of VictoriesChain of Victories

In March 633 (the first week of Muharram 12th Hijrah) Khalid set out In March 633 (the first week of Muharram 12th Hijrah) Khalid set out from Yamama with an army of 10,000.from Yamama with an army of 10,000.The tribal chiefs, mustered 2,000 warriors each, joined Khalid; The tribal chiefs, mustered 2,000 warriors each, joined Khalid; Thus Khalid entered the Persian Empire with 18,000 troops. Thus Khalid entered the Persian Empire with 18,000 troops. After entering Iraq with his army of 18,000, Khalid won decisive victories After entering Iraq with his army of 18,000, Khalid won decisive victories in four consecutive battles:in four consecutive battles: 1.1. Battle of Chains, Battle of Chains, 2.2. Battle of RiverBattle of River3.3. Battle of Walaja and Battle of Walaja and 4.4. Battle of Ullais. Battle of Ullais. By now the Persian court (already disturbed by the internal problems), By now the Persian court (already disturbed by the internal problems), was down and out. Soon after, Heera capital city of Iraq fell to the was down and out. Soon after, Heera capital city of Iraq fell to the Muslims after resistance in the Siege of Heera. Muslims after resistance in the Siege of Heera.

Chain of VictoriesChain of Victories

After resting his armies, Khalid laid siege to Al-Anbar, After resting his armies, Khalid laid siege to Al-Anbar, which resisted but eventually surrendered after a siege of a few weeks which resisted but eventually surrendered after a siege of a few weeks After the siege of Al-Anbar, Khalid moved towards the south, After the siege of Al-Anbar, Khalid moved towards the south, and conquered the city of Ein al-Tamr. and conquered the city of Ein al-Tamr.

By now, almost the whole of Euphrates region of Iraq was under By now, almost the whole of Euphrates region of Iraq was under Islamic control. Islamic control. Khalid got a call of help from northern Arabia at Daumatul Jandal, Khalid got a call of help from northern Arabia at Daumatul Jandal,

الجندل الجندل دومة where another Muslim Arab general, Ibn Ghanam, was where another Muslim Arab general, Ibn Ghanam, was دومةtrapped among the rebel tribes. trapped among the rebel tribes. Khalid went to Daumatul Jandal and defeated the rebels in the Battle Khalid went to Daumatul Jandal and defeated the rebels in the Battle of Daumatul Jandal in the last week of August, 633 A.D. of Daumatul Jandal in the last week of August, 633 A.D.

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Route of Khalid ibn Walid's conquest of Iraq

Map detailing the route of Khalid ibn Walid's conquest of Iraq.

Khalid’s Route of conquestKhalid’s Route of conquest

Chain of VictoriesChain of Victories

Returning from Haj, Arabia, Khalid got news of the Returning from Haj, Arabia, Khalid got news of the assembling of a large Persian army. assembling of a large Persian army. He decided to defeat them all separately to avoid the risk He decided to defeat them all separately to avoid the risk of defeat to a large unified Persian army. of defeat to a large unified Persian army. Four divisions of Persian and Christian Arab auxiliaries Four divisions of Persian and Christian Arab auxiliaries were present at Hanafiz, Zumiel, Sanni and Muzieh. were present at Hanafiz, Zumiel, Sanni and Muzieh. Khalid devised a brilliant plan to destroy the Persian Khalid devised a brilliant plan to destroy the Persian forces. forces. He divided his army in three units, He divided his army in three units,

and attacked the Persian forces in brilliantly coordinated attacks and attacked the Persian forces in brilliantly coordinated attacks from three different sides at night, from three different sides at night, starting from the Battle of Muzieh, then the Battle of Sanni, and starting from the Battle of Muzieh, then the Battle of Sanni, and finally the Battle of Zumail during November 633 A.D. finally the Battle of Zumail during November 633 A.D.

Further InroadsFurther Inroads

These devastating defeats ended Persian control over Iraq, These devastating defeats ended Persian control over Iraq, and left the Persian capital Ctesiphon vulnerable for Muslims’ and left the Persian capital Ctesiphon vulnerable for Muslims’ attack, attack, To eliminate all Persian forces from south and west, Khalid: To eliminate all Persian forces from south and west, Khalid:

Marched against the border city of Firaz, Marched against the border city of Firaz, where he defeated the combined forces of the Persians, where he defeated the combined forces of the Persians, Byzantine and Christian Arabs in the Battle of Firaz in 633 AD Byzantine and Christian Arabs in the Battle of Firaz in 633 AD

While Khalid was on his way to attack Qadisiya, (a key fort in While Khalid was on his way to attack Qadisiya, (a key fort in the way to Persian capital city Ctesiphon), the way to Persian capital city Ctesiphon),

he received a letter from Abu Bakr sending him to the he received a letter from Abu Bakr sending him to the Byzantine front in Syria to help the Muslim forces thereByzantine front in Syria to help the Muslim forces thereHe was to assume the command of Muslim armies facing He was to assume the command of Muslim armies facing Byzantine Syria.Byzantine Syria.

Invasion of Eastern Byzantine EmpireInvasion of Eastern Byzantine Empire

With a successful invasion of Persian province of Iraq, With a successful invasion of Persian province of Iraq, Abu Bakr’s confidence grew Abu Bakr’s confidence grew and he concentrated large army at Dhu Qissah and sent them to and he concentrated large army at Dhu Qissah and sent them to Byzantine Syria, Byzantine Syria,

The army was divided in four corps. Each, under its own The army was divided in four corps. Each, under its own commander and target. commander and target. While these armies were on their march they received intelligence While these armies were on their march they received intelligence of concentration of large Byzantine armies at Ajnadayn of concentration of large Byzantine armies at Ajnadayn أجنادينأجنادين . . The armies stopped their advance and wrote to Abu Bakr for help.The armies stopped their advance and wrote to Abu Bakr for help.

Position in Iraq was stable by now, Abu Bakr accordingly wrote to Position in Iraq was stable by now, Abu Bakr accordingly wrote to Khalid to take half of his forces of Iraq to Syria Khalid to take half of his forces of Iraq to Syria And to assume the command of Muslim armies in there. And to assume the command of Muslim armies in there.

1616Map detailing the invasion of Byzantine Syria.

The 4 Corps from ArabiaThe 4 Corps from Arabia

Khalid and the Routes to SyriaKhalid and the Routes to Syria

The Byzantine province of Syria in those days consisted The Byzantine province of Syria in those days consisted of modern day Syria, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian territories, of modern day Syria, Jordan, Israel, the Palestinian territories, Lebanon and southern Turkey. Lebanon and southern Turkey.

There were two routes towards Syria from Iraq, one was via There were two routes towards Syria from Iraq, one was via Daumatul Jandal and the other was through Al-Raqqah. Daumatul Jandal and the other was through Al-Raqqah. Muslim armies in Syria were in need of urgent reinforcement, Muslim armies in Syria were in need of urgent reinforcement, Khalid avoided the conventional routes to Syria via Daumatul Khalid avoided the conventional routes to Syria via Daumatul Jandal and he avoided Al-Raqqah route tooJandal and he avoided Al-Raqqah route too

because of presence of Roman garrisons in Northern Syria and because of presence of Roman garrisons in Northern Syria and Mesopotamia and it was wise to not engage with them at the timeMesopotamia and it was wise to not engage with them at the time

Khalid selected a rather short route to Syria, an unconventional Khalid selected a rather short route to Syria, an unconventional route passing directly through Syrian Desert. route passing directly through Syrian Desert.

Marching through the DesertMarching through the Desert

Boldly Khalid marched his warriors through the desert Boldly Khalid marched his warriors through the desert It is recorded that his soldiers marched for two days It is recorded that his soldiers marched for two days without a single drop of water, before reaching an oasis. without a single drop of water, before reaching an oasis. In this manner Khalid entered Northern Syria surprizing In this manner Khalid entered Northern Syria surprizing the Byzantines at their right flank the Byzantines at their right flank 1.1. and according to modern historians, it was this ingenious and according to modern historians, it was this ingenious

strategic maneuver of Khalid, strategic maneuver of Khalid, 2.2. And his perilous march through the desert And his perilous march through the desert 3.3. and appearing at the north-eastern front of Byzantines while they and appearing at the north-eastern front of Byzantines while they

were occupied in tackling Muslim armies in southern Syria, were occupied in tackling Muslim armies in southern Syria, 4.4. that unhinged the Byzantine defenses in Syria. that unhinged the Byzantine defenses in Syria.

Khalid in SyriaKhalid in SyriaKhalid entered Syria in June 634 and quickly captured many border Khalid entered Syria in June 634 and quickly captured many border forts:forts:

Sawa, Arak, Tadmur, Sukhnah. Qaryatayn and Hawarin. Sawa, Arak, Tadmur, Sukhnah. Qaryatayn and Hawarin. After dealing with all these cities, Khalid moved towards Damascus, After dealing with all these cities, Khalid moved towards Damascus, passing through a mountain pass known as Uqab Pass after the name passing through a mountain pass known as Uqab Pass after the name of Khalid's army standard. of Khalid's army standard.

From here he moved away from Damascus, towards Busra From here he moved away from Damascus, towards Busra بصرىبصرى, the , the capital of Ghassani Arab kingdom, a vassal of Eastern Roman empire. capital of Ghassani Arab kingdom, a vassal of Eastern Roman empire. He had ordered the other Muslim commanders (near the Syrian-He had ordered the other Muslim commanders (near the Syrian-Arabian border) to concentrate on Busra. Arabian border) to concentrate on Busra. At Maraj-al-Rahab, Khalid defeated a Ghassani army of Christian At Maraj-al-Rahab, Khalid defeated a Ghassani army of Christian Arabs in the quick Battle of Marj-al-Rahab. Arabs in the quick Battle of Marj-al-Rahab.

2020Map detailing the route of Khalid ibn Walid's invasion of Syria.

Route of Khalid from Iraq to SyriaRoute of Khalid from Iraq to Syria

Khalid’s Invasion of SyriaKhalid’s Invasion of Syria

Abu Ubaida, Shurhabil and KhalidAbu Ubaida, Shurhabil and KhalidMeanwhile Abu Ubaida ibn al-Jarrah, the supreme commander of Meanwhile Abu Ubaida ibn al-Jarrah, the supreme commander of Muslim armies in Syria had ordered Shurhabil to attack Busra.Muslim armies in Syria had ordered Shurhabil to attack Busra.Shurhabil Shurhabil شرحبيلشرحبيل laid siege to Busra with his small army of 4000 men. laid siege to Busra with his small army of 4000 men. Roman and Ghassani Arab garrison, noticing that this might be the Roman and Ghassani Arab garrison, noticing that this might be the advance guard of the larger Muslim army to come, decided to attack advance guard of the larger Muslim army to come, decided to attack and destroy Shurhabil’s army. and destroy Shurhabil’s army. They came out of the fortified city and attacked Shurhabil, surrounding They came out of the fortified city and attacked Shurhabil, surrounding him from all sides; him from all sides; Khalid reached the arena with his advance guard cavalry just in time, Khalid reached the arena with his advance guard cavalry just in time, and they saved the day for Shurhabil. and they saved the day for Shurhabil. The combined forces of Khalid, Shurhabil and Abu Ubaida then laid The combined forces of Khalid, Shurhabil and Abu Ubaida then laid siege of Busra, which surrendered some time in mid July 634. thus siege of Busra, which surrendered some time in mid July 634. thus effectively ending the Ghassani Dynasty.effectively ending the Ghassani Dynasty.

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Khalid at BusraKhalid at Busra

Geographical Map detailing the route of Khalid ibn Walid's invasion of Syria.

Khalid’s at BusraKhalid’s at Busra

Khalid the Commander-in-chiefKhalid the Commander-in-chiefHere Khalid took over the command of Muslim armies in Syria from Abu Here Khalid took over the command of Muslim armies in Syria from Abu Ubaidah, as per the instructions of Abu Bakr.Ubaidah, as per the instructions of Abu Bakr.The massive Byzantine armies were concentrating at Ajnadayn to push The massive Byzantine armies were concentrating at Ajnadayn to push the invading armies back to the desert. the invading armies back to the desert.

Early Muslim sources have mentioned its size to be 90,000, while Early Muslim sources have mentioned its size to be 90,000, while most of the modern historians doubt the figures, most of the modern historians doubt the figures, but they consider this battle to be the key to breaking the Byzantine but they consider this battle to be the key to breaking the Byzantine power in Syria. power in Syria. According to the instructions of Khalid all Muslim corps were According to the instructions of Khalid all Muslim corps were concentrated at Ajnadayn concentrated at Ajnadayn اجناديناجنادين, where they fought a decisive battle , where they fought a decisive battle against Byzantine on 30 July 634. against Byzantine on 30 July 634.

Defeat at Defeat at the Battle of Ajnadayn, left the Battle of Ajnadayn, left Syria vulnerable to the Muslim Syria vulnerable to the Muslim invaders. Khalid decided to capture Damascus, the Byzantine invaders. Khalid decided to capture Damascus, the Byzantine stronghold. stronghold.

Towards DamascusTowards DamascusAt Damascus Thomas, son-in-law of Emperor Heracleus, was in charge. At Damascus Thomas, son-in-law of Emperor Heracleus, was in charge. Receiving the intelligence of Khalid's march towards Damascus he busily Receiving the intelligence of Khalid's march towards Damascus he busily prepared for the defenses of Damascus. prepared for the defenses of Damascus. He wrote to Emperor Heracleus for reinforcement, (Heracleus was at He wrote to Emperor Heracleus for reinforcement, (Heracleus was at Emesa at that time). Emesa at that time). Moreover Thomas, in order to get more time for preparation of a siege, Moreover Thomas, in order to get more time for preparation of a siege, sent the armies to delay or if possible halt Khalid's march to Damascus, sent the armies to delay or if possible halt Khalid's march to Damascus,

one such army was defeated at Battle of Yaqusa in mid-August 634 near one such army was defeated at Battle of Yaqusa in mid-August 634 near Lake Tiberias 90 miles from Damascus, Lake Tiberias 90 miles from Damascus, another army to halt the Muslim advance to Damascus was defeated in another army to halt the Muslim advance to Damascus was defeated in Battle of Maraj al-Saffer on 19 August 634. Battle of Maraj al-Saffer on 19 August 634. These engagements did delay Khalid’s advance and they gave Thomas These engagements did delay Khalid’s advance and they gave Thomas enough time to prepare for the siege. enough time to prepare for the siege.

Khalid and DamascusKhalid and Damascus

Meanwhile Heracleus' reinforcement Meanwhile Heracleus' reinforcement (which he had dispatched after the bad (which he had dispatched after the bad news of Ajnadyn),news of Ajnadyn), had reached Damascus. had reached Damascus. Before Heracleus' another regiment had reached Damascus too. Before Heracleus' another regiment had reached Damascus too. Now, Khalid himself had finally reached Damascus. He Now, Khalid himself had finally reached Damascus. He reached reached Damascus on 20 August and besieged the city. Damascus on 20 August and besieged the city. To isolate the city from rest of the region, Khalid To isolate the city from rest of the region, Khalid 1.1. placed the detachments south on the road to Palestine placed the detachments south on the road to Palestine 2.2. and in north at Damascus-Emesa route, and in north at Damascus-Emesa route, 3.3. and several other smaller detachments on routes towards Damascus.and several other smaller detachments on routes towards Damascus.4.4. Heracleus' reinforcement was intercepted and routed at the Battle of Heracleus' reinforcement was intercepted and routed at the Battle of

Sanita-al-Uqab, 20 miles from Damascus. Sanita-al-Uqab, 20 miles from Damascus. 5.5. Khalid's forces withstood three Roman sallies that tried to break the Khalid's forces withstood three Roman sallies that tried to break the

siege. siege.

Damascus ConqueredDamascus Conquered

Khalid finally attacked and conquered Damascus on 18 Khalid finally attacked and conquered Damascus on 18 September 634 after a 30-day siege. September 634 after a 30-day siege. According to some sources the siege lasted for four or six According to some sources the siege lasted for four or six months. months. HeracleusHeracleus, having received the news of the fall of Damascus, left , having received the news of the fall of Damascus, left for Antioch from Emesa. for Antioch from Emesa. The citizens were given peace on the terms of annual tribute;The citizens were given peace on the terms of annual tribute;the Byzantine army was given a three-day peace to go as far as the Byzantine army was given a three-day peace to go as far as they could. they could.

After the three-day deadline was over, the Muslim cavalry under After the three-day deadline was over, the Muslim cavalry under Khalid's command attacked the Roman army, Khalid's command attacked the Roman army, catching up to them using an unknown shortcut, at the Battle of catching up to them using an unknown shortcut, at the Battle of Maraj-al-Debaj, 190 miles north of Damascus. Maraj-al-Debaj, 190 miles north of Damascus.

Khalid Ibn al-WalidKhalid Ibn al-Walid

To Expand

1. To invade Iraq

2. To cross the desert

3. To defeat the Byzantines4. Conquer Damascus

5. Dismissed by Omar

With Abu Bakr’s DeathWith Abu Bakr’s Death

Abu Bakr died during the siege of Damascus and Abu Bakr died during the siege of Damascus and Omar was appointed as the new Khalifa. Omar was appointed as the new Khalifa. Omar dismissed Khalid ibn al-Walid from the Omar dismissed Khalid ibn al-Walid from the command right awaycommand right awayOmar appointed Abu Ubaida as the new Omar appointed Abu Ubaida as the new commander-in-chief of Islamic forces in Syria. commander-in-chief of Islamic forces in Syria. Abu Ubaida got the letter of his appointment and Abu Ubaida got the letter of his appointment and Khalid's disposal during the siege, Khalid's disposal during the siege,

but Khalid delayed the announcement until the city was but Khalid delayed the announcement until the city was conquered.conquered.This was to prevent disarray among the MuslimsThis was to prevent disarray among the Muslims

Death of Abu BakrDeath of Abu Bakr

On 8 August 634, Abu Bakr fell sick, and never On 8 August 634, Abu Bakr fell sick, and never recovered.recovered.There are two accounts about the sickness of Abu Bakr. There are two accounts about the sickness of Abu Bakr.

One account is that the 8One account is that the 8thth of August 634 was a cold day and of August 634 was a cold day and when Abu Bakr took a bath, he caught a chill then got sick. when Abu Bakr took a bath, he caught a chill then got sick. Another account is that he had been poisoned. This is highly Another account is that he had been poisoned. This is highly unlikely.unlikely.

Abu Bakr developed Abu Bakr developed high fever, high fever, and was confined to bed. and was confined to bed. His illness was prolonged and his health deteriorated, His illness was prolonged and his health deteriorated, when when his condition worsened, he felt that his end was near.his condition worsened, he felt that his end was near.

Near Death and the ChoiceNear Death and the Choice

Realizing that his end was drawing near, Abu Bakr Realizing that his end was drawing near, Abu Bakr wanted to nominate his successor wanted to nominate his successor It is claimed that was to cause no dissention after his It is claimed that was to cause no dissention after his death, death,

Fully being aware that there was already high controversy over Ali Fully being aware that there was already high controversy over Ali not having been appointed. not having been appointed. He appointed Omar as his successor after discussing with some He appointed Omar as his successor after discussing with some companions. companions. Some companions favored the nomination but others disliked it, Some companions favored the nomination but others disliked it, The reason being the tough nature of Omar.The reason being the tough nature of Omar.

Abu Bakr thus dictated the testament to Uthman Ibn Abu Bakr thus dictated the testament to Uthman Ibn Affan in the following terms:Affan in the following terms:

Abu Bakr’s Last WillAbu Bakr’s Last WillIn the name of Most Merciful God. In the name of Most Merciful God.

This is the last will and testament of Abu Bakr bin Abu Qahafa, This is the last will and testament of Abu Bakr bin Abu Qahafa, when he is in the last hour of the world, and the first of the next; when he is in the last hour of the world, and the first of the next;

an hour in which the infidel must believe, the wicked be convinced of their an hour in which the infidel must believe, the wicked be convinced of their evil ways, evil ways,

I nominate Omar Ibn al-Khattab as my successor. I nominate Omar Ibn al-Khattab as my successor. Therefore, listen to him and obey him. If he acts right, confirm his actions. Therefore, listen to him and obey him. If he acts right, confirm his actions.

My intentions are good, but I cannot see the future results. However, My intentions are good, but I cannot see the future results. However, those who do ill shall render themselves liable to severe account in the those who do ill shall render themselves liable to severe account in the

hereafter. hereafter. Fare you well. May you be ever attended by the Divine favor of blessings. Fare you well. May you be ever attended by the Divine favor of blessings.

The funeral prayer was led by Omar. He was buried the same night by The funeral prayer was led by Omar. He was buried the same night by the side of Muhammad's grave in Aisha's house near Al-Masjid al-the side of Muhammad's grave in Aisha's house near Al-Masjid al-NabawiNabawi

Abu Bakr’s VisionAbu Bakr’s Vision

Abu Bakr had an acute sense of evaluating people’s capacityAbu Bakr had an acute sense of evaluating people’s capacityHe saw in Khalid the genius of military acumenHe saw in Khalid the genius of military acumenHe saw the great potential if Muslims prevailed over the Persian and He saw the great potential if Muslims prevailed over the Persian and Byzantine Empires.Byzantine Empires.He saw to it that the Arabians unite toward a glorious goal for IslamHe saw to it that the Arabians unite toward a glorious goal for IslamNone could envision the magnificent aftermath of two civilizations, None could envision the magnificent aftermath of two civilizations, (the Persians and Byzantine), under Islam(the Persians and Byzantine), under IslamAbu Bakr was the trigger that sparked the expansion for IslamAbu Bakr was the trigger that sparked the expansion for IslamHis administration was too short, facing grave danger at the Ridda His administration was too short, facing grave danger at the Ridda wars, followed by sending the Arabian Muslims to take on the wars, followed by sending the Arabian Muslims to take on the Empires up north.Empires up north.Ali had a son nicknamed Abu Bakr, killed in Karbala with Al-HusainAli had a son nicknamed Abu Bakr, killed in Karbala with Al-HusainAl-Hasan had a son by the name of Abu Bakr, also killed in Karbala Al-Hasan had a son by the name of Abu Bakr, also killed in Karbala with Al-Husainwith Al-Husain

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Abu Bakr: Territory under IslamAbu Bakr: Territory under Islam

Territory of Islam when Abu Bakr died, 634.

Islamic territory when Abu Bakr Islamic territory when Abu Bakr dieddied

In ConclusionIn Conclusion

Abu Bakr and the Military Expansion Abu Bakr sends Muslim force under Khalid to Iraq Khalid conquers many towns in the Persian Empire Khalid crosses the desert to Syria Khalid is just in time to conquer Busra Khalid becomes the Commander-in-Chief in Syria Khalid conquers Damascus Abu Bakr dies, Omar is the Khalifa Omar dismisses Khalid and gives the leadership to Abu Ubaida

Finally we quote the Quran:Finally we quote the Quran:

By the Token of Time By the Token of Time Verily Man is in loss,Verily Man is in loss,Except those who Except those who

believe and do good believe and do good works, and exhort one works, and exhort one another to Truth and another to Truth and exhort one another to exhort one another to patience.patience.

حمن الر الله حمن بسم الر الله بسم حيم الر حيم الروالعصروالعصر

ا إن ا لفي الالإن لفي نسان نسانخسر خسر إ وعملوا الالإ آمنوا ذين وعملوا ال آمنوا ذين ال

وتواصوا وتواصوا الصالحات الصالحاتبالصبر وتواصوا بالصبر بالحق وتواصوا بالحق

THANK YOUTHANK YOU

Be in Allah’s CareBe in Allah’s Care

Dr. A.S. HashimDr. A.S. Hashim