Pakistan International School Jeddah English Section

Academic Year: 2021-2022

Islamiyat 0493
Notes and Guidelines

Student Name/ID

Class/ Section

Chapter 6 Abu Bakr (RA) as First Caliph

Election as Caliph
Topic Defeat of false prophets
Administration

Reference Note - 1

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 Generic Guidelines
 These notes are consisted of outlines NOT the complete answer.
 Outlines are based on the IGCSE requirements with the reference of past paper
question and guidelines with examiner report for the relevant topics.
 These notes will serve the students as a mind map, in order to form a well-
developed answer.
 Students are required to use the given key points to develop the response in their
own words.
 For some topics notes are given in complete paragraph form to give idea how to
develop the answer
 References are also included within the notes to help students memorize

‘Abu Bakr (RA)’s election as First Caliph and his Administration’

Following is the pattern to answer the questions related to the

‘Abu Bakr (RA)’s election as First Caliph and his Administration’

A good answer should have most of the information and a lot of detail, accurate
chronology, perhaps giving relevant quotes. Following is the outline for a well-developed
response

General Outline:

Background of Election
o Demand of Ansars
o Address of Ubayda bin Jarrah (RA)
o Appointment of Abu Bakr(RA)
o Abu Bakr's First Address as Khalifa

Administration of Abu Bakr (RA)

o Majlis-e-Shura (Advisory Council)
o Division of State into Provinces
o Important Appointments
o Responsibilities given Companions
o Pillar of Islam Secured by Abu Bakr (RA)
o Military Campaigns During the Reign of Abu Bakr
o Conclusion

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 Past Paper Questions and Marking Scheme
‘Abu Bakr (RA)’s election as First Caliph and his Administration’
Part ‘A’ (10 marks Question)

Students are required to recall, select and present relevant facts from the main elements of
the faith and history of Islam in part ‘A’.

Part a:

1. Write a detailed account about the election and administration of Abu Bakr [10]
Marking Scheme:

In answer to this question

As for election of Abu Bakr (RA) It could be said that the Prophet (pbuh) did not nominate a
successor. After his death the ansars gathered in Saqifah-i-Bani Sa’ad to discuss the
appointment of a caliph where they were joined by Abu Bakr and ‘Umar and other eminent
muhajireen, ‘Ali was not present at this meeting as he was busy with the preparations of the
final rites of the Prophet (pbuh). Whether the caliph was to be from the ansar, or the
Quraysh was discussed at the meeting. The ansars wanted a caliph from amongst them in
view of their sacrifices for Islam, but Abu Bakr argued that the Arabs would not agree on
any Amir other than a person from the Quraysh, at which point the ansars suggested the
option of electing two Amirs, one from the Quraysh and one from the ansars, to which
‘Umar objected saying it would cause confusion in the umma. ‘Ubayda bin Jarra addressed
the ansars at this point and said, ‘O Ansar! You were the first to uphold Islam do not be the
first to sow the seeds of dissension in it.’ The ansars immediately withdrew their claim. Abu
Bakr suggested the name of ‘Ubayda bin Jarrah and ‘Umar held the hand of Abu Bakr and
pledged his allegiance. On seeing this people from all sides rushed to pledge their loyalty to
Abu Bakr and a general pledge was taken the next day. Candidates could refer to the
speech Abu Bakr made upon his election.

As for the administration of Abu Bakr, candidates could say that he laid the foundation of a
truly democratic state. Following the Qur’an and sunna Abu Bakr conducted the affairs of
the state by discussing all matters with the Majlis-e-Shura. He divided the state into
provinces and appointed governors who were responsible for both administrative and
military affairs. Public money was strictly accounted for and all those in government were
selected on merit. It should be said that even though there was no police force, all crimes
and their perpetrators were dealt with in the light of the teachings from the Qur’an and
sunnah and if they were silent ijma was practiced. By his efficient administration he
preserved the integrity of Islam by suppressing rebellions and making sure that the Pillar of
zakat was enforced

Examiner report
In part (a) of this question candidates needed to write about the election and administration
of Hazrat Abu Bakr. Some candidates over-simplified the answer and said that Hazrat Umar
nominated him, and a few confused Hazrat Abu Bakr’s election with Hazrat Uthman’s.
However, there were some very good and detailed accounts of Hazrat Abu Bakr’s election.
When writing about the administration of the first caliph it was important to focus on how the
caliphate was divided into provinces under governors, the creation of the Majlis-e-Shura
and the Bait ul Maal etc. The events of Abu Bakr’s caliphate were not relevant here.
However, when candidates focussed on events such as making the tribes pay zakat or
defeating the false prophets, and linked the events to how he administered the caliphate
according to the teachings of Islam, marks were credited.

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 Answer must begin with the general introduction and details about each aspect as
mentioned in the outline.

‘Abu Bakr (RA)’s election as First Caliph and his Administration’

Background of Election

o The Prophet (pbuh) did not nominate a successor in his life.

o After his death the Ansars gathered in Saqifah-i-Bani Sa’ad to discuss the
appointment of a caliph where they were joined by Abu Bakr and ‘Umar and other
eminent muhajireen.
o ‘Ali (RA)was not present at this meeting as he was busy with the preparations of the
final rites of the Prophet (pbuh).
o whether the caliph was to be from the Ansar, or the Quraysh was discussed at the
meeting.

Demand of Ansars

o The Ansars wanted a caliph from amongst them in view of their sacrifices for Islam,
but Abu Bakr argued that the Arabs would not agree on any Amir other than a person
from the Quraysh, at which point the ansars suggested the option of electing two
Amirs, one from the Quraysh and one from the ansars, to which ‘Umar objected saying
it would cause confusion in the umma.

Address of Ubayda bin Jarrah (RA)

o ‘Ubayda bin Jarrah (RA) addressed the ansars at this point and said, ‘O Ansar! You
were the first to uphold Islam do not be the first to sow the seeds of dissension in it.’
The ansars immediately withdrew their claim.

Appointment of Abu Bakr(RA)

o Abu Bakr suggested the name of ‘Ubayda bin Jarrah and Umar ibn khattab (RA) but
‘Umar held the hand of Abu Bakr and pledged his allegiance.
o On seeing this people from all sides rushed to pledge their loyalty to Abu Bakr and a
general pledge was taken the next day.

Abu Bakr's First Address as Khalifa

o After being appointed as a caliph, Abu Bakr addressed to the people,
o “I have been given the authority over you, and I am not the best of you. If I do well,
help me; and if I do wrong, set me right. Sincere regard for truth is loyalty and
disregard for truth is treachery. The weak amongst you shall be strong with me until I
have secured his rights, if God wills; and the strong amongst you shall be weak with
me until I have wrested from him the rights of others, if God wills. Obey me so long as
I obey God and His Messenger. But if I disobey God and His Messenger, ye owe me
no obedience. Arise for your prayer, God have mercy upon you.”

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Administration of Abu Bakr (RA)
Abu Bakr (RA) laid the foundation of a truly democratic state.

Majlis-e-Shura (Advisory Council)

o Following the Qur’an and sunna Abu Bakr conducted the affairs of the state by
discussing all matters with the Majlis-e-Shura. (Always took advice from the great
companions of the Prophet in all important matters.)

Division of State into Provinces

o He divided the state into provinces, each had a governor.

Important Appointments
o The appointed governors were responsible for both administrative and military
affairs.
o Governor had an ‘amil’ to collect taxes and ‘Qazi’ to administer justice.
o All commanders and governors were selected on merit.

Responsibilities given Companions

o Umar acted as a Minister to the Caliph, and was in charge of judicial administration.
o Abu Ubaida Jarrah was in charge of the financial administration.

Crime Control in the Reign of Abu Bakr (RA)

o He offered himself and his officers for strict accountability.
o Even though there was no police force, all crimes and their perpetrators were dealt
with in the light of the teachings from the Qur’an and sunna and if they were silent
ijma was practiced.

Pillar of Islam Secured by Abu Bakr (RA)

o By his efficient administration he preserved the integrity of Islam by suppressing
rebellions and making sure that the Pillar of zakat was enforced.
o Abu Bakr (RA) was a true savior of Islam. He succeeded in suppressing the
apostasy movement by which he saved the young Muslim state. He preserved the
integrity of Islam and sanctity of the traditions of the Prophet (SAW). He subdued the
rebellions tribes and made them pay Zakat and fought the false prophets, thus he
was able to prevent the weakening of Islamic principles.

Military Campaigns During the Reign of Abu Bakr

o During the caliphate of Abu Bakr (RA) all the military campaigns undertaken by the
Muslims ended in their victory. The Muslims fought against forces superior to them in
strength and numbers, but victory always lay with the Muslims.

Conclusion
o The main causes of the victories of the Muslims during the caliphate of Abu Bakr
were the high morale of the Muslim soldiers, their religious enthusiasm, their
endurance, their mobility and the superb directions of Abu Bakr (RA)

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 ‘Abu Bakr (RA)’s Dealing with Four False Prophets’

Following is the pattern to answer the questions related to the

‘Abu Bakr (RA)’s dealing with four false prophets’

A good answer should have most of the information and a lot of detail, accurate
chronology, perhaps giving relevant quotes. Following is the outline for a well-developed
response

General Outline:

 Introduction
 detail of four false prophets
o Aswad Ansi
o Tulayha
o Sajjah
o Musaylima (The Liar)
 Conclusion

Part a:

2. Write a detail account of the four false prophets and how the Caliph Abu Bakr
defeated them? [10]

Marking Scheme:

The candidates need to write in detail about the four false prophets who threatened
Islam and how Caliph Abu Bakr defeated them during his caliphate. There is no need
for candidates to write about other aspects of Abu Bakr’s caliphate as it would not be
relevant to the question. Details of these battles will help candidates get higher levels.

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 Answer must begin with the general introduction and details about each aspect as
mentioned in the outline.
‘Abu Bakr (RA)’s dealing with four false prophets’
Introduction
In the last days of the Prophet’s life some misguided people arose to claim
prophethood. When Abu Bakr was elected as the Caliph they started their preaching
openly. Among these false prophets were Aswad Ansi, Tulaiha, Sajjah and
Musailamah.
ASWAD ANSI
Background
 He belonged to the Ansi tribe of Yemen and was an ugly man who used to cover his
face and this why he was also called the veiled prophet (the one who covers face).
 Badhan was the King of Yemen who embraced Islam at the call of Prophet (PBUH).
With Badha many came into the fold of Islam.
Claim of Prophethood
 After the death of Badhan when his son Shahr took the throne, Aswad Ansi who had
already laid the claim of being prophet gathered his army, attacked and killed Shahr.
 By this, Aswad captured Yemen and repudiated allegiance to Madinah.
 Prophet (PBUH) on knowing Aswad's false claim sent an army under Hazrat Maaz bin
Jabal (RZ).
 Personal Life
 After that Aswad forcefully married the widow of Shahr named Azad.
 In order to empower himself Aswad Ansi dismissed Qais, commander in chief of the
forces of Shah and Feroz, minister under Shahr.
Death
 Azad who bitterly hated Aswad killed him in conspiracy spearheaded by her, Feroz and
Qais. He was killed a day or two before the death of Holy Prophet (PBUH) but the news
reached Madinah during the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr(RZ).

TULAYHA
Background
 He laid a claim among Bani Asad of receiving revelations and prophet hood during
Prophet (PBUH)'s lifetime.
Claim of Prophethood
 When Prophet (PBUH) asked to take action against him a Muslim tried to kill him but
the attempt was miscarried. After this the followers of Tulayha proclaimed that no
sword could harm him.
Defeat of Tulyaha
 Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) sent Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ)wanted to crush his growing
power. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) negotiated with the neighboring tribes which
brought reinforcement for Muslims.
 The armies of Muslims and Tulayha met at Buzakha but this remained indecisive.
Thereafter, Tulyaha retired to a place of safety and pretended to await divine
revelations.
 Uyaynah, his commander in chief, after inquiring Tulayha about revelations many
times found his cause doomed to failure and asked his army to retreat. This gave an
advantage to Muslims and many men of Tulayha were killed.
 He escaped to Syria with his wife and later when Muslims conquered Syria he
embraced Islam.
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 SAJJAH
Background
 She belonged to Bani Tamim tribe. Among the false prophets who arose in Arabia, she
was the lady who claimed to be a prophetess.
Claim of Prophethood
 She was beautiful, professed in predicting future, was a poetess and mostly talked in
verses. She had an influential personality and was famous in her people. Due to her
fame and appealing personality when many accepted her claim, she decided to attack
Madin but learning about Tulayha's defeat by Hazrat Khalid, she was reluctant to attack
Madinah.
Revolt Against Muslims
 So, she collected an army of her followers and proceeded to Yamamah to fight against
Musaylima. Instead of attacking, Musaylima invited her and gave her a warm welcome.
He convinced her to join forces with him as their enemy was the same, the Muslims.
Personal Life
 Musaylima proposed Sajjah which she accepted and admitting each other as prophet
they got married. The followers of Sajjah went back to Iraq frustrated, considering the
loss without a battle.
Defeat of Sajjah
 It is said that she realized that she had degraded herself and lost the battle. She went
back to Iraq and later embraced Islam when Muslims conquered Iraq.

MUSAYLIMA (The Liar)

Background
 He belonged to Hanifa tribe in Yamama and was the most dangerous one.
 He visited Madinah during the Prophet (PBUH)'s lifetime and met him.
Claim of Prophethood
 On his return to Yamama he laid claim to be a prophet. He also composed some
verses and called them the revelations.
Effect of False Claim
 He lessened the number of prayers from five to three, relived his followers from Zakat
and allowed adultery and drinking.
 When Prophet (PBUH) asked him to abandon he demanded to divide Arabia in two
parts one for Muslims and other for him and his followers.
 Prophet (PBUH) called him the liar and deputed Nahr ur Rijal to go back to his people
and propagate Islam but Nahr falsely declared to his people that Prophet (PBUH)
admitted Musaylima to be his co-partner in Divine mission.
Defeat of Musaylama
 After the death of Holy Prophet (PBUH) people preferred him as a living prophet.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) then sent two armies under Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl and Shrubail
bin Hasnal with instructions to attack only when both forces joined. Both the
delegations lost in battle with because they did not follow the caliph's instructions.
Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) was then sent by the caliph with an army of 15,000.
 Musaylima with his 40,000 men intercepted the outnumbered Muslims which brought
defeat for Muslims on the first day of the battle.
 Hazrat Khalid (RZ) refused to admit defeat and prepared his reserved cavalry for the
next day battle.
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 While both forces were engaged in hand to hand fighting Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ)
attacked on Musaylima's camp. Musaylima retreated to a neighboring garden which
was surrounded by a wall, Muslims jumped over the wall and after that, a huge
slaughter took place and due to this the battle is also known as the Battle of the garden
of death'.
Death of Musaylama
 Eventually, Wahshi the Negru slave killed Musaylima.3000 Muslims were martyred
including a large number of Huffaz (memorizers) and10,000 of Musaylima's army men
were killed.

Conclusion
 Abu Bakr (RA) faced various challenges in his reign but one of the most significant
input as a caliph was to crushed the false prophet and secure the Muslim Umma by
being misled by the enemies of Islam.

Abu Bakr (RA) as First Caliph

Part ‘B’ (4 marks Question)

Students are required to demonstrate understanding of their significance in the teachings of Islam
and in the lives of Muslims in part ‘B’

Past Paper Questions and guidelines

1. Why did Abu Bakr think it of great importance to defeat the false prophets? [4]

Marking Scheme/ Key Points

An evaluative response giving the dangers of what could have happened if the false
prophets were not defeated by Abu Bakr should be cited.
Levels attained will depend on the evaluation given in the answers which could include
points like the teachings of Islam could have been corrupted; the purity of the religion
would have been lost and many who called themselves Muslims in reality would be
following a manmade faith.
The first pillar of Islam would have been challenged as the second part of the shahadah
which deals with the Rissalah and finality of the Prophet Muhammad would be
contradicted if one believed in the so called prophets after Muhammad.

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