Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique was elected as the first caliph of the Islamic community after the death of Prophet Muhammad on 8 June 632 CE.
The first challenge Abu Bakr faced as a caliph was the Ridda Wars (632-633 CE), also known as the Wars of Apostasy, which broke out after the death of Prophet Muhammad. Various Arab tribes, who had recently embraced Islam, renounced their faith and refused to pay zakat (Islamic tax).
Abu Bakr, with the help of the companions of Prophet Muhammad, launched military campaigns to suppress the rebellions and reunite the Islamic community. He appointed Khalid bin Walid, one of the most brilliant generals of all time, to lead the army.
Abu Bakr’s forces were successful in quashing the rebellions, and by 633 CE, most of the tribes that had renounced Islam had returned to it.
In 633 CE, the Islamic army under Khalid bin Walid launched an invasion of Iraq, which was then under the Sassanid Empire. This was the first major military campaign launched by the Muslims outside Arabia.
The Battle of Chains (633 CE) was fought between the Muslims and the Sassanid Empire near the Euphrates River. The Muslim army was led by Khalid bin Walid, and they were victorious in the battle.
The Battle of River (634 CE) was fought between the Muslims and the Sassanid Empire near the River Diala. The Muslim army was again led by Khalid bin Walid, and they were victorious in the battle.
Meanwhile, in Arabia, a false prophet named Musailima emerged and claimed to be a prophet of God. Abu Bakr sent an army under the command of Ikrimah ibn Abi Jahl to suppress the rebellion. Musailima was killed in the Battle of Yamama (632 CE).
Abu Bakr also had to deal with the false prophet Tulayha, who had gathered a large number of followers in central Arabia. Abu Bakr sent an army under the command of Khalid bin Walid to suppress the rebellion. Tulayha was eventually defeated and submitted to Abu Bakr’s authority.
Abu Bakr implemented a number of administrative reforms during his Khilafat, including the creation of a central treasury to manage the collection and distribution of zakat.
Abu Bakr also sent expeditions to conquer the Roman Empire and the Persian Empire. However, he did not live long enough to see the completion of these campaigns.
Abu Bakr fell ill and died on 22 August 634 CE, after a short Khilafat of just over two years.
After Abu Bakr’s death, Umar ibn al-Khattab was elected as the second caliph of the Islamic community.
Abu Bakr’s Khilafat saw the establishment of the Islamic state and the consolidation of the Islamic community after the death of Prophet Muhammad.
His leadership during the Ridda Wars helped to suppress the rebellions and reunite the Islamic community.
Abu Bakr’s decision to appoint Khalid bin Walid as the commander of the Muslim army was a crucial factor in the success of the Islamic military campaigns.
His administrative reforms helped to create a centralized government and a stable economic system.
Abu Bakr’s emphasis on the collection of zakat helped to fund the Islamic empire and provide for the needs of the poor and needy.
