Module 3F – Lesson 10: The Period of the First Caliph

23 Q&A flashcards covering Abu Bakr’s biography, key events of his caliphate, Qur’anic principles, Riddah wars, major figures, death-bed regrets, and related fiqh notes.

What profession did Abu Bakr practise before becoming caliph?

He was a cloth trader (merchant in textiles).

What was Abu Bakr’s original birth-name and what was it changed to after he accepted Islam?

He was born Abd al-Kaʿbah and his name was changed to Abdullah when he embraced Islam at age 38.

At what age did Abu Bakr assume the caliphate, and how long did he rule?

He became caliph at 60 and ruled for two years and three months.

Which Qur’anic verse warns believers not to put themselves ahead of Allah and His Messenger?

Surat al-Hujurat 49:1 – “O you who believe! Do not put yourselves ahead of Allah and His Messenger, and be wary of Allah.”

According to the notes, how did Abu Bakr’s acceptance of power conflict with Qur’an 49:1?

By accepting leadership despite the Prophet’s proclamation at Ghadir, he placed his own desire for power before the command of Allah and the Messenger, contravening the verse.

Which Qur’anic duʿā (3:8) is recommended for remaining steadfast in faith?

“Our Lord! Do not let our hearts swerve after You have guided us, and bestow upon us Your mercy; indeed You are the All-Munificent.”

Who are called the Khulafāʾ ar-Rāshidūn in Sunni tradition, and when did the term emerge?

Abu Bakr, ʿUmar, ʿUthmān, and Imam ʿAlī (a); the title arose during the Abbasid era.

In Abu Bakr’s first public address, what did he tell Muslims to do if they saw him deviate from the right path?

He asked them to correct him and “set me aright” if he turned away from the truth.

Who led the largest division in Abu Bakr’s military campaigns and what controversial acts did he commit?

Khalid ibn Walid; he killed a tribal chief and forced the chief’s widow to marry him the same night, violating the required ʿiddah period.

Why did ʿUmar and others ask Abu Bakr to dismiss and prosecute Khalid ibn Walid, and why was this refused?

They charged him with murder and adultery; Abu Bakr, favouring the Quraysh and needing their support, only rebuked Khalid and titled him “Sword of Allah.”

What were the Riddah wars?

Military campaigns launched by Abu Bakr against Arabian tribes that refused to pay zakāh after his election, regarded as the first Muslim civil wars.

During the Riddah wars, how did commanders test the ‘faith’ of local tribes?

They gave the adhān; if the people responded they were asked to repent and submit, otherwise they were attacked and their women and children taken captive.

What does the Arabic term “Riddah” literally mean?

It means “apostasy” – abandoning one’s religion.

Does refusing to pay zakāh automatically make a Muslim an apostate according to the notes?

No; it is a sin but not apostasy, and the Qur’an gives no order to execute such people.

Who led the rebellion in Ḥaḍramawt, how did Abu Bakr treat him, and what were later consequences?

Ashʿath ibn Qays; Abu Bakr pardoned him and married him to his sister Umm Farwah. Their daughter Juʿdah later poisoned Imam Ḥasan (a), and two sons fought against Imam Ḥusayn (a) at Karbalāʾ.

How did Abu Bakr punish Fujāh Salmī and what later regret did he express about it?

He had Fujāh burned alive; on his death-bed he regretted not releasing or executing him by sword instead of burning him.

Name the three decisions Abu Bakr regretted at the end of his life.

1) Ordering the attack on Sayyidah Fāṭimah’s (a) house; 2) Burning Fujāh Salmī alive; 3) Sparing Ashʿath ibn Qays and marrying him to his sister.

Whom did Abu Bakr appoint as his successor, and in which year (AH) did he die?

He appointed ʿUmar ibn al-Khaṭṭāb; he died in 13 AH at age 63.

What fiqh ruling distinguishes giving zakāh from giving ṣadaqah?

It is recommended that zakāh be given openly while ṣadaqah should be given secretly (Ruling 1987).

What is the required ʿiddah period for a Muslim widow before remarriage?

Four months and ten days; if pregnant, until childbirth or completion of that period, whichever is later (Ruling 2535).

Is there any Qur’anic or Prophetic command to kill Muslims who refuse to pay zakāh?

No; neither the Qur’an nor any authentic ḥadīth prescribes death for mere refusal to pay zakāh.

What underlying message is conveyed when wrong-doers like Khalid ibn Walid are rewarded instead of punished?

It normalises injustice, discourages accountability, and signals that status can place individuals above the law.