After reciting Tashahhud, Ta‘awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad (aba) said he would continue the mention of how Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) dealt with those who opposed Zakat.
Reaction of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) to Those Who Refused to Give Zakat
His Holiness (aba) said that various tribes who opposed Zakat had gathered, and then sent envoys to Madinah. They were taken to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) on the condition that they would continue offering prayer, but they said they would not offer Zakat. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said that he would not tolerate the withholding of even a rope which was due in Zakat. When these envoys saw Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (ra) conviction, they left Madinah realising that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) would not change his stance on Zakat. They also considered attacking Madinah because they thought that they could cause the fall of Islam. Thus, when they returned to their tribes, they said that there were fewer people in Madinah and thus they should attack. However, when these envoys had left Madinah, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) ordered for there to be guards stationed at every part of Madinah and also advised Muslims to be prepared to defend themselves.
Failed Attempt to Attack Madinah
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was correct in his anticipation and only three nights after the envoys had left, they attacked Madinah. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) prepared the Muslim army and set out and before dawn, the Muslims and opposers of Zakat came face to face. By the time the sun had come up, the opposers of Zakat had been defeated and fled. This was the first battle during the time of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). His Holiness (aba) said that this battle has been likened to the first battle in Islam, the Battle of Badr.
His Holiness (aba) said that upon seeing the defeat of those tribes which were considered to be strong, the weaker tribes who opposed Zakat began returning to Madinah and offered their due Zakat. It was also during this time that Hazrat Usama’s (ra) army victoriously returned to Madinah.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) Upholds Islamic Teachings In Relation to the Opposers of Zakat
His Holiness (aba) said that the defeated tribes had realised the strength of Islam. These tribes had also accepted false claimants to prophethood, which is why it was necessary to combat them on account of their rebellion. Hazrat Umar (ra) had even suggested to show leniency, however Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said that he must follow the commandments of the Holy Prophet (sa), and even if these people did not give a rope that they used to give in Zakat during the time of the Holy Prophet (sa), he would combat them until they began offering Zakat. Even if no one else stood by him, he would combat them on his own. His Holiness (aba) said that thus, one of the duties of a Caliphate is to uphold the Shari’ah (Islamic law).
His Holiness (aba) said that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) displayed true faith. If we also adopt the same fai