After the prophet passed away, news about his death spread all over Arabia. At that time, tribal arrogance still controlled many Arabs. When the companions declared Abu-Bakr the Caliph, some tribes refused to obey him. As such, each of those tribes chose their own Caliph. Choosing a caliph who hadn’t learned directly from the prophet was highly dangerous. Those ignorant men started issuing laws that opposed the Islamic teachings. They declared lawful what the prophet made unlawful. They held back the obligatory alms. They even prepared armies to fight against the prophet’s companions. They sought leadership. For those hypocrites, the caliphate was an honor they coveted. For the companions, it was a burden they ran away from. Abu-Bakr convened with the prophet’s companions. Most of them advised him to let the apostates be. The Romans were lurking to attack Madinah. The Persians were threatening to attack Bahrain whose people had embraced Islam. Enemies were surrounding Muslims from all directions. Hence, there shouldn’t be a civil war as well. Yet, Abu-Bakr refused. He said, “I would never waive a matter the prophet established.” At that time, there couldn’t be a stranger decision. Nonetheless, Abu-Bakr took it without hesitation. Once he did that, all companions followed his orders and prepared for war.

Abu-Bakr prepared three brigades. He dispatched one to fight back the Romans. He dispatched the second to subjugate the rebellious tribes. The third remained to defend Madinah. The situation couldn’t be more dangerous. The companions were living under immense pressure but their faith was solid. Every few days, news reached Madinah.

Muslims were victorious in all battles. Nonetheless, they lost lots of loved ones. Among those who were martyred was Zayd Ibn Al-Khattab, Omar’s brother. Abdullah, Omar’s son, was with his uncle when he died. When he returned, he informed his father of the bad news. Omar screamed in his face, “And you bring me the news yourself! You should have protected your uncle or died at his side.” Abdullah replied, “O father, I asked Allah to grant me martyrdom as my uncle did. Allah chose him but didn’t choose me. There was nothing I could do.” On hearing his son’s reply, Omar broke into tears. He loved and respected his brother greatly. Omar always found him wiser and braver. That is why his sorrow was deep.

Omar participated in defending Madinah with Abu-Bakr. They chose Ali Ibn Abi-Taleb, the prophet’s cousin, to lead Madinah’s brigade. Ali was the first boy to embrace Islam. He was raised by the prophet and remained at his side all his life. He was one of the bravest Muslims who ever lived. His sword skills were undefeatable. When the rebels attacked Madinah, Muslims were outnumbered. The companions showed great bravery. Against all odds, they succeeded in breaking the enemies’ lines. Before sunset, victory was theirs. More and more Muslims were returning to Madinah triumphant. Day after day, all enemies realized that Muhammad could be dead, but his morals, teachings, and faith would never die. Many of the enemies traveled to meet Abu-Bakr. They apologized and declared their repentance. Abu-Bakr accepted their apology and Arabs reunited under one banner.

It was then the time to focus on the greater danger. The Romans and the Persians were surrounding Arabia and lurking to attack it. The Romans hoped to wipe Madinah and Makkah off the map. The Persians wanted to reoccupy the lands which Muslims had freed during the prophet’s life. This meant the destruction of Muslims. Abu-Bakr dispatched new brigades towards Sham and Iraq. It was time to free the people of those regions from slavery. That was the only way to secure Arabia’s borders. It was also the only way to deliver the message of Islam to the region’s people.

In the battles, many of the Qur’an memorizers died. Abu-Bakr feared that the Qur’an would be forgotten. Hence, he convened with Omar to discuss the matter. They agreed to collect the written Qur’an dictated directly by the prophet. A young companion called Zayd Ibn Thabet was assigned to the mission. Zayd was the prophet’s neighbor in Madinah. He was brilliant with language learning. He memorized the Qur’an from the prophet. Finally, he attended the last complete recitation of the Qur’an the prophet gave. As such, he was the best man for the job. This action is why we have a complete written copy of the Qur’an today. May Allah reward the companions for their efforts, Amen.

Abu-Bakr did not live long after the prophet. Almost two years later, he fell ill. It was time for him to join his best friend, lifetime companion, and mentor. He succeeded in preserving the Qur’an, uniting the Arabs, and placing the plans to secure Arabia. Nonetheless, there remained a single task for him to do. That was to appoint the most trustworthy man to lead Muslims after his death. After consulting with the companions, he chose Omar. On his deathbed, he ordered his daughter to distribute the few dirhams he had to the poor and the needy. Omar asked him, “What will you leave for your children?” Abu-Bakr said, “Allah’s book and his messenger’s path.” He made one last demand, he said, “Bury me beside my companion.” After his death, Abu-Bakr was buried beside the prophet. He was shrouded in his clothes. Omar wept and said, “Abu-Bakr was the best among us. May Allah be pleased with him.”

Now the time has come for Omar’s reign. Will he follow his predecessors’ example, or will he be a man of lesser significance? That’s a story for another night. Sleep tight loved ones. May the souls of our heroes visit you in your dreams.

Omar Ibn Al-Khattab, The Prince of Believers – Part III.
Englished and Recomposed for 5^th graders by Ehab Shawky

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