Rightly Guided Caliphs:

Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA)

(Q) Describe how Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) administered the state during his reign
as a Caliph. [10]
(A) After his formal accession to the designation of the first rightly guided caliph of Islam in 632 AD,
Hazrat Abu Bakar rejuvenated an Islamic community in disarray. Though the most formidable of his
accomplishments seem to be grounded in leading counter strikes against rebels, false prophets,
apostates and rival factions, his capabilities as a ruler and administrator are equally worthy of
applaud.

As the caliph, Hazrat Abu Bakar RA decided to commence his reign by sparking an exodus of reforms
that affiliated with the state and its constitution. The Islamic Empire, previously unified as a
humungous territory, was the result of colossal administrative problems. Hazrat Abu Bakar decreed
the division of this empire into a series of smaller provinces, each under the watchful gaze of a
handpicked governor. Alongside the governor, were the Qazis, Walis and Amil, who regulated jusitice
within the society and ensured that revenue manipulation was unprejudiced. The main sources of
revenue were zakat, jizya and land toll. These funds, once accumulated, were stored for renovation of
facilities for Muslims in the royal treasury, the Bait Al Maal, which was also forged into an organized
state by the Caliph.

Under Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA), the concept of appointed political figures progressed leaps and bounds.
The Qazis were to be adept at navigating not only the religious constitution of Muslims (the Shariah),
but were also required to have ample knowledge of laws of other communities. A Qazi was also
expected to be well-informed and experienced in the application of such laws in practical situations.
Meanwhile, the Wali and Amil were designated as the guardians of revenue and were simultaneously
advisors to the governor of well. In order to be more aware of the requirements and problems of the
Muslim community, the caliph also introduced the concept of Majlis-e-Khaas and Majlis-e-Shura,
which were political assemblies designed to discuss administrative issues. All these reforms led to a
propulsion in spiritual and economic welfare in the kingdom.

Moreover, Hazrat Abu Bakar RA pursued a variety of social milestones as well. Allowances and grants
were provided to widows, orphans and the destitute in the community in order to replicate the
prosperity brought in Arabia by the induction of Half Al Fazul. Even senior citizens were granted a
consistent monthly pension for their sustenance. To propagate the message of Islam even further,
delegations and convoys of missionaries ventured far and wide to broaden Islam’s vast reach. This
was suggested by Hazrat Abu Bakar RA as well.
Politically, Hazrat Abu Bakar RA made an indelible impact on the way the Islamic empire was
governed. Garrisons and armadas were specifically trained and sent to liberate Muslims from the yoke
of oppression in areas such as Syria, Iraq and the Byzantine Empire. Though the caliph ensured that
the armies followed diplomacy as their main agenda in case of confrontations, the Muslim army was
capable of dealing with fierce opposition. Hazrat Abu Bakar RA also introduced the customary
foundation of cantonment areas in all towns and major cities under the rule of Islam. A reserve army
was also formulated to ensure safety of the citizens. The creation of cantonments influenced
facilitation of troop movement and was testament to the face that the Muslim resolve was stronger
than ever.