Q1. Describe how Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) was elected as a caliph?

[10]
The demise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) brought immense sorrow to the hearts of the faithful.
Gathered in the mosque, an atmosphere of unease permeated, accompanied by hushed whispers
acknowledging the Prophet's passing. Many tears were shed, and concerns arose about the future
of the Muslim community in the absence of their revered Prophet (PBUH), unsettling the minds
of all present. All eyes turned towards Hazrat Ayesha's (RZ) quarters, fueled by a hopeful
anticipation that, at any moment, the chamber door would open, revealing the Holy Prophet
(PBUH) with his countenance shining with divine light. Within the mosque courtyard, Hazrat
Umar (RZ) moved among the people, adamantly rejecting the notion of the Holy Prophet's death.
He proclaimed that the Prophet, akin to Jesus, had ascended to Allah and would return to them
after a certain period. Ultimately, the door of Hazrat Ayesha's (RZ) chamber opened, and Hazrat
Abu Bakr (RZ) emerged. In the midst of grief, he addressed the assembled crowd with measured
words, distinguishing between those who worshiped Muhammad and those who worshiped the
God of Muhammad (SAW). He reassured the faithful, affirming that while Muhammad, the great
Prophet, had passed away like any other mortal, his spirit was eternal for those who worshiped
the God of Muhammad. Supported by Quranic verses highlighting the mortality of Muhammad
(PBUH), Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) pacified the people, emphasizing that the Prophet had fulfilled
his divine mission and had returned to his Master. Hazrat Umar (RZ), upon hearing these words,
was profoundly affected, acknowledging the undeniable reality of the Holy Prophet's passing and
falling to the ground in realization.
The demise of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) created an immediate crisis among the Muslims, as he
had not appointed a successor before his death. While preparations were underway for the
Prophet's burial, the Ansars of Madinah convened at 'Saqeefa Bani Sai'dah' to address the critical
question of who would lead the Muslims after the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Being the last Prophet
with no successor, the need for a leader for the Muslim community became evident. The Ansars
passionately argued that the successor, responsible for managing temporal affairs, should be
chosen from among them. Hazrat Saad bin Uba’dah (RZ), their leader, asserted that as protectors
of Islam and providers of refuge to the Prophet and his companions during persecution, the
Ansars deserved the leadership. Upon hearing about the meeting at Saqeefa Bin Sa’idah, the
emigrants gathered at the Prophet's mosque, believing that selecting a successor was crucial for
the Muslim community's survival. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ), Hazrat Umar (RZ), and Hazrat Abu
Ubaidah (RZ) hurried to Saqeefa Bani Sa’idah to address the matter before a decision was made.
Upon their arrival, the Ansars were on the verge of electing Hazrat Saad bin Uba’dah (RZ) as the
successor. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) took the stage, emphasizing the gravity of the situation. He
argued that the issue concerned not only the citizens of Madinah but all Arab Muslims. With
potential discord among the Ansar tribes, he suggested that the Quraish, custodians of the
Ka’bah, were better suited to lead the Muslim community. Hazrat Habab bin Mandhar (RZ), an
Ansar leader, proposed a compromise of having two leaders, one from the Ansars and another
from the emigrants. Hazrat Umar (RZ) countered, emphasizing the importance of unity in Islam,
advocating for a single leader to prevent future divisions.
Tensions rose between Habab and Hazrat Umar, prompting Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RZ) to appeal
to the Ansars, urging them not to contribute to the disintegration of Islam. Hazrat Zaid Bin
Thabit (RZ), another Ansar leader, acknowledged the historical connection of the Holy Prophet
with the Quraish and suggested Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah as potential successors.
This suggestion influenced the Ansars, causing hesitation in pressing their demand. Hazrat Abu
Bakr (RZ) intervened, allowing them to choose between Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah.
Hazrat Umar, acknowledging Abu Bakr's excellence, quickly offered allegiance, making Hazrat
Abu Bakr the successor. Subsequently, all Ansars pledged allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr,
electing him as the successor on the very day of the Holy Prophet's death in 632 A.D/11 A.H.

Q2. Describe Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ)’s activities against the false prophets and apostate
tribes? [10]
In the era when Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) held authority, he faced numerous challenges, including
addressing uprisings led by individuals falsely claiming prophethood in emulation of
Muhammad (PBUH). Among these false prophets in Arabia, prominent figures included Aswad
Ansi, Musaylima, Sajjah, and Tulayha.
AL-ASWAD AL-ANSI hailed from the Ansi tribe in Yemen and served as the leader of his
tribe. His dark complexion earned him the epithet "al-Aswad," meaning the black man. Known
for his mysterious persona, he often covered his face, leading to the additional title of the veiled
prophet. Badhan, the king of Yemen, embraced Islam following the call of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH), leading to the conversion of many others. However, upon Badhan's death and the
ascension of his son Shahr to the throne, Aswad Ansi, who had previously claimed to be a
prophet, seized the opportunity to gather his army, attacked, and killed Shahr. Following this,
Aswad Ansi took control of Yemen and renounced allegiance to Madinah. Upon learning of
Aswad's false claim, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) dispatched an army led by Hazrat Maaz bin
Jabal (RZ). Aswad forcibly married Azad, the widow of Shahr, to consolidate his power. In a bid
to strengthen his position, Aswad dismissed Qais, the commander in chief of Shahr's forces, as
well as Feroz, the minister who served under Shahr. Azad, harboring intense enmity towards
Aswad, orchestrated a conspiracy along with Feroz and Qais, resulting in Aswad's assassination.
This event unfolded a day or two before the demise of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). After the
Prophet's death, Aswad's followers, led by Qais, revolted but were defeated by Feroz.

MUSAYLIMA-AL-KADHDHAB hailed from the Hanifa tribe in Yumama and was

considered the most dangerous among his contemporaries. During the lifetime of Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH), he visited Madinah and had a meeting with him. However, upon returning
to Yamamah, he declared himself a prophet. Musaylima composed verses and claimed them to
be revelations. Notably, he altered religious practices, reducing the number of prayers from five
to three, abolishing Zakat, permitting adultery, and allowing the consumption of alcohol.
When Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) urged him to abandon these false claims, Musaylima
insisted on dividing Arabia into two parts, one for Muslims and the other for him and his
followers. Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) referred to him as 'the liar' and assigned Nahr ur Rijal to
return to Musaylima's people and propagate Islam. However, Nahr falsely declared that Prophet
Muhammad (PBUH) acknowledged Musaylima as a partner in God's mission. After the death of
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), Musaylima gained popularity, and people considered him a living
prophet. Challenging the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ), Musaylima faced two armies led by
Ikrimah bin Abu Jahl and Shrubail bin Hasnah. However, they suffered defeat as they did not
adhere to the caliph's instructions. Subsequently, Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) was dispatched
by the caliph with a force of 15,000. In a confrontation with Musaylima and his 40,000
followers, the outnumbered Muslims faced initial defeat. Refusing to accept defeat, Hazrat
Khalid (RZ) prepared a reserved cavalry for the next day. Engaging in close combat, Hazrat
Khalid bin Walid (RZ) launched an attack on Musaylima's camp during the Battle of the Garden
of Death. Musaylima retreated to a neighboring garden surrounded by a wall. Eventually,
Wahshi al Harb, the Negru slave, killed Musaylima. The battle resulted in the martyrdom of
3,000 Muslims, including a significant number of Huffaz (memorizers), and the death of 10,000
of Musaylima's army.
SAJJAH BINTE HARITH was an Arab Christian affiliated with the Bani Tamim tribe of
Taghlib. Possessing beauty and eloquence as a poetess, she often spoke in verses. Renowned in
her community for her influential personality, she gained fame as a soothsayer. Following the
death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), when many of her tribesmen rejected Islam, she declared
herself a prophet. Capitalizing on her popularity and charismatic persona, she decided to attack
Madinah. However, upon learning about Tulayha's defeat by Hazrat Khalid, she hesitated to
proceed with the assault. Gathering an army of her followers (4000), she marched to Yamamah
to confront Musaylima. Instead of engaging in battle, Musaylima welcomed her and proposed an
alliance, emphasizing that their common enemy was the Muslims. Both being attractive
individuals, they were drawn to each other, resulting in Musaylima proposing to Sajjah, an offer
she accepted. Acknowledging each other as prophets, they got married. Disheartened by the lack
of battle, the followers of Sajjah returned to Iraq. Subsequently, Hazrat Khalid (RZ) defeated
Sajjah's forces and then turned his attention to Musaylima's army. It is suggested that Sajjah,
already married, surrendered to Musaylima under some hypnotic influence. Once the spell wore
off, she realized the gravity of her actions and the defeat she had experienced. Returning to Iraq,
she later embraced Islam when Muslims conquered the region.
TULAYHA IBNE KHUWAYLID was a prosperous leader from the Banu Asad and Ghatafan
tribes, recognized as a skilled warrior. Initially opposing Islam, he later embraced the faith but
eventually rebelled against it. He claimed to receive revelations and prophethood among his
tribes, mocking the Muslims' prayer methods and insisting on praying while standing. When the
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) called for action against him, an attempt on his life was made by a
Muslim, but it failed. Subsequently, Talayha's followers asserted that no sword could harm him.
Following the death of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he gained favor as a living prophet. Hazrat
Abu Bakr (RZ) dispatched Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) to suppress his rising influence. Hazrat
Khalid negotiated with neighboring tribes, garnering reinforcement for the Muslims. The armies
of Muslims and Tulayha confronted each other at Buzakha, resulting in an indecisive outcome.
Subsequently, Tulayha retreated to a secure location, feigning to await divine revelations.
Uyaynah, his commander in chief, after repeatedly inquiring about revelations, recognized the
futility of their cause and ordered a retreat. This gave the Muslims an advantage, resulting in the
death of many of Tulayha's men. Tulayha, along with his wife, escaped to Syria. Upon the
conquest of Syria by Muslims, Tulayha embraced Islam and actively participated in the battles of
Qudissiya, Jalula, and Nahawand.
Madinah found itself encircled by a ring of tribes, including Banu Ghatafan, Banu Asad, Banu
Thalba, Banu Marrah, Banu Abbas, and others. Following the conquest of Makkah, when various
tribes sent delegations for the acceptance of Islam, these tribes also embraced the faith. However,
their allegiance seemed to be rooted more in diplomacy than true belief. After the demise of
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), they approached the caliph, expressing the view that their
agreements with Muhammad (PBUH) had ended, and new agreements should be made, releasing
them from the obligation of Zakat. Upon discussing the matter with his council, Hazrat Abu Bakr
(RZ) received the suggestion to accept their demand. However, he held a different perspective.
He considered Zakat to be an obligatory duty for all Muslims, and therefore, it could not be
waived, with no concessions allowed. Conveying this to the tribes, he clarified that in Islam,
there was no room for compromise on fundamental principles. He warned them that if they
refused to pay Zakat, he would fight for it, regardless of the consequences. Faced with Hazrat
Abu Bakr's (RZ) firm stance, the tribes decided to take advantage of the situation, knowing that
the major Muslim army was in Syria, leaving Madinah with a limited fighting force. Sensing
their intentions, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) strategically positioned senior companions like Hazrat
Khalid, Hazrat Talha, Hazrat Abdur Rehman bin Auf, Hazrat Abdullah bin Masud (RZ), and
others to monitor enemy movements. Simultaneously, he prepared adult Muslims for the defense
of Islam and the Islamic state. Upon receiving intelligence about the movements of the Zul Hissa
tribes, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) gathered adult Muslims and positioned them strategically towards
Zul Hissa. The enemy, expecting an easy victory, was surprised by Hazrat Abu Bakr's (RZ)
counterattack. In the ensuing encounter, Muslims prevailed, forcing the enemy to retreat to Zul
Qissa. Pursuing them, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) and the Muslim forces found the tribal forces at Zul
Qissa to be no match for their fierce attack. The survivors retreated to Abraq, where they
renounced Islam and joined apostates fully prepared to attack Muslims. Those who remained
Muslim at Abraq faced brutalities at the hands of the apostate tribes—some were put to the
sword, others were burned alive, and some were thrown from cliffs. Upon learning of these
atrocities, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) waited for the forces to return from Syria. Once they were
back, he personally led the Muslim force and launched an attack on Abraq. In the ensuing battle,
enemy leaders Haris and Auf were killed, demoralizing the opposing forces and leading to a
significant victory for the Muslims.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) dispatched various armies to address uprisings in Bahrain, Oman,
Mahara, Hadarmaut, and Yemen, where reports of unrest against Islam had surfaced. Bahrain,
situated beyond Yamamah, was ruled by Al-Mundhir during Prophet Muhammad's (PBUH)
lifetime. Al-Mundhir accepted the Prophet's invitation to Islam, leading to the conversion of
many. However, after his demise, uprisings against Islam erupted in Bahrain. Seeking support
from the Caliph, Al-Mundhir's deputy, Al-Ala, was sent to quell the rebellions. The rebels,
backed by neighboring Persian tribes, were defeated with the Caliph's support, marking the
Arabs' first battle against the powerful Persians. In Oman, while the prince remained loyal to
Islam, the general population apostatized. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) appointed Hazrat Ikrimah bin
Abu Jahal to address the rebellion. After successfully crushing the rebels in Oman, Ikrimah left
Huzaifa in charge. Subsequently, Hazrat Ikrimah moved on to capture Mahara and Hadarmaut.
Following the apostasy of Qais, Feroz remained a Muslim. With the Caliph's assistance and the
deployment of armies under Ikrimah and Muhajir bin Umayyah, Feroz defeated Qais. A
successful campaign was also carried out in Yemen. The conquest of Yemen marked the
conclusion of the Wars of Apostasy.
Q. (b) Explain why is he called the savior of Islam? [4]
Ans: He earned recognition as the Savior of Islam due to his endeavors to foster community
unity and eliminate potential threats to the core principles of Islam and the Islamic Empire.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) played a crucial role during the period following the Holy Prophet's
death, steering the grieving community away from sorrow over Muhammad's (PBUH) passing
and redirecting their focus towards Allah. Upon assuming the role of caliph, he successfully
united and protected the Muslim Ummah. Continuing the Prophet's mission, he dispatched
expeditions to the North to confront enemies and hypocrites.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) also engaged in the Riddah wars and conflicts against those who withheld
Zakat, ensuring the purity of Islam and the safety of Muslims. This demonstrated that Muslims
would not tolerate any violations of their faith. He shielded Muslims from various threats,
notably false prophets who falsely claimed prophethood after Muhammad (PBUH), defeating
them and preserving the true essence of Islam. Additionally, to guarantee an authentic copy, he
orchestrated the compilation of the Quran. Without Hazrat Abu Bakr's efforts, Islam might have
faced instability after the Prophet's (PBUH) time, but his sincere dedication to the cause
solidified his role as the 'Savior of Islam.'
Q. (b) Explain the significance of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ)’s caliphate? [4]
Upon the Prophet's demise, the Muslim community found solace in Hazrat Ayesha (RZ)'s
apartment, with all eyes turned in that direction. The news was particularly challenging for
Hazrat Umar, but it was Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) who, with wisdom and courage, stabilized the
mourning society. He recited verses from Surah Imran (3:144) and articulated the prophet's
mortality, emphasizing the eternal nature of Allah. This powerful speech served as an inspiration,
conveying a message of new beginnings and uniting the Muslim Ummah.
Initially, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) continued the Prophet's (PBUH) expansion policy towards the
north. Later, he confronted two formidable empires, leading to a substantial expansion of Islamic
boundaries into the North-East (Persian Kingdom) and North-West (Roman Kingdom). This
marked the first time the Muslim Ummah emerged as a victorious empire. Despite serious
threats, Hazrat Abu Bakr's resolute and timely actions preserved the integrity of the empire. He
quelled the apostasy movement, setting a firm example for the consequences of breaking treaties
and falsely claiming prophethood against Islamic fundamentals.
A pivotal outcome of these efforts was the order to compile the Quran, a milestone that became
the greatest unifying force for the Ummah. Hazrat Abu Bakr's decisive steps led to his well-
deserved title as the Savior of Islam.

Q. (a) Describe the Muslim victories under Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) [10]

THE PERSIAN EMPIRE – CAMPAIGNS IN EASTERN IRAQ)

Hazrat Muthana (RZ) was a chief of tribe Banu Bakr who lived in the northeastern part of
Arabia. He became Muslim at the time of Holy Prophet (PBUH) & sided Muslims in the
campaign of Bahrain. He visited the caliph in Madinah and pointed out that the people who
lived in the border areas in Iraq were Arabs who legitimately belonged to Arabia. If Muslims
undertook some campaigns to liberated such tribes from the Persians that would be a step
forwards building a greater Arabia. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RZ) was aware of the predictions of
Holy Prophet (PBUH) that Islam would spread to Iraq and Syria. He held a council of war
and after due thoughts noticing the hostility of Persians and their endangering existence of
Islamic Empire, it was decided that in the name of ALLAH a campaign should be launched
against Iraq. All these campaigns were held in 633 A.D. Hazrat Muthana (RZ) was prepared
with necessary aid to raid on eastern Iraq and he was also assured that the main army under
Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) would soon launch the attack against Iraq.
BATTLE OF KAZIMA – CHAINS.
Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) who was in Yamama received the orders of Hazrat Abu Bakr
(RZ) to march to Iraq and start operations in the region of Uballa. Hormuz was the governor
of Uballa. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) wrote him to accept Islam, pay Jizya or be ready for
the consequences. Hormuz prepared his forces and set out from Uballa to meet Muslims
forces at Kazima. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) reached kazima with his forces and without
allowing time to Persian forces he forces them to come into action. The Persian forces were
linked in chains, and it was the use of chains, which gave the battle of Kazima, the name of
the battle of Chains. The battle started with a duel between Hazrat Khalid (RZ) and Hormuz
in which Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) killed Hormuz. After having killed Hormuz, Khalid
ordered an immediate attack on the Persian forces. The death of Hormuz had demoralized the
Persian, but nevertheless, they fought hard and the chain-linked Persians withstood all attacks
of Muslims. The Muslims redoubled their attacks, and the Persians were forces to fall back.
The Persian found their chains to be a death trap, and as they retreated held together in chains
they were slaughtered in thousands. Before night set in, the Muslims had won the Battle.
BATTLE OF MAZAR.
Another Persian army Under Qarin was coming to reinforce Hormuz’s army. As soon as they
reached Madain they came to know that the Persians were defeated at Kazima. The Persian
 army marched to Mazar with an intension to avenge their defeat at Kazima. Hazrat Khalid
bin Walid (RZ) gathered his troops at Mazar to deal with the Persians. The battle began with
a call to duel by Qarin in which he was faced by a Muslims commander Maqal bin Al Ashi.
Maqal was an expert swordsman and killed Qarin in this duel. After this two other top
generals were killed by Muslims by Muslims in a duel. After the death of the Persian top
generals Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) ordered for a general attack. The Persians resisted so
hard that Hazrat Khalid (RZ) had to intensity the attack. Muslims emerged victorious in this
combat and killed 30,000 Persians.
BATTLE OF WALAJA.
With the defeat of Mazar, the Persian ruler sent another army to fight against Muslims. One
army led by Andarzaghar established camp at Walaja. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) with his
10,000 men reached Walaja. The battle of Walaja as usual started with a duel in which
Hazrat Khalid (RZ) killed a gaint of a man supposed to have the strength of thousand men,
Hazrat Mard. After the duel Hazrat Khalid advanced for a general fight. In this Muslims
faced troubles initially but by the Great War tactics of Hazrat Khalid (RZ) the battle of
Walaja ended in a victory for Muslims. Andarzaghar fled from the battlefield to the desert
area, where after losing his way he died of thirst.
BATTLE OF ULLIES.
In a similar passion Hazrat khalid (RZ)’s forces fought against the Persian forces at Ullies. In
duel, Hazrat Khalid (RZ) killed Abdul Aswad. In a general fight the Persians gave stiff
resistance and stood like a rock. Hazrat Khalid (RZ) who knew that his army wouldn’t match
the counter attack of Persians prayed to Allah which put new soul in his soldiers. This time
when his soldiers attacked, they were successful in breaking down the resistance of Persians.
The Persians started fleeing most of their army got shattered. By this Muslims had secured a
fourth consecutive victory against the Persians.
FALL OF HIRA.
When Khalid bin Walid was asked to undertake operations in Iraq, he was given the target of
Hira. After Ullies, roads to Hira were open. Hazrat Khalid (RZ) decided to advance to Hira.
He thought he would have to fight for the possession of Hira but the Persian governor had
already abandoned he city and fled with his forces to Madinah. By the fall of Hira the whole
of south and most of North Iraq was conquered. Muslims granted them full religious liberty
and civic freedom.

(THE PERSIAN EMPIRE- CAMPAIGNS IN WESTERN IRAQ).

BATTLE OF ANBAR.
 After achieving his objective set by the caliph, Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RZ) decided to
advance further and he chose Anbar as his next objective. In 633 A.D Hazrat Khalid bin
Walid camped somewhere below Anbar. The governor of that district was Sheeraz who
decided to defend the town. The town of Anbar was situated on a height and Muslims army
had to camp at the low pain below the town. Noticing the disadvantage Hazrat Khalid (RZ)
commanded his best archers to shoot in the eyes of the Persians. As a result of this thousands
of Persians lost their eyes. Because of this action the battle is also called “The Battle of the
Eyes”. When the Muslim army prevailed over the PERSIANS, Sheeraz made an offer to
surrender on a condition to have safe pass for the army. Hazrat Khalid bin Walid accepted
this and the Persian soldiers and their families left Anbar for Madain.
BATTLE OF EIN-AT-TAMR.
Next, Hazrat Khalid (RZ) left for Ein-at-Tamr which was a large fortified town surrounded
by date palms. The Persian forces were led by Mehran bin Bahram Jabeen. This army was
supported by Christian Arabs who volunteered to fight against Muslims. In 633 A.D the
Persian army remained in En-at-Tamr but the Christian Arabs under their leader Aqqa went
on the roads to Anbar to intercept Muslim army. As soon as both armies came into sight, the
battle began in which Muslim forces captured Aqqa alive. As a result of this the Christian
Arabs fled to Ein-at-Tamr hoping to be reinforced by Persians but the Persians under Mehran
had already evacuated the town and went to Madain. The Christians closed the gates of the
city. Hazrat Khalid (RZ) besieged the city with his forces. The Christian after some days
surrendered unconditionally.
BATTLE OF DAUMATUL JANDAL.
At the time of Holy Prophet (PBUH) when Daumatul Jandal was captured, the leader Aeikad
agreed to pay an annual tribute to Isalmic Empire on which he was freed.But during Hazrat
Abu Bakr caliphate he broke the agreement. The calipg sent Ayad bin Ghanam to capture the
town but he was unable to enter the town. Ayad wrote to khalid for reinforcement therefore
Hazrat Khalid (RZ) also following the caliph’s orders to reinforce Ayad’s army marched to
Daumatul Jandal from Ein-at-Tamr. When Aeikad came to know about Hazrat khalid help
for Ayad, he got unnerved & left the town. He was captured on his way to Jordan by Hazrat
Khalid (RZ)’s cavalry. Thereafter when Hazrat Khalid pressed the siege at Daumatul Jandal
he successfully broke down the resistance of Christians & captured the town. In this, over
2000 Christian Arabs were killed. Thereafter the Persians and raised more forces and were on
the war path. This time Muslims successfully resisted the Persians in various battles. So, by
the end of 633 A.D Muslims were the masters of Euphrates valley.

BATTLE OF FIRAZ.
In the early 634 A.D when Hazrat Khalid (RZ) marched to the outermost edge of Persian
Empire on the valley of Euphrates, he had to deal with the army of Persians reinforced by
 Byzantines and Christian Arabs.The enemy’s forces were ten times greater than the Muslims
army, however Hazrat Khalid was still determined to fight and undertook on oath that if he
was victorious, he would undertake the pilgrimage of Makkah. By smart war tactics and the
blessings of Allah, Muslim forces killed over 50,000 enemy’s soldiers. The withdrawing
enemy either jumped in to the river or allowed them to be squeezed to death.
(THE BYZANTINE EMPIRE – CAMPAIGNS IN SYRIA).
After the battle of Firaz Hazrat Khalid (RZ) was transferred to the Syrian front and Hazrat
Muthana (RZ) became the commander of Muslims in Iraq. In 634 A.D, Hazrat Abu Bakr
called for Jihad against Syria. He had assembled a large force of four groups, 7,000 men
each, commanded by Amr bin Al A’as, Yazeed bin Abu Sufyan, Shrubail bin hasana and
Abu ubaidah bin Jarrah. Khalid bin Walid marched from Hira with 9,000 men towards Syria.
This army was about 40,000 in total.
BATTLE OF BASRA.
When Hazrat Khalid approached Basra, he came to know that a detachment of 4,000
Muslims warriors under Shrubail was fighting the Byzantine Empire. He sent a message to
Hazrat Abu Ubaidah to meet him. Soon, the Byzantine and Muslim armies faced each other.
Hazrat Khalid offered Islam to the enenmy commander, Romenus, who embraced it.
Surprised by their commander’s defection, they withdrew to the city and locked its gates. The
army lost the heart and locked themselves in the city. With the help of Romenus Muslims
entered the city from underground passage and killed Byzantine in large number.

BATTLE OF AJNEDAIN.
After the defeat of Basra, the Byzantine Emperor, Heraclius decided to take revenge. His
forces started gathering at Ajnedain of about 100,000 to 240,000 in number. Hazrat Khalid
bin Walid decided to deal with Byzantine at ajnedain so Muslims joined forces of 40,000
reached there, in the clash Byzantine army was defeated with heavy losses.
SIEGE OF DAMASCUS.
Marching to Damascus, Muslims came upon a large number of Byzantine troops blocking
their way. After these troops had been defeated, the survivors fled to Damascus and locked
the gates. Damascus was laid siege in 634 A.D. Soon the news of the death of the caliph
reached the Muslims thus, it was during the caliphate of Hazrat Umar (RZ) that Damascus
finally fell into the hands of Muslims.