A Simple Guide to ISLAM
Pious Caliphate
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But Abu Bakr did not let the situation get out of hand. He dealt
with them firmly, having chosen the brave general Khalid ibn al
Walid as the commander of his forces. He managed to suppress all
revolts and brought all the Arabian tribes under the control of
Islam.
Abu Bakr treated the vanquished mercifully. This helped to re-
establish peace in the country. Arabia was brought under control
within less than a year. Later, Abu Bakr sent Khalid and other able
generals on a campaign against Persia and Byzantine.
By resorting to these measures Abu Bakr very successfully brought
about much-needed unity among the Muslim community. During
his short rule, the Arabian army saw several victories. Al-Hira in
Persia was conquered in 633.
Soon after, Abu Bakr took ill in 13 A.H. On his death bed what
Abu Bakr feared more than anything was division among the
Muslims. He wanted to make sure that no difference should divide
them after he was gone. After much thought, he decided to
nominate Umar as his successor.. When he put his choice before
the senior companions, they all approved of it. When all of the
companions had agreed to this, he went ahead with the
nomination.
Abu Bakr passed away two weeks after the appointment of Umar.
According to his wish, he was buried by the side of the Prophet,
and his body was wrapped in the same old clothes in which he had
died. His rule had lasted for two years and three months.
