Therefore...

Therefore, when Abū-Bakr mentioned about taking armed action against them, the senior raised objections to the idea. `Umar too said in clear terms: “O Abū-Bakr!

On what account you want to battle with them that the Prophet (a.s) has said, ‘I am not permitted to battle with people until they do not recite the kalimah Tawhid and besides other rights their lives and properties are secure and their account is Allah’s concern!’”[1] But at that time neither the opinion was considered nor what `Umar said. Abū-Bakr remained firm on his stand and deputed Khalid ibn al-Walid to destroy the Arab tribes.

Therefore, he murdered Malik ibn Nuwayrah and his tribesmen and added a dark chapter to the history of Islam. He severed the limbs of the people and killed them mercilessly. Malik ibn Nuwayrah was the respected chief of the tribe of Banū-Yarbū`. No person from the tribe could disobey his commands. He personally went to the presence of the Prophet (a.s) in al-Madinah and embraced Islam. He learned personally from the Prophet (a.s) the mandatory rites and duties of the Faith.

Trusting his honesty, the Prophet (a.s) authorized him for the collection of the alms. Ibn al-Athir writes: “The Prophet (a.s) appointed Malik ibn Nuwayrah for the collection of the alms from Banū-Hanzalah.”[2] His charity, bravery and valor were exemplary. Therefore, in Arabia they used to say, “Youth is there, but where is the like of Malik?” He was so hospitable that his kitchen fires burned day and night.

Whenever a traveler lost his way and came in his environs, he used to bring him home and entertain him. Until the last days of the Prophet (a.s), he regularly collected the alms and sent them. When the news of the Prophet’s demise reached him, he abstained from the collections and told the people of his tribe that they must retain the amount of zakat with them until it was confirmed that the new establishment at al-Madinah was trustworthy.

In that period Sujah bint Harith wanted to attack al-Madinah with 4,000 men. When he reached Jarwan near the locality [1] Itmām al-Wafā, Page 24 [2] Al-Kāmil fit-Tārīkh, Vol 2, Page 205 of Banū-Yarbū`, al-Bitah, he sent word to Malik for truce and agreement for non-hostility towards each other. Ibn al-Athir writes: “Sujah decided to battle with Abū-Bakr and sent a message to Malik ibn Nuwayrah and made a request for an agreement of peace and no-war-pact.

Malik accepted this suggestions but asked him not to fight with Abū-Bakr.