4 On this matter...

4 On this matter, historical sources, proofs and documents are so numerous that Shaykh Mufeed (d. 413) writes: “The incidents of forcing people to do Bay’at with Abu Bakr and taking them to Abu Bakr against their will and pleasure are so numerous that this book would fall short of pages if we were to mention all of them.” [4] Document No. 5 For instance, Shaykh Ahmad Tabarsi (6th century) narrates: “Umar belted his waist tightly and started roaming the streets of Medina. He was shouting: Beware!

Abu Bakr has been acknowledged as Caliph. So hurry up to do Bay’at with him. [1] Muhammad Ismail Bukhari: Sahih Bukhari, Vol. 4, Pg. 195 [2] Ibne Abil Hadeed: Sharh Nahjul Balagha, Vol. 2, Pg. 48 [3] Ibid. Vol. 1, Pg. 174 [4] Shaykh Mufeed: Al-Jamal, Pgs. 118-119 People rushed and crowded at and in the mosque to do Bay’at with Abu Bakr. Umar knew that some remained in their houses to avoid Bay’at.

He attacked them by surprise and brought them by force to the mosque to give Bay’at.” [1] His support was an armed gang, blacks and nomads from Bani Aslam tribe, who by the admission of Umar himself had a very important role in the success of Saqifah party. Document No. 6 “Tabari narrates that after their arrival in Medina they gathered in the streets in such large numbers that the streets were jammed and Umar said: When I saw Bani Aslam tribe I became certain of victory.” [2] Document No.

7 Ibne Athir has mentioned in the book Kamil: Bani Aslam tribe arrived and its members did Bay’at. Then Abu Bakr became strong and at that time people gave Bay’at to Abu Bakr. [3] Document No. 8 More eloquent than these two is Shaykh Mufeed in the book of Jamal. His quotes from Abu Mikhnaf that: A group of nomad Arabs came to Medina to buy rations. People did not attend to them because on that day the Prophet of God had passed away.

They also did Bay’at with the new Caliph and accepted his rulership. Then Umar called them and said: Whatever rations you need, will be given to you free provided you go into the lanes and streets of the town, gather the people and take them to Abu Bakr to do Bay’at with him. You are free to break head or nose of anyone who resists.

The narrator says: I saw those rough Arabs all of a sudden tightening their waists and then without any warning they started hitting people with canes and forced them to do Bay’at. [4] [1] Tabarsi: Ihtijaaj, Vol. 1, Pg. 80 [2] Quoted from: Tabari: Tarikh al-Umam wal Mulook, Vol. 2, Pg. 459; Qalaqshandi: Nihayatul Arab, Vol. 4, Pg.