What was the justification for attacking or fighting the Persians in 'Iraq by the Caliphs Abu bakr and 'Omar?
The justification for attacking or fighting the Persians in Iraq by the Caliphs Abu Bakr and Umar can be found in the context of the apostasy wars and the need to maintain the unity of the Muslim community. After the death of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, some Arab tribes renounced Islam, leading to Abu Bakr's determination to assert authority and uphold the faith.
Both Caliphs referred to the Prophet's instruction regarding warfare. Abu Bakr stated, I have been commanded to fight people until they say 'There is no god but Allah.' Whoever says it, his life and property are protected from me, except by right, and his reckoning is with Allah.
Sahih Muslim 1:32. This command was interpreted as a mandate to fight those who refused to comply with Islamic teachings, particularly regarding fundamental acts of worship such as prayer and zakat.
In a similar vein, Umar expressed his concerns about fighting these apostates, but upon seeing Abu Bakr's resolve, he recognized it as the truth. Abu Bakr asserted, By Allah, I will fight those who separate prayer from zakat, for zakat is a right on wealth. By Allah, if they prevent from giving the wool that is brought to the Prophet, I will fight them to prevent them.
Sunan an-Nasa'i 25:9. This highlights the importance of zakat as an obligation in Islam, which further justified the military campaigns against those who opposed the authority of the caliphate and the Islamic community.
Thus, the justification for the attacks on the Persians and the broader military campaigns during Abu Bakr and Umar's caliphates stemmed from a combination of religious obligation, the need to maintain unity, and the enforcement of Islamic practices.
Sources
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Sahih Muslim 1:32
Sahih Muslim · Book 1, Hadith 32 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
When the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) passed away and Abu Bakr succeeded him, and some Arabs became disbelievers, Umar ibn al-Khattab said to Abu Bakr, “How will you fight people when the Messenger of Allah said, 'I have been commanded to fight the people until they say, "There is no god except Allah"?' Whoever says 'There is no god except Allah' has his life and property guaranteed by me, except by right, and his reckoning is with Allah.” Abu Bakr replied, “By Allah, I will fight those who separate prayer from almsgiving, for almsgiving is the right of wealth. By Allah, if they prevent me with a rope from reaching that which they used to deliver to the Messenger of Allah, I will fight them for blocking it.” Then Umar said, “By Allah, I have seen that Allah, the Mighty and Sublime, has opened the breast of Abu Bakr for fighting, and I knew that he was on the truth.”
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Sunan an-Nasa'i 25:9
Sunan an-Nasa'i · Book 25, Hadith 9 · Narrated by Abu Huraira
When Abu Bakr gathered forces to fight the apostates, Umar said to him, 'How will you fight people when the Messenger of Allah said: “I have been commanded to fight people until they say: There is no god but Allah, and if they say so, their blood and wealth are protected from me except by right.”' Abu Bakr said, 'I will fight those who separate prayer from zakat. By Allah, if they prevent even a she-goat that they used to give to the Messenger, I will fight them for preventing it.' Umar added, 'By Allah, I saw Allah expand Abu Bakr’s heart to fight, so I knew it was the truth.'
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