The apostate tribes
attacked Medina, but were repulsed by the brave old Caliph Abu Bekr, who
refused to abate one jot or tittle, as the successor of Mohammed, of the
obligations of Islam. Eleven columns were sent forth under as many
leaders, trained in the warlike school of Mohammed. These fought their
way, step by step, successfully; and thus, mainly through the wisdom and
firmness of Abu Bekr and the valor and genius of Khalid, "the Sword of
God," the Arab tribes, one by one, were overcome and forced back into
their allegiance and the profession of Islam. The reconquest of Arabia
and re-imposition of Mohammedanism as the national faith, which it took
a whole year to accomplish, is thus described by an Arabian author, who
wrote at the close of the second century of the Mohammedan era:
After his decease there remained not one of the followers of the
prophet that did not apostatize, saving only a small company of his
"Companions" and kinsfolk, who hoped thus to secure the government
to themselves. Hereupon Abu Bekr displayed marvelous skill, energy,
and address, so that the power passed into his hands.... And thus
he persevered until the apostate tribes were all brought back to
their allegiance, some by kindly treatment, persuasion, and craft;
some through terror and fear of the sword; and others by the
prospect of power and wealth as well as by the lusts and pleasures
of this life.
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