Abu Bakr's Caliphate (Battle of Yamama) Flashcards
Who was the most dangerous false prophet during Hazrat Abu Bakr’s caliphate, and what tribe did he belong to?
- Musailimah ibn Habib al-Hanafi, who belonged to the large and influential tribe Banu Hanifa in the Yamama region of the Arabian Peninsula.
Who was initially appointed to command the forces against Musailimah, and what were his orders?
Ikrimah was appointed as the commander, with orders to advance and make contact with Musailimah’s forces at Yamama but not engage in battle.
What mistake did Ikrimah make in October 632 (end of Rajab, 11 Hijri)?
In October 632 (end of Rajab, 11 Hijri) Ikrimah set his corps in motion without waiting for reinforcements and was defeated by Musailimah.
What did Hazrat Abu Bakr instruct Shurahbil bin Hasanah to do after Ikrimah’s defeat?
- Hazrat Abu Bakr wrote to Shurahbil after Ikrimah’s defeat: “Stay where you are and await further instructions.”
What was the result of Shurahbil bin Hasanah’s engagement with Musailimah before Khalid ibn al-Walid’s arrival?
Before Khalid ibn al-Walid’s arrival, Shurahbil advanced against instructions, clashed with Musailimah, and was defeated.
How large were the forces of Musailimah and Khalid ibn al-Walid in the Battle of Yamama?
Musailimah had 40,000 warriors, while Khalid led a Muslim force of 13,000 men.
Where did the initial battle between Khalid’s forces and Musailimah’s army take place, and what was the outcome?
- The battle took place on the plain of Aqraba.
- Khalid’s forces were forced to retreat, causing jubilation in Musailimah’s camp.
What strategic move did Khalid ibn al-Walid employ after regrouping his forces?
Khalid formed a reserve force of 1,000 cavalry under his command and launched a surprise attack on Musailimah’s camp at the mounds near Aqraba.
What happened when Musailimah’s forces retreated to the fortified garden?
They closed the gates, but the Muslim army surrounded the garden, determined to finish the battle.
Who climbed the wall of the fortified garden to open the gates for the Muslim army?
Al Baraa ibn Malik climbed the wall, killed the guards, and opened the gate for the Muslims.
What name did Arab historians give to the final phase of the Battle of Yamama, and why?
It was called “The Battle of Death” because of the intense and bloody fighting inside the garden.
Who killed Musailimah, and what was significant about him?
- Wahshi al-Harb killed Musailimah.
- He was the same man who had killed Hazrat Hamza in the Battle of Uhud before converting to Islam.
What happened to the Banu Hanifa tribe after Musailimah’s death?
After Musailimah’s death, The Banu Hanifa surrendered, accepted terms, and were readmitted to the fold of Islam.
What were the consequences of the Battle of Yamama for the Muslims?
The battle of Yamama for the Muslims resulted in many prominent Muslims and huffaz (memorizers of the Quran) losing their lives.
What did Hazrat Abu Bakr focus on after defeating the false prophets?
- He turned his attention to the uprisings in Bahrain, Oman, Mahrah, and Hadramaut.
