Praiseworthy Courage & His Firm Conviction Regarding the Tribes that Refused to Pay Zakat (Hazrat Musleh Mau’d’s (ra) Narration)

NARRATION 1

With regard to this, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“Following the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa) when certain tribes of Arabia refused to pay the Zakat, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was ready to fight against them. The situation at the time was so delicate that even the likes of Hazrat Umarra suggested to show leniency. However, (as has been mentioned once before as well), Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) responded, ‘What authority does the son of Abu Quhafah possess to abrogate a commandment which the Messenger (sa) of Allah had given. By God, if in the time of the Messenger (sa) of Allah these people gave in Zakat even a rope with which they tied the legs of their camels, I shall take that from them as well. And I shall not rest until they do not pay the Zakat.’ (He then said to his companions), ‘if you cannot support me in this matter then, by all means, don’t, but I will fight against them even on my own.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further states:

“Such was his level of obedience to the Holy Prophet (sa) in that despite the extremely dangerous circumstances and despite the distinguished companions were suggesting to not fight against them, even then he was willing to take on every kind of danger in order to fulfil the instruction of the Holy Prophet (sa).”

(Tafsir-e-Kabir, Vol. 8, pp. 108-109)

NARRATION 2

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“During the era of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) when the disorder of apostasy began to spread all over and prayers in congregation were only being offered in the villages and also the army had been sent to Syria, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) sent an instruction to those who had to pay the Zakat in which he stated that if even someone only gave a rope in Zakat during the time of the Holy Prophet (sa), he would take that from them by the force of the sword if he refused to give it. Even a brave and courageous man like Hazrat Umarra expressed his opinion that in view of the situation, they should not insist on the payment of Zakat. However, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) did not agree with him at all. From this, one can ascertain how important Zakat is.”

(Madarij-e-Taqwa, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 1, pp. 382-383)

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) mentioned this during his speech in which he spoke about the various stages of taqwa [righteousness] and how important the paying of Zakat was for those who tread the path of righteousness. Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) also stated that Ahmadis should be mindful of the importance of Zakat and should pay particular attention towards its payment.”

(Madarij-e-Taqwa, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 1, p. 383)

NARRATION 3

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) stated:

“The concept of Zakat is extremely important; however, people have failed to understand it. After the observance of Salat, God Almighty has commanded us to pay the Zakat. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stated, ‘I will treat those who refuse to pay the Zakat in the same manner as the Holy Prophet (sa) would treat the disbelievers. I will take their men and women as slaves. Following the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa), there emerged such a trial whereby people in the entire land of Arabia, except for Mecca, Medina and one other area, started to become apostates […] Hazrat Umarra suggested that they establish peace with those who were refusing to pay the Zakat and first fight against those who were apostatising and the others would gradually be reformed as a result. The first and foremost task was to eradicate the false claimants to prophethood because their dissension was far more severe. Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stated, ‘If people fail to pay even a young goat or the rope with which they tied the leg of a camel in Zakat which they previously paid in the time of the Holy Prophet (sa), I shall fight against them. If you all leave me and even if the wild beasts of the jungle were to join and attack Medina, I will fight against them on my own.’”

(Barakat-e-Khilafat, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 2, pp. 222-223)

This is also one of the blessings of Khilafat in that the Khalifa of the time makes every effort in order to uphold the Shariah.

NARRATION 4

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) stated:

“Another allegation which is raised by people has been answered by God Almighty 1300 years go. Those who raise the allegation claim that:

شَاوِرۡهُمۡ‭ ‬فِي‭ ‬الۡأَمۡرِ

“‘Consult them in matters of administration’ [Ch.3: V.160] was an instruction exclusive to the Holy Prophet (sa), how does this apply to Khilafat. They claim that this instruction is not for Khilafat. However, such people should remember that this is a very similar allegation to the one people raised against Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) which was with regard to Zakat. Regarding:

خُذۡ‮ ‬مِنۡ‭ ‬أَمۡوَالِهِمۡ‭ ‬صَدَقَةً

“‘Take alms out of their wealth’, they claimed that this was an instruction for the Holy Prophet (sa) and since he had passed away, no one else had the right to take sadaqah [alms] from them. The one who had been instructed for this had passed away. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stated to them that now he was the addressee of this instruction. Though the Holy Prophet (sa) had passed away, the Shariah was still intact and thus the Khalifa of the time was being addressed.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further stated in his speech:

“In the same way, I say to the one who has levelled this allegation against me that I am now the addressee [of this commandment]. If this reply that was given by Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was true at that time, and indeed it was, then what I say today is also true in that I am now being addressed and this principle shall always apply to Khilafat.”

One should always be mindful of this.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) then further states:

“If what you claim is true then many commandments of the Holy Quran would have to be taken out and this would be utter humiliation.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) was mentioning this in a speech on the institution of Khilafat.

(Mansab-e-Khilafat, Anwar al-Ulum, Vol. 2, pp. 59-60)

NARRATION 5

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) stated:

“Upon the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa), many ignorant Muslims became apostates. It is recorded in history that there were only three places remaining where prayers were being offered at the mosques in congregation. Similarly, many people in the land refused to pay the Zakat. They claimed that after the Holy Prophet (sa), how could anyone have the right to take Zakat from them. When this uprising spread across the whole of Arabia and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) decided to strictly deal with such people, Hazrat Umarra and various other companions came to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) (and as has been mentioned earlier) they said, ‘This is a very sensitive time and even the slightest of negligence can result in a great loss. Therefore, we suggest that we should not contend with such a large enemy. And we should treat those who do not wish to pay the Zakat with leniency.’ Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stated, ‘Whoever amongst you is fearful can go wherever they please. By God, even if not a single one of you stands with me in support, I will still go and fight against the enemy. Even if the enemy were to enter Medina and kill my relatives and friends and even if the dogs were to drag the corpses of women through the streets of Medina, I shall still fight against them. I will continue to fight against them to the point that they give in Zakat even the rope they tied the feet of their camels with which they previously used to give in Zakat.’ Thereafter, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) bravely fought against the evil ploys of the enemy and was ultimately granted victory. This is because he believed that this was a task that only he could carry out. That is why when the companions presented their suggestions, he stated that whether they stood in support of him or not, he was ready to fight against the enemy even on his own and would not stop until his life was sacrificed in the way of God Almighty.”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further stated:

“Thus, a nation which instils such level of resolve in them, they always succeed and the enemy cannot stand against them.”

(Qaumi Taraqqi ke Do Aham Usul, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 19, p. 75, 76)

This is the secret to the success of nations which one has to always be mindful of.

NARRATION 6

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) stated:

“After the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa), when thousands of people in Arabia became apostates owing to their disagreement on the issue of Zakat and Musailimah was going to attack Medina, at that time Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), who was the Khalifa, was informed that Musailimah, along with an army of a 100,000, was coming to launch an attack on Medina. At the time, some people suggested to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) that since they were passing through a sensitive period and owing to a disagreement on the issue of Zakat people were becoming apostates and Musailimah had arrived with such a large force, therefore it would be wise that in light of the situation they should initially establish peace with those were refusing to pay the Zakat. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), however, did not worry even in the slightest about the dangers and said to those who were presenting these suggestions, ‘Are you trying to convince me to do something which goes directly against the commandment of Allah the Almighty and Messenger (sa) of Allah? The commandment of Zakat is from God Almighty and His Messenger (sa), thus it is incumbent upon me to do everything I can to defend this commandment of God and His Messenger (sa).’ The companions once again suggested that in light of the situation, it would be better to establish peace with them. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stated, ‘If you do not wish to fight and cannot muster the strength to fight against the enemy then you may leave and sit in your homes. By God, I shall continue to fight the enemy on my own to the point that they give even the rope to tie the legs of the camel which they were supposed to give for Zakat. I will not establish peace with them until I am able to convince them to pay the Zakat.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further states:

“This is the hallmark of true faith.”

(Hamare Zimma Tamam Dunya Fatah Karne ka Kam hai, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 18, p. p. 458)

And this indeed is faith. If we instil this within ourselves then we can spread the true message of Islam and will, insha-Allah, be successful.

NARRATION 7

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) states:

“After the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa), the tribes of Arabia rebelled and also refused to pay the Zakat. The argument they presented was that no one aside from the Messenger (sa) of Allah had the right to collect the Zakat. Allah the Almighty addresses the Holy Prophet (sa) and states:

“‘O Muhammad! Take Alms out of their wealth.’ They [i.e. the rebels] said that it is not written anywhere that Zakat was to be taken after the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa). Although this verse directly addressed the Holy Prophet (sa), nonetheless, the Muslims did not accept their argument. The biggest argument presented by those people who became apostates at that time was that nobody other than the Holy Prophet (sa) had the right to take the Zakat. The reason they fell into this error was that they did not consider those commandments related to administrative matters to be followed permanently; rather, they thought that those commandments were limited to the time of the Holy Prophet (sa).”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further says:

“This notion is absolutely false; just as the commandments pertaining to offering prayers and fasting did not stop at the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa), likewise, those commandments which were related to administrative and social matters did not finish with the Holy Prophet (sa). Just like prayer in congregation, which is a collective worship, it is necessary that these commandments are also established amongst the Muslims through the representatives of the Holy Prophet (sa).”

(Khilafat-e-Rashidah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 15, p. 30, 31)

NARRATION 8

On another occasion, Hazrat Musleh Maud (ra) says:

“When the Holy Prophet (sa) passed away and Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was appointed as the Khalifa, at that time, all of Arabia became apostates. Aside from Mecca, Medina and a small town, everyone stopped paying the Zakat and said, ‘Allah commanded the Holy Prophet (sa):

خُذۡ‮ ‬مِنۡ‭ ‬أَمۡوَالِهِمۡ‭ ‬صَدَقَةً

“‘“Take alms out of their wealth.” And so no one else has the right to take Zakat from us.’ Thus, all of Arabia became apostates, and they began preparations for war.” They did not simply become apostates, they also made preparations for war. “In the time of the Holy Prophet (sa), even though Islam was weak, the Arab tribes would attack individually. At times, one tribe would attack and at times another. During the Battle of Ahzab [confederates], when the disbelievers gathered together to attack the Muslims, by that time Islam had gained some considerable strength, but it had not gathered enough strength that the Muslims would feel at ease from future attacks. Subsequently, when the Holy Prophet (sa) went to conquer Mecca, at that time, certain Arab tribes joined him to assist him. In this manner, God instilled a passion within the enemies gradually, lest they gain strength and take over the entire land. However, in the time of Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), all of Arabia became apostates at once; aside from Mecca, Medina and a small town, in all other places, the people refused to pay the Zakat and they gathered an army for battle.” They not only refused to pay the Zakat, they also set out for war with an army. “In some areas, they even had an army of 100,000. However, the case of the Muslims was that they only had an army of 10,000 and that too was departing for Syria. This was the same army that the Holy Prophet (sa) had instructed to march upon Byzantine lands and appointed Usamah (ra) as the commander of the army. Aside from this, the only people left behind were the elderly, the weak or a handful of youths. Upon witnessing this situation, the companions thought that during the time of rebellion, if the army of Usamah (ra) departed, there would be no means of safeguarding Medina. Thus, a delegation consisting of the distinguished companions went to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra).” This has been mentioned before as well – “they submitted that the sending of the army ought to be delayed for some time, and when the rebellion is quashed, then it could be sent. They said that sending the army in such circumstances was perilous. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said in a very angry tone, ‘Do you wish that the first command issued by the son of Abu Quhafah after the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa) is to stop the army that was commanded by the Holy Prophet (sa) himself?’ Nonetheless, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said, ‘This army will be sent and I will certainly make sure of it that it departs as instructed by the Holy Prophet (sa). If you are afraid of the enemy forces, then leave my side. I will fight against the enemy on my own.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further says:

“This [statement] was grand proof of the verse:

يَعۡبُدُوْنَنِيْ‭ ‬لَا‭ ‬يُشۡرِكُوْنَ‭ ‬بِي‭ ‬شَيۡـًٔا

“‘Believers will worship Allah and not associate anything with Him.’”

This refers to those people who remain firmly attached to Khilafat. This is that system which has been established through Khilafat, and this shall continue to exist.

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) further says:

“The second issue was pertaining to Zakat. The companions said to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), ‘If you do not wish to stop the army from leaving, then do this much that you should form a temporary pact with them and tell them that Zakat will not be taken from them this year, then during this time, their frenzy will subside and there will be a way to put down this dissension.’ Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) said, ‘This will not happen at any cost’”; he did not accept this advice of theirs either. “The companions then said, ‘If the army of Usamah (ra) departs and you do not temporarily reconcile with them [i.e. those who rebelled against paying Zakat], then who will confront the enemy? Only the elderly and weak remain in Medina, and there are only a handful of youths here, how can they contend with an army of hundreds of thousands?’ Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied, ‘My dear friends! If you are helpless against them, then Abu Bakr will set out to fight them alone.’”

Hazrat Musleh-e-Maud (ra) says:

“This is the claim of an individual who was not an expert in the art of war, and was the statement of the one who was generally considered to possess a weak heart. Then how did he develop such courage and bravery and from where did such conviction come? It stemmed from the fact that Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) understood that he had been appointed to the station of Khilafat by God Almighty and to fulfil this task was his responsibility. Thus, it was his duty to confront them and it was up to God Almighty whether or not He bestowed victory. If Allah willed to grant him victory, then He would surely grant them victory; and if He did not wish to grant victory to them, then even the entire army would not succeed.”

(Khilafat-e-Rashidah, Anwar-ul-Ulum, Vol. 15, pp. 543-545, Qadian, 2008)