Dealing With the Refusal to Pay Zakat

Write an account of the campaign led by Abu Bakr R.A. against the tribes refusing to pay Zakat. 

After the demise of the Prophet S.A.W., Hazrat Abu Bakr R.A. was appointed the first successor. During the early years of his caliphate, he encountered several challenges. It was a dire situation; among other issues, the refusal to pay Zakat from some Madinite tribes was a considerable concern that had to be resolved. There were multiple reasons for Zakat’s rejection.  

The Prophet S.A.W had completely united the Hejaz region, mainly comprised of Makkah, Madinah and Taif. The tribes in Arabia’s eastern, southern, central, and northern areas had recently embraced Islam. However, despite signing treaties of political alliance, several tribes had not entirely embraced Islam. Tribes in the ring of Madina, Banu Asad, Banu Ghatafan, Banu Thalba, Banu Marrah, Banu Abbas and others also adhered to and pledged loyalty to Islam. Regardless, their allegiance was also based on diplomacy rather than true faith. After the demise of Prophet S.A.W., these tribes deemed their alliances were hooked to the head of the state solely, leading them to return to their former status of independence. Their deep-seated love of pre-Islamic practices, tribal loyalties and a lack of understanding of religious texts were the reasons. They claimed that Islamic teachings were inflexible and oppressive.

Besides, most of the rebel tribes favoured maintaining their tribal identities, while the Prophet S.A.W.’s strategy was to replace all identifying markers with the Islamic common faith, following the Quran’s teaching that “Believers are a single brotherhood.” 

Yet, it was unacceptable for the rebel tribes to remain allied under one executive head of state by abandoning their original tribal allegiance. Many tribes were apostatized from Islam and denied to pay Zakat, even though they offered daily prayer.  

Since Usamah’s army had left Madina for the Syrian front, rebellious tribes took advantage of the situation and dispatched a delegation to meet with Abu Bakr R.A. They believed that since the Prophet S.A.W had passed away, their allegiance had ended, and now the Madina authorities should have a renewed agreement with them. They intended to get relief for Zakat under the new pact. Abu Bakr R.A. treated the delegation with utmost respect and said he would reply after conferring with his advisors.  

When faced with this issue, Abu Bakar R.A. instantly called a meeting of the “Majlis e Shura” (advisory council) to discuss it. The council members suggested granting their demands. In contrast, Abu Bakr R.A.’s perspective was more diverse than the suggestions received. He believed Zakat is an obligatory duty upon all, so it could not be waived or no concession could be offered in obligation. He heard the varied suggestions and viewpoints from Prophet S.A.W.’s companions before making a conclusive decision. The companions of the Prophet S.A.W., particularly Umar R.A., urged waiting and hoping their faith would grow over time. Abu Bakr R.A. turned down Umar R.A.’s suggestions as well. Abu Bakar R.A. stated, “I swear by Allah, I will fight alone, if others do not support me, against anybody, who so ever refuses a single she goat-kid due on him Zakat.” (Sahib Buhari) 

Abu Bakr R.A. reasoned Islam was an oath with God, as God exists, faith could not be made subject to any conditions. It is not a political tax that could be equated to prayers. Abu Bakr’s judgement, hence, was that under the circumstances, he had no choice left but to refuse the demands of the tribes. 

Subsequently, Abu Bakr R.A. convinced Umer and his other companions and gained their trust. Addressing the ambassadors, Abu Bakr R.A. declared in clear terms: “Under the circumstances, if with reference to Zakat, you withhold even as much as a string to tie a camel, as the Caliph of the Holy Prophet, it will be my duty to fight for it whatever the consequences. I will be prepared to face all risks, but I cannot be a party to the compromising of Islam on any fundamental issue.”

Abu Bakr R.A. was determined to stand firm and refuse to compromise on Islam. He straightforwardly stated to the ambassadors that Zakat had to be paid, and refusal of it implied apostasy. Further, he informed his final decision to fight against non-payers. On the rigorous response of Abu Bakr R.A., the rebellious tribes set up an attack on Madina. At the moment, most of the Muslim troops were in Syria, and there was hardly any fighting force in Madina. It was an ideal situation for rebellious tribes. Most of their tribes were led by Banu Ghatafan, Tayy and Hawazin, stationed around Madinah at Dul-Qissa and Dul Hissa. 

On the other side, discovering the situation, the Caliph, Abu Bakr R.A. raised a small army, split it into three columns and appointed Hazrat Ali R.A., Hazrat Talha and Hazrat Zubayr as commander of each column. He led this army by himself. After gathering intelligence reports of movements in tribes of Zul Hissa, He marched with his small army towards Dhl Hissa to take hold from where the attack was expected. The tribes launched their attack at midnight. They believed it an easy victory, yet the enemy was surprised by Abu Bakr’s attack. Many tribesmen fell victim to the swords of the Muslims; the rest fled in utter confusion.

In a counterattack of the Muslims in Dul Hissa, the tribes met an initial success against the Muslim army. Nevertheless, the Caliph soon reorganized his army to establish a surprise attack on Dul-Hissa. The tribal forces were unaware of it, so they retreated to Dul Qissa. 

The Muslims chased them to Dul Qissa. There was a battle at Dul Qissa, which the tribal force could not withstand. After some resistance, the tribes broke rank and returned to Abraq. 

Meanwhile, the Muslim army under Usamah R.A.’s command returned from Syria. Once again, Abu Bakr R.A. proceeded with his army to Abraq. Abu Bakr R.A. led this force, and Nau’man bin Muqarrin’s troops joined them. They made a decisive attack. The tribal forces couldn’t withstand this attack and were dispersed. They were discouraged because of their leaders’ death.

Eventually, Muslims defeated the apostate army and confiscated their land. Thereupon, tribes sent their delegations to Madina to offer allegiance to the Caliph and express their willingness to pay Zakat.