The Army of Osama bin Zayd, who waz Osama bin Zayd?
*The of Usama bin Zayd: The First Campaign of Caliph Abu Bakr Siddiq*
After the demise of the Holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Muslim Ummah faced its most critical test. The Arabian Peninsula was in turmoil. Tribes were apostatizing, false prophets had emerged, and the Romans were preparing on the northern borders.
In this delicate situation, the first Caliph, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه, made a decision that would define the strength of the nascent Islamic state: to send forth the Army of Usama bin Zayd رضي الله عنه, an army whose departure had been ordered by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ himself.
*Who was Hazrat Usama bin Zayd?*
Hazrat Usama bin Zayd رضي الله عنه was the son of Hazrat Zayd bin Haritha رضي الله عنه, the freed slave and beloved companion of the Prophet ﷺ. He was known as "the beloved son of the beloved."
Usama was the last commander appointed by the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. At the age of 18, he was given command over an army that included senior companions like Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنهما.
The objective of this army was Syria, to confront the Romans and to avenge the defeat at Mu’tah. The expedition was prepared during the final illness of the Prophet ﷺ, but it was halted due to his passing.
*The Situation After the Death of the Prophet ﷺ*
The death of the Prophet ﷺ created immense grief and political instability.
1. *Apostasy (Ridda):* Tribes across Arabia, except Makkah, Madinah, and Taif, renounced Islam and withheld Zakat.
2. *False Prophets:* Musailamah al-Kadhdhab in Yamamah, Tulayhah in Banu Asad, and others claimed prophethood.
3. *External Threat:* News reached Madinah that the Romans were mobilizing on the borders of Syria.
The Ansar and Muhajireen were watching Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه closely. They needed a sign that the Caliph had the courage to uphold the Prophet’s ﷺ commands despite the chaos.
*The Departure of Lashkar-e-Usama*
When Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه decided to dispatch the Army of Usama, many companions advised him to postpone it.
They argued: "O Caliph! Apostasy is spreading everywhere and Madinah itself is under threat. Delay this expedition and first deal with the internal rebellions."
But Abu Bakr’s response became a landmark of leadership and obedience to the Sunnah. He swore:
*"By Allah, even if the wild beasts were to drag me away in Madinah, I would still dispatch the army that the Messenger of Allah ﷺ ordered to be dispatched."* (Tarikh al-Khulafa by Imam Suyuti, p. 71)
He ordered all designated soldiers to gather at al-Jurf, a camp near Madinah.
Following the order, the companions assembled under the banner of Usama. In an extraordinary display of humility, Abu Bakr Siddiq رضي الله عنه walked on foot beside Usama’s mount to bid farewell.
Usama said: "O Caliph, either you ride or I will dismount."
Abu Bakr replied: *"Neither will I ride, nor do you need to dismount. There is no harm in me walking a few steps with you in the path of Allah."*
This act silenced all doubts about Usama’s young age and affirmed Abu Bakr’s commitment to the Prophet’s ﷺ decision.
*The Ten Instructions of Abu Bakr to Usama*
Before the army departed, Abu Bakr gave Usama ten commandments that became the foundation of Islamic military ethics. He said:
1. *Do not betray.*
2. *Do not lie.*
3. *Do not break a promise.*
4. *Do not kill children, old men, or women.*
5. *Do not cut down or burn fruit-bearing trees.*
6. *Do not slaughter camels, sheep, or cattle except for food.*
7. *When you pass by people devoted to worship, leave them alone.*
8. *Begin meals by saying Bismillah.*
9. *Do not harm the monks and priests.*
10. *Fight in the name of Allah against those who disbelieve in Allah.*
(Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol 2, p. 1850; History of Islam by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi, Vol 1, p. 292)
After giving these instructions, Abu Bakr returned to Madinah and took Hazrat Umar رضي الله عنه with him for consultation regarding internal affairs.
*The Campaign and Its Success*
Usama bin Zayd رضي الله عنه led the army into the lands of Syria. The Romans and their allied tribes, upon hearing of the Muslim force, were struck with fear. Several tribes surrendered without a major battle.
The campaign demonstrated military discipline and moral conduct. The army returned to Madinah after 40 days with substantial booty and prisoners.
Hazrat Abu Bakr personally came out of Madinah to welcome the returning army. (Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol 2, p. 562)
*The Strategic Results of the Expedition*
The success of the Army of Usama had far-reaching effects:
1. *Deterrence:* The rebels like Tulayhah and Musailamah realized that the Muslim state was still strong and could not be easily defeated.
2. *Economic Boost:* The booty obtained helped finance the upcoming Ridda Wars.
3. *International Message:* External powers, especially the Romans, understood that the Muslims were not weakened by the Prophet’s ﷺ death. The idea of attacking Madinah was abandoned.
4. *Precedent for Leadership:* Abu Bakr’s firmness established that the commands of the Prophet ﷺ would be followed regardless of circumstances.
Historians agree that this was the most crucial decision of Abu Bakr’s caliphate. Had he delayed the army, the morale of the Muslims would have collapsed and the enemies would have grown bolder.
*Lessons from the Expedition*
Imam al-Tabari records that this event taught the Ummah three principles:
1. *Obedience to the Sunnah* even in times of crisis.
2. *Ethics of War* as laid down by the first Caliph.
3. *Trust in Young Leadership* – Usama’s success proved that capability, not age, determines command.
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*Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)*
*Q1: Why did Abu Bakr insist on sending Usama’s army despite the threat of apostasy?*
A: Because it was the last command of the Prophet ﷺ. Abu Bakr believed that abandoning the Prophet’s order would be a greater harm than the internal threats. His decision showed complete trust in Allah and obedience to the Sunnah.
*Q2: How old was Usama bin Zayd when he was made commander?*
A: He was approximately 18 years old. Despite his young age, he was chosen by the Prophet ﷺ and his leadership was validated by the successful campaign.
*Q3: What were the 10 instructions given by Abu Bakr?*
A: They were about honesty, fulfilling promises, protection of non-combatants, not destroying trees or livestock unnecessarily, respecting religious people, and fighting only for the sake of Allah.
*Q4: How long did the campaign of Usama last?*
A: The expedition lasted about 40 days. The army went to the region of Balqa in Syria and returned safely to Madinah.
*Q5: What was the impact of this campaign on the Ridda Wars?*
A: The successful return boosted Muslim morale. It created fear in the hearts of the apostates and gave Abu Bakr the resources and confidence to begin the Wars of Apostasy.
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*References:*
Sahih Bukhari,
Sahih Muslim,
Tarikh al-Tabari Vol 2,
Tarikh al-Khulafa by Imam Suyuti,
History of Islam by Akbar Shah Najeebabadi Vol 1,
Bihar al-Anwar
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