The First Caliphate: Abu Bakr as-Siddiq
From the death of the Prophet ﷺ to the death of Abu Bakr, 11–13 AH: how the community held together, and what the first khalifah decided.
Updated 1 November 2026
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About 1 hourtime it takesThis is Part 1 of Islamic History, a free weekly read from Jamia Hafs on the history of the Muslim community from the Hijrah onward. It begins on the day the Prophet ﷺ died and covers just over two years, until the death of Abu Bakr in 13 AH (about 634 CE).
The book tells what happened at Saqifah Banu Sa'idah, what Abu Bakr said in his first speech, why he sent the army of Usamah, and how he met the Riddah, the revolt of the tribes, and the false prophets. It also tells how the Qur'an was first gathered into one volume and how the first campaigns beyond Arabia began.
It does not retell the personal life of Abu Bakr. Every statement carries a reference, and reports from the early historians are marked as reports.
How to use it well
- 1Where this series begins
The Hijrah and the Hijri calendar
- 2Ten years in Madinah
A short outline before the Prophet's death
- 3The passing of the Prophet
Rabi' al-Awwal 11 AH
- 4What Abu Bakr said
Bukhari's account and Qur'an 3:144
- 5Saqifah Banu Sa'idah
The gathering and the choice of Abu Bakr
- 6The first speech
His words, consultation, governors and stipend
- 7The treasury and the Hajj
The bayt al-mal and the differing reports
- 8The army of Usamah
The Prophet's order and Abu Bakr's decision
- 9The tribes and zakat
The Riddah and his reasoning
- 10The eleven columns
Khalid, Buzakhah, Tamim and Sajah
- 11The false prophets
Al-Aswad, Musaylimah and Yamamah
- 12The collection of the Qur'an
Zayd ibn Thabit's first volume
- 13Beyond Arabia
Iraq and Sham in outline
- 14Illness and death
The choice of 'Umar, death and burial
What this part covers
- The death of the Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr's words
- Saqifah Banu Sa'idah and the pledge to Abu Bakr
- His first speech, his stipend and the first treasury
- The Riddah wars, the eleven columns and Yamamah
- The first collection of the Qur'an
- The first campaigns in Iraq and Sham, and his death
How to use it
Read the parts in order, since each one carries on from the last. The At a glance table at the end gives the dates of 11–13 AH. Next Sunday, in sha Allah: Part 2, 'Umar and the Great Conquests.
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Frequently asked questions
Who was the first khalifah of Islam?
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, chosen by the Companions after the death of the Prophet ﷺ in 11 AH. He ruled for about two years and three months. (Bukhari 3667–3668, 6830)
What were the Riddah wars?
Wars against Arab tribes that left Islam, followed false prophets or refused to pay zakat after the Prophet's ﷺ death. Abu Bakr's reasoning is recorded in Bukhari 1399, 1400, 6924 and Muslim 20a.
When was the Qur'an first collected into one volume?
After the battle of Yamamah (usually dated 12 AH), when many reciters were killed. Zayd ibn Thabit collected it at the order of Abu Bakr. (Bukhari 4986)
Where and when did Abu Bakr die?
In Madinah, on 22 Jumada al-Akhirah 13 AH (about August 634 CE), according to at-Tabari. He was buried beside the Prophet ﷺ. (Tarikh at-Tabari; Tabaqat Ibn Sa'd)
What is Islamic History?
A free weekly read from Jamia Hafs on the history of the Muslim community from the Hijrah onward, released every Sunday, with every statement referenced.
Is it free to print?
Yes. The PDF is free to download and print, in A4 or Letter size.
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