📚 Source: https://jscenter.ir/judaism-and-islam/jewish-intrigue/5507

#️⃣ Wars of the Caliphs and the Benefit to the Jews

The wars of the Caliphs can be divided into two main categories: internal wars and external wars.

🕌 A. The Ridda Wars (Wars of Apostasy)

Historically, all internal conflicts after the Prophet ﷺ with tribes around Madinah were labeled as “Ridda” wars — implying apostasy. However, many of those killed were Muslims who never denied Islam or the obligation of zakat, but refused to pay zakat to Abu Bakr, questioning his legitimacy as ruler.

🔹 Reasons for Refusal:

Many tribes remembered Ghadir Khumm and the Prophet’s appointment of Imam ʿAli (عليه‌السلام).

Key companions like Salman, Ammar, Abbas, Miqdad, and Sa’d ibn ʿUbada did not recognize Abu Bakr’s rule.

Tribes preferred to distribute zakat locally rather than send it to a ruler they viewed as politically, not divinely, appointed.

🔹 Evidence from Sunni Sources:

1. Some Companions opposed fighting zakat refusers, urging patience until faith grew in their hearts.

2. Abu Bakr himself admitted they prayed but withheld livestock as zakat.

3. Historians confirm many Ridda fighters prayed regularly, proving they were Muslims.

4. ʿUmar initially questioned the legitimacy of fighting them, acknowledging their Islam.

5. Tribes cited Qur’ān 9:103, saying zakat should go to someone whose prayer brought them peace — i.e., the Prophet ﷺ, not Abu Bakr.

🔹 Case of Mālik ibn Nuwayra:

A respected Companion, praised by the Prophet ﷺ as a man of Paradise.

Killed by Khalid ibn al-Walid for refusing zakat to Abu Bakr.

Khalid burned his head in a cooking fire and took his wife the same night.

Abu Bakr justified Khalid’s actions as ijtihad.

🔮 B. Wars Against Claimants to Prophethood

Some claimants, like Musaylima and Sajjah, emerged during or shortly after the Prophet’s lifetime.
These were distinct from the Ridda wars, as some claimants may never have truly embraced Islam.

⚔ C. Expansionist Wars (Foreign Conquests)

The Caliphs launched wars against non-Muslim states such as Persia and Rome — wars never sanctioned by the Imams.

📜 Key Points:

The Prophet ﷺ never waged offensive wars; his battles were defensive.

Imam ʿAli (عليه‌السلام) halted all conquests during his rule.

True offensive jihad requires the explicit permission of the infallible Imam or his appointed representative.

Imams forbade participation in conquests led by unjust rulers, considering them non-Islamic wars.

💬 Imam Jaʿfar al-Sadiq (عليه‌السلام) said:

“By Allah, if these wars were for good, no one could have preceded us in them.”

✍ Conclusion:
The so-called Ridda wars were, in many cases, political suppression disguised as religious duty. Many victims were faithful Muslims opposing an illegitimate authority — not apostates. Expansionist conquests lacked divine legitimacy and were rejected by the Prophet’s rightful successors.

#IslamicHistory #RiddaWars #Caliphs #ImamAli #HistoricalTruth #Zakat #FalseProphets #IslamicConquests

✅ @rahyafte_en