No turning back on the decision of the Prophet

No turning back on the decision of the Prophet

1993 10 October 6 No turning back on the decision of the Prophet (210) During his last days on this earth, the Prophet dispatched against the Romans an army of 3,000 men, amongst whom were some of the leading Companions. Usama ibn Zayd-a relatively young man-was appointed to command the force. At the time of the Prophet’s death, when Abu Bakr became Caliph, the army commanded by Usama was still on its way. Assessing the new situation, he felt that the need of the hour was to combat the renegades who were now posing a threat to Medina, so he asked Umar ibn Khattab to go to the Caliph, Abu Bakr, and seek his permission for the army to return to Medina. Abu Bakr’s response was: “Even if dogs and wolves come to devour me, I am still not going to change an order given by the Prophet himself.” Umar then repeated the rest of his message: “The Medinans asked me to convey to you that they want a commander who is older than Usama.” Abu Bakr, who had been seated at the time, jumped up at these words and caught hold of Umar’s beard. “Son of Khattab,” he addressed him, “May your mother be rid of you! The Prophet himself appointed Zayd. How dare you tell me to displace him!”

(Al-Bidayah wa al-Nihayah)