Caliph Abu Bakr Ash-Siddiq: Political Speeches And His Role In Fighting The Riddah

Abstract

The death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) in 11 AH/632 CE created a veil of power that threatened the stability of the Arabian Peninsula. Abu Bakr al-Siddiq was elected as the first caliph through a process held at the Saqifah Banu Sa'idah. The greatest challenge was not only succession, but the emergence of the Riddah phenomenon a rebellious movement by Arab tribes who refused to pay zakat or claimed to be false prophets. This study employed a qualitative research method with a library research approach. Data were obtained through a search of various Scopus-indexed international journals, books, scientific articles, and relevant academic documents from the past ten years. The data analysis technique used content analysis with a descriptive-critical approach. The results of this study examine a crucial phase in Islamic history after the death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), namely the caliphate of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq. The main focus of this study is an analysis of Abu Bakar's inaugural speech which laid the foundations of theocratic-participatory democracy, as well as the political-military policies in suppressing the Riddah (dissidents).