Page:William Muir, Thomas Hunter Weir - The Caliphate; Its Rise, Decline, and Fall (1915).djvu/42



at last returned from his foray; and Medīna was at once relieved from further danger. The fifth of the booty (reserved by sacred ordinance for the State) was delivered to the Caliph, and by him distributed among the people. The expedition had served its purpose of satisfying Abu Bekr's conscience, and perhaps also of throwing dust in the eyes of the hostile Bedawīn by making them believe that he was stronger than he really was.

Abu Bekr lost no time in now following up the advantage he had already gained over the insurgents. Driven back from Dhuʾl Ḳaṣṣa they had retired to Ar-Rabadha, and vented their anger in destroying by cruel deaths some faithful followers of the Prophet still left amongst them there. Deeply moved at their fate, Abu Bekr took an oath "that he would by the like death destroy as many of them as they had slain, or even more."

Leaving Usāma in command of the City and also of the army left there for a little to recruit, Abu Bekr with a small force marched out towards Ar-Rabadha. The chief men expostulated against his going forth to fight in person. Were a Commander killed in action, his place could easily be filled; but if the Caliph fell, their head and master would be gone. "Nay," replied Abu Bekr; "but I will go forth, and will be your comrade even as one of your own selves." So they marched on, and coming up with the enemy completely discomfited them, killing some, 15