Page 66 - Dilmun 33

Dilmun Magazine
Bahrain Historical and Archaeological Society Research 3

Abstract
Apostasy, in Islamic terminology, refers Muslims, however, cannot be described
to the act of renouncing Islam willingly, as apostates but rather as rebels.
whether through belief, speech, action,
or doubt. This definition is specific to The Sassanian Persian element, along
Muslims and does not apply to others. with mercenaries from the Zutt and
The apostasy movement began during Siyabijah communities, played a
the lifetime of the Prophet Muhammad significant role in supporting this
(peace be upon him) before his passing, movement, pursuing their interests in
driven by personal ambitions and the the region and fostering their animosity
desire for power and dominance. It toward Muslims. Their involvement
persisted after his death, fueled by included spreading misguidance and
external hostility, promises of kingship aiding people in abandoning Islam after
and authority, as well as the ignorance having embraced it. The Persian leader
of some Muslims who succumbed in this movement was Al-Mukabber,
to tribalism and tribal loyalties. while the leader of the apostates
was Al-Hutam Shuraih ibn Dubai’ah,
The apostasy movement lacked a both of whom met their demise.
specific geographical starting point,
as self-proclaimed prophets arose in Despite these challenges, the tribes of
various regions with their own followers. Bahrain, particularly ‘Abd al-Qays, Bakr
This movement was met with a military ibn Wa’il, Banu Tamim, and others, stood
response, strategically directed by the firm against the apostates and rebels.
first Caliph, Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Their resistance was instrumental in
Allah be pleased with him), and executed defeating the movement. Abu Bakr Al-
by the Companions of the Prophet Siddiq dispatched Al-Ala’ Al-Hadrami to
(peace be upon him) and their armies. lead the military campaign, joined later
by Khalid ibn Al-Walid. The campaign
Apostasy manifested in different forms: unfolded in three stages, each marked
some abandoned Islam entirely, others by significant efforts and actions,
refused to pay zakat while continuing to culminating in a decisive victory for the
pray, and some followed false prophets Muslims. This victory eradicated the
who claimed affiliation with Islam apostasy and rebellion, restoring Islam›s
despite their clear deviation. This was dominance in Bahrain.
also the case in Bahrain, where some
tribal members renounced Islam, either
out of deception or tribal zeal. Non-

65 The Apostasy Movement in Bahrain and Its Effects (12-11 AH / 633-632 CE)