7.2 Policies in Maintaining and Expanding the State

Main Content

Introduction

The Rightly Guided Caliphs — Hazrat Abu Bakr RZ, Hazrat Umar RZ, Hazrat Uthman RZ, and Hazrat Ali RZ — ruled the Islamic state after the passing of Prophet Muhammad PBUH. Each of them worked hard to keep the state strong, united, and growing. Their policies covered two main areas:

• Maintaining the state — keeping internal order, justice, and good governance
• Expanding the state — spreading the boundaries of the Islamic empire through military campaigns

The most detailed and significant policies come from the caliphate of Hazrat Umar RZ, who is considered one of the greatest administrators in Islamic history.

SECTION 1: POLICIES FOR EXPANDING THE STATE

A. Wars Against the Persian (Sassanid) Empire

2. Battle of the Bridge / Battle of Jasr (October 634 AD)

• The Persians sent a massive army under a general named Bahman.
• The Muslim army, led by Abu Ubaid ibn Mas'ud al-Thaqafi, crossed the River Euphrates using a bridge of boats — a decision made against the advice of his officers.
• Once across the river, the Muslims were trapped between the Persians (who had war elephants) and the river behind them.
• The Arab soldiers had never faced elephants before and were terrified.
• The Muslim cavalry was overwhelmed; Abu Ubaid ibn Mas'ud al-Thaqafi was martyred when an elephant trampled him.
• One Muslim soldier cut the boat bridge, making retreat impossible.
• Eventually, a new commander, Hazrat Musanna RZ, ordered the bridge rebuilt and managed to save the survivors.
• Out of 9,000 Muslim soldiers: around 3,000 survived, 2,000 fell in battle, 2,000 drowned, and 2,000 fled.