New-York tribune. [volume] (New York [N.Y.]) 1866-1924, 1892-04-03

Sir William Muirs Life of Mahomet" is fifty
followed by a history of the Caliphate Based
upon Arabian annals and histories this is the hrst
book upon the subject in English taken from orig
ional sources; and no more competent oriental
scholar than the author could have been chosen
for the work. In his preface Sir William points
out that the materials out of which our story IS
woven differ entirely from those for the biography
of Mahomet Fol- that. every incident OF his lie,
and every phase of his character is illustrated by
lnyriads of traditions of all degrees OF cremollty-
authoritative, uncertain, or fabulouS-each tradl-
ton separate and independent generally short and
complete in Itself. AT his death the curtain drops
upon the lifelike scene Tradition colapses,
and the little that remains is curt and meagrc Oh
the chief Companions indeed from their connec-
tions with the Prophe. We have sufficient notice,
and special prominence is given to the lives of the
first four Caliphs. But tradition instead of being
as before. congeries of separate statements. now
assumes the form of connected narrative and event
ually the style of ordinary annals and though
there is now aid then an exception as in fhc NIL
mute and prOfuse description of such battles as
Cadesia, the Camel and Tiffin, the story as rule
becomes bald and jeune."
On the deatli-of the Prophet, Islam was thrown
into imminent peril lie had named no successor
On his death-bed he had indeed directed that Abu
Bekr should lead in prayer; but il by no means
followed that he was 10 take the place of Mahomct
The men Of Medina were in confusion. Candl-
dates began 70 appear in several directions lhere
were already parties in Medina, and outside The
sacred city tribal jealousies prevented any irm
cohesion throughout Arabia. NO sooner had the
news of the Prophets death been spread abroad
than disaffection began to show itself in many OF
the tribes The choice OF Caliph lay between
xbroo hu Hol, omar
fell. after some negotiation and hesitation, upon
the first of the three Abu Bekr entered Office with
the pious determination TO follow the Prophets
will in all things Just before he fell sick Mahomct
had ordered an expedition to the Syrian border. to
avenge the MoSem disaster of three years
before on the field of Muta. Though the present
prospect was stormy; though every day was bring
ing fresh disturbing news of outbrcalings OF dis
loyalty and resolves TO cast off the yoke of Islam
though the departure of the army for Syria woud
leave Medina defenceless and almost certainly in
wife attack upon the city, AbU Bekr determined
that the dead Prophets wishes should be Obeyed
and promptly dispatched the troops despite the re-
monstrances and strong opposition Of Omar and
Abu Obeida.
Osama, in command of the N1Oslem forces, was
victorious and after an absence Of two months the
army returned laden with spoil. Meantime Medina
taken by Abu Be,,r in sending Off the army struck
the Bodoun mind forcibfy. It appeared TO the
Arabs that the new Caph must be confident of
the stability of his rule, and that The leaders at
Medina must have felt their own strencth sufficient
to protect the city without the army. Yet the
situation was critical On all sides the Arabs were
rising in rebellion. Apostacy was lie. Christians
and Jews were beginning TO hold up their heads
More and more widely tribute was refused. False
Prophets came TO tie 'front.' and in some districts
tie folloewrs OF thee impostors massacrcd the
Faithful. But AbG- Bekr did not quail or lose his
head Calling in the few faithful tribes in the
vicinity, posting pckets, organizing the citizens
he prepared 10 hold Medina until Osama returned
with the army. Not jot or little of concession
would he make to the rebels, moreover. 4 depu-
tation offered TO hold by Islam and its ritual if
only they were excused the 1.-THE The Caliph re-
jected the proposal with indignation. If We with.
hold but the tether Of tithcd camel said he
sharply, II will fight with you for the same
Shortly after some experimental raids on Medina
were attempted, but Abu Bclr beat them off, and
inflicted sharp blow in retaliation. Then tithes
began to come in again. The stanchnesS Of the
old Caliph was having its effect. As the tradition,
cited by Sir William, has it: ION the death of
Mahomct it wanted but little and the Faithful
had persisted utterly. But the Lord strengthened
the heart of Abu Bekr and established US thereby
in the resolve to give place, not for one moment
TO the apostates; giving answer 20 them but in
three words-Subniission, Exile, or the Sword
But for the simple faith and high courage of The
first Caliph. Islam might have persisted in the
throes of birth.
At the close Of the first year after Mahomet's
death, Islam consolidated as it had never been
before. Abu Bekr's thorough policy broke down
all oDnoSition and tromnle1 ouf all roholi;on
The disafected tribes were made to realize that
choice must indeed be made between SUBJ
mission, exile, or the sword. No mercy
was shown the stubborn and the scbis-
matte. Expeditions were GENT agairst the
apostate tribe throughout Arabia Khalid and
Osama won victory after victory, and some under
desperate conditions; and at the period mentioned
the last embers of the rebellion were extinQushed
The imminent danger Of collapse which followed
the death of Maholnet well escaped, the policy Of
the Caliphate was directed TO the building up OF
Islam. The time had not yet come for the
evolution of the idea OF world-empire for the
faith, but the vigorous treatment Of neighbOring
peoples inevitably led TO ruptures, and as the
standard of Islam was advanced, and the wild
desert tribes perceived and great opportunities
Tor plumber, they poured forth their columns in
myrisds. This was the age of Arab simplicity
and hardhood The MOslcms were as q rule more
tnan a uatcn in the field for the best troops Of
the neighborng countries. Persia had passed her
full strength. Luxury had sapped the manhood
of her princess and mobiles. When, therefore, the
new faith and the old came into collision, the
OF Iran succumbed, and the Faithful came
into possession of undrcamel-of wealth
When the Fifth-the 1.-THE Of all spoil-was
sent 10 Medina from the battleelds of Persia, the
simple Arabs were amazed at its extent ana value,
and the constant acquisitions of the Moslem
manders for more troops were eagerly and promptly
met. But the inevitable consequences of sudden
enrichment followed Luxury entered with
wealth, and with luxury q growing
.ef1eminacy. The Arabs who had done service IN
Persia learned to prefer the comforts and pleasures
Sof the conquered country TO the serlity and