Abu Bakr said, "By Allah! If they (pay me the Zakat and) withhold even a young (female) goat which they used to pay during the lifetime of Allah's Messenger (ﷺ), I will fight with them for it." `Umar said, "It was nothing but Allah Who opened Abu Bakr's chest towards the decision to fight, and I came to know that his decision was right."
Obligatory Charity Tax (Zakat)
Sahih al-Bukhari 1456, 1457
Historical Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari concerns the critical period following the Prophet's death when several Arab tribes refused to pay Zakat, considering it merely a political allegiance to Muhammad rather than an enduring pillar of Islam.
Abu Bakr's Firm Stance
The first Caliph declared he would fight even over a single young goat withheld from Zakat, demonstrating that this obligation transcends personal allegiance and constitutes a fundamental divine command. His unwavering position preserved Islam's integrity during a vulnerable transition.
Divine Inspiration
Umar's testimony that "Allah opened Abu Bakr's chest" indicates this was not mere political calculation but divinely-guided judgment. The consensus of companions validated this as correct ijtihad (juridical reasoning), establishing Zakat's perpetual obligation.
Legal Implications
This incident established that denying Zakat's obligation constitutes apostasy, making military action obligatory upon the Islamic state. It distinguishes between inability to pay (excused) and denial of obligation (unbelief).
Scholarly Commentary
Classical scholars emphasize that Abu Bakr's stance preserved the five pillars' integrity. Ibn Hajar al-Asqalani notes this prevented the unraveling of Islamic law, while Al-Qurtubi highlights how it established the Caliph's duty to enforce religious obligations.