The Chaliphate - Muir - The Search For Mecca

A.D. 632] 'OMAR AXD ABU 'OBEIDA
7
KJiazmj, jealous of each other as \vc have seen. Reside A.H. n.
these were the Refugees, those namely who had followed
Mohammad in exile from Mecca or elsewhere, and were now
settled at Medina, Again, Companion was a title of honour
given to all those who had enjoyed the special friendship
of the Prophet. A few words may also be added here to
revive the reader's recollection of the three Companions
who turned the scale at the election of the Caliph.
Abu Bekr, threescore years of age, was somewhat short
in stature, of spare frame, rounded back, and stooping gait.
His face thin, smooth, and fair, nose aquiline and sharp,
forehead high, eyes deep seated and far apart. His hair
scanty ; the beard, for many years white, now dyed red.
His countenance stfll in old age handsome
;
the expression
mild, but wise and resolute. To him faith in the Prophet
had become a second nature and, now that his Master was
gone, the disciple lived but to fulfil his will. It was this
that nerved a disposition naturally soft and yielding, and
made Abu Bekr, of all the followers of Mohammad, the
truest, firmest, and most resolute.
Abu Bekr.
'Omar, fifteen years younger, differed from Abu Bekr 'Omar,
both in frame and temperament. Broad shouldered and
tall, he towered above the crowd. Somewhat dark in
complexion, the face was fresh and ruddy. His head
was now bald ; the beard dyed like his friend's ; his stride
long and his presence commanding. Naturally hasty and
passionate, he would twist his moustache when angry and
d-'aw it downwards to his mouth. But time had mellowed
temper ; and, beneath an imperious manner, he was bland
and courteous. Attachment to Mohammad had, on these
two friends, an effect exactly opposite. That which braced
the soft nature of Abu Bekr, served but to abate the
vehemence of 'Omar. Both stood in a like relation to
the Prophet, Hafsa, 'Omar's daughter, was one of
Mohammad's favourite wives ;
but 'Aisha, the child of Abu
Bekr, was Queen in his affections to the end.
On these two men at this moment hung the future of Abu 'Obeid.
Islam. The third, Abu 'Obeida, was between them in age.
Thin, tall, and sinewy, he was bald and with little beard.
Mild, unassuming and unwarlike, Abu 'Obeida was yet
destined to take a leading part in the conquest of Syria.