Musaylimah al-Kadhdhab
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Musaylimah (known in historical sources by the name Maslama ibn Habib) was a leader of the Banu Hanifah tribe, which inhabited the Yamama region in central Arabia (in what is now known as the Al-Qasim/Riyadh area of Saudi Arabia). He became known for claiming prophethood around the time of or near the end of the life of the Prophet Muhammad. Islamic historical sources call him 'al-Kadhdhab', meaning 'the liar'; this epithet was applied by his opponents and was not a name he used of himself.
Musaylimah's significance in history centers on his role in the conflicts known as the Ridda Wars (wars of apostasy), which took place following the death of the Prophet Muhammad in 632 CE. Many Arab tribes refused to pay the alms tax (zakat) to the new state in Medina, and some followed leaders who claimed prophethood. Musaylimah was the most powerful of these claimants, as he commanded a large tribal following and controlled fertile, revenue-generating land.
Origins and the beginning of his claim
Islamic historical sources report that a delegation from Banu Hanifah came to Medina, with Musaylimah either accompanying them or remaining in Yamama. He then claimed to share prophethood with the Prophet Muhammad, proposing that the land be divided: one part for Quraysh and one part for Banu Hanifah. It is reported that he sent a letter to the Prophet Muhammad presenting this matter, and the response was rejection. Musaylimah also composed rhymed utterances (sajac) in the style of the Quran; this was among the reasons some people followed him while others rejected him.
The Battle of Yamama
When Abu Bakr became the first caliph, he sent armies to subdue the tribes that rejected Medina's authority. An army under Khalid ibn al-Walid engaged in a fierce battle in Yamama, known as the Battle of Yamama (also called the Battle of al-Aqrab or the Garden of Death in some sources). Musaylimah was killed in this battle, and his forces were scattered. Afterward, Banu Hanifah submitted to the rule of the Medina state.
Historical significance
The Battle of Yamama is noted for the large number of Qur'an memorizers (hafiz) who died in it. Historical reports state that this was among the reasons Umar ibn al-Khattab urged Abu Bakr to compile the Quran into a single written text. Likewise, Musaylimah's rebellion demonstrated that the Medina state wielded power over central Arabia, paving the way for later expansion.