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The term ridda or 'apostasy' refers to the rejection of Islam in many parts of Arabia which followed hard upon the death of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In the Emirates this period is associated in particular with the revolt of Laqit b. Malik Dhu at-Taj at Dibba. Whether this was based on genuine religious values, fiscal concerns at having to pay the poll-tax, or political rivalry with the Julanda who had embraced Islam, we do not know. Certainly there are different versions of the Dibba affair. According to al-Baladhuri, the caliph Abu Bakr sent Hudhaifah b. Mihsan al-Makhzumi to deal with Laqit who was captured at Dibba and killed in battle. Thereupon most of the Azd returned to Islam.
Salil Ibn Razik's History of the Imams and Seyyids of Oman, an Omani source, presents quite a different view. According to him, after Abu Bakr's troops arrived under the command of 'Ikrimah b. Abi Jahl, Laqit's forces were attacked with the help of Azd troops, a Himyarite contingent, and some troops of the 'Abd al-Qays from northeastern Arabia. Some 10,000 rebels are said to have been killed in a major battle at Dibba, while booty and prisoners were taken as well. Thereafter Hudhaifah was left in the region to make sure no further rebellions occurred.
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