The dues rendered by the Mahometan. provinces, and the spoils of war, which
streamed from all quarters to Medina, were distributed mainly on these two
considerations. Shortly after the Prophet's death, when the tithes came in,
Abu Bekr, with his wonted simplicity, called the faithful together, and
divided the income equally amongst them all, men, women, and children. In the
first year it yielded 9, and in the second year 20, dirhems to each. Under
Omar the revenue increased enormously, and he established an Exchequer with a
civil list (Dewân). The stipends were then arranged according to the above
considerations. First came the Widows and immediate relations of Mahomet, to
each of whom was assigned the annual allowance of 12,000 dirhems ; the
veterans of Bedr drew 5000 ; other converts who had thrown in their lot with
Islam before that battle, 4000 each; their children, 2000 ; and so on, by
regular gradation, each was classified in proportion to the strength of claim.
Indeed, Omar seems at one time to have conceived the idea of bestowing
largesses upon the whole Arab nation, but the intention was never carried into
effect. The fruits of Mahometan conquest outside the Peninsula were at the
first enjoyed by Mecca and Medina alone; and so continued until the Holy
cities were gradually superseded by other centres of power and influence. Thus
the Dewân, or Civil list, of Omar, an official register accessible to the
public, afforded the traditionist a sure guide to the names, and partially
also to the descent, of all who held a place in the history of the first days
of Islam.
