The Ridda wars, or the Wars of Apostasy were a set of military campaigns against the rebellion of several Arabic tribes against the Caliph Abu Bakr during 632 and 633 AD, following the death of Muhammad. The revolts, in Islamic Historiography later interpreted as religious, were in reality mainly political. However, these revolts also had a religious aspect: Medina had become the centre of a social and political system, of which religion was an integral part; consequently it was inevitable that any reaction against this system would have a religious aspect.

After the death of Muhammad, central Arabia was led by Musaylima of the tribe of Banu Hanifa, who was considered by the Muslims to be a false prophet, while to the south and east in Bahrain, Oman, Mahra and Yemen. The desert landscape forced the army to traverse around the Empty Quarter, and required reliance on local guides who would be able to find wells required for the army and commanders who were affiliated with local tribes.