Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA)

Abu Bakr (RA) was born in Makkah two years after the birth of the Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). His parents belonged to the clan of Banu Taim. Even before entering Islam, Abu Bakr(ra) was well known for his manners, knowledge and wisdom. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Whenever I invited anyone to accept Islam, he argued with me and rejected my words at the outset except the son of Abu Quhafah (Abu Bakr). He accepted it immediately and stayed steadfast in it.”

The assistance given by Abu Bakr (RA) to the Prophet in Allah’s cause created a strong bond between them. Many muslims had migrated to Madinah to escape the persecution in Makkah. Abu Bakr(ra) expressed his wish to migrate (Hijrah) to Madinah but the Prophet(pbuh) always asked him to wait a while. The Prophet (pbuh) said: “Do not do so yet. May be Allah will send a companion to be with you when you migrate.” The companion of Abu Bakr (RA) during migration would be none other than the Prophet (pbuh) himself.

Abu Bakr (RA) settled with the Prophet and other migrants in Madinah. Abu Bakr (RA) had accepted the Prophet’s (pbuh) proposal to marry his daughter, Aishah (RA) after the death of the Prophet’s (pbuh) wife, Khadija (RA).This marriage added to the strong relations between the Prophet(pbuh) and Abu Bakr (RA). Abu Bakr (RA) fought alongside the Prophet(pbuh) in the battles of Badr, Uhud, Khandak and the peaceful conquest of Makkah. His support to the cause was steadfast throughout his life.

During his illness, the Prophet(pbuh) ordered all doors leading to the mosque to be closed except the door of Abu Bakr (RA). He said: “I found no one best among my Companions other than Abu Bakr (RA). However my relation with Abu Bakr (RA) is that of a close friend, Islamic brotherhood and faith until Allah raises us together.”

Unlike other muslims who were shocked by the news of the death of the Prophet(pbuh), Abu Bakr (RA) remeained calm and stressed the fact that would live forever, even the Prophet (pbuh). He reminded them of the following verse in the Holy Quran, “Muhammad (pbuh) is no more than a messenger: many Were the messenger that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then Turn back on your heels? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to Allah; but Allah (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve Him) with gratitude.” (The Holy Quran, Chapter 3, verse 144).  On hearing this, the muslims came back to their senses and the situation was brought under control.

After the Prophet’s (pbuh) death, Abu Bakr (RA) was chosen as the Caliph. All the people supported electing Abu Bakr (RA) as the Caliph. Abu Bakr (RA) said the following words, setting the rule for his government.

“O people! I swear by Allah that I never wanted to be a Caliph or wished to be so. It is a big task that you put on my shoulders. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Prophet (pbuh). When I disobey Him and His Prophet (pbuh), do not obey me.”

During his Caliphate, he quelled the rebellious people who tried to break away from the Ummah (Muslim Coummunity) and reassert their former ways thereby completing the unification of the Ummah. Abu Bakr (RA) was known to be a very tender hearted man who was merciful even to the enemies of Islam. He loved his family but the cause of Islam was dearer to him than anything else which is evident by several incidents couple of which are mentioned below.

• After taking over the Caliphate, Abu Bakr (RA) went to market to sell some clothes for his living. Seeing this, Umar (RA) took him to the public treasurer and set him an annual salary to cover his needs.

• It is reported that his wife once asked him to increase his share of sugar because she wanted to make some pudding to which Abu Bakr (RA) refused. therefore, she tried to save some quantity out of the monthly lot to fulfill her desire. When she had fulfilled that desire, she brought him the pudding. He immediately told the treasurer that his lot of sugar should be reduced because the quantity spared was not needed.

No one among the Companions of the Prophet (pbuh) excelled Abu Bakr (RA) in terms of support of Islam. He usually gave the larger portion of his wealth for the cause of Islam. May Allah bestow his mercy on Abu Bakr (RA) for the services he rendered to Islam and the muslims.

Also Read:
Prophet Muhammad (SAW) : Eternal Rest