HAZRAT ABU BAKR AS - SIDDIQUE (RADI ALLAH ANHU)
First man to accept Islam
Hazrat Abu Bakr was a firm friend of the Holy Prophet & knew him better than any other man. His honesty, nobility, truthfulness & trustworthiness, had great attraction for Abu Bakr. When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) disclosed to him secretly about the revelation of Allah, Abu Bakr accepted it immediately without having the slightest doubt. In this way he was the first adult free man to believe in the Holy Prophet's Mission & became his confidant. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) once spoke about this, "When I invited people towards Allah, everybody thought over it & hesitated, at least for a while, except Abu Bakr who accepted my call the moment I put it before him & did not hesitate even for a moment." When he accepted Islam, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) was very pleased.
Da'wat (Invitation) towards Allah
As soon as he had accepted Islam he started the work of Da'wat (Invitation towards Allah) first secretly & then openly when it was so allowed by the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). First he went to Usman, Talha, Zubair & Said (Rizwanullah alaihim 'Ajma'in). They accepted Islam on his preaching. Next day he went to Usman bin Maz'un, Abu'Ubaidah, Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf & some other prominent Quraish. They also accepted Islam at his hands. In the first instance eight prominent figures accepted Islam at the hands of Hazrat Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (Radi Allah Anhu). Among them was Hazrat Usman, the third Caliph of Islam. In this way he was the first Muslim, after the Holy Prophet, to preach Islam & to invite people towards Allah in a very fruitful way. The main reason for his success was his popularity among the Meccans because of his honesty, nobility, trustworthiness, good morals & fair dealings.
Even though he was so much respected yet he was not spared & disbelievers of Mecca did their best to harass him.
When the number of Muslims reached 39, Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) asked the permission of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) to invite people openly. On his persistent request the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) gave his consent & all of them went to Haram (the Holy Mosque or Ka'bah) for Tabligh (Preaching). Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) gave a Khutbah (Sermon) which was the first ever delivered in the annals of Islam. Hazrat Hamzah accepted Islam the same day. When disbelievers & idolators from amongst Quraish heard it they fell on the Muslims from all sides. Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) despite the fact that he was considered to be the noblest of all the people in Mecca, was besmeared with blood. He was kicked, thrashed with shoes, trampled under feet & handled most roughly & savagely. He became unconcious & half-dead. This is the place to observe his extreme love for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) that when he gained consciousness & opened his eyes in the evening he first enquired. "How is the Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam)?" His deep love for the Holy Prophet, really, was the main cause of his success. His love & respect for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) was unbounded.
On another occasion the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) was offering his Salat in the Ka'bah, Abu Jahl came & put a sheet of cloth around his neck & twisted it hard in order to strangle the Holy Prophet to death. Hazrat Abu Bakr saw this, he at once came & pushing Abu Jahl aside took off the piece of cloth around the neck of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). He then said, "Do you want to kill such a gentle person who is a Messenger of Allah & declares Allah as the Cherisher & Sustainer." Then Abu Jahl & other enemies of Islam fell upon Abu Bakr & beat him severely.
Abu Bakr gets the title of As-SIDDIQ
The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) had Mi'raj (Ascension) in the 10th year of his Mission. He narrated his Ascension to the people in the morning. Some of them came to Abu Bakr & said, "Have you listened to your friend (the Holy Prophet)? He is claiming that he visited Jerusalem & the Sublime Throne in the heavens last night & talked with Allah Almighty. Would you believe it?" Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) immediately replied. "If he said so then it is an absolute Truth". They again said, "Do you believe that he visited all these places & came back within a small part of night?" He again replied. "Of course I believe in it & I believe in the things which are farther than it, i.e., the news of Hell & Paradise". For this the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) named him as-Siddiq i.e., the most Truthful & sincere person in Faith not having even slightest doubt. Of course Abu Bakr's faith was so strong that nothing could shake it.
Building of the Prophet's Mosque
There was an urgent need for building a mosque at Medina & a house for the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) & his family. The land which was selected for this belonged to two orphans. Their guardians wanted to give the land for the mosque free of charge but the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) did not accept their offer & asked Hazrat Abu Bakr to pay the price of the land. Thus Hazrat Abu Bakr became the first Muslim to spend most of his money for the cause of Allah at Medina. He participated in the construction of the mosque like an ordinary labourer with other Muslims.
Participation in the Holy Wars
He fought in almost all the battles along with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). In the first battle of Islam at Badr he was with the Holy Prophet like a shadow. His own son, who had not embraced Islam by that time, was fighting on the side of Quraish. After he accepted Islam he said to Abu Bakr one day, "Dear father! I found you twice under my sword at Badr but I could not raise my hand because of my love for you". "if I had got a chance", Abu Bakr replied, "I would have killed you". It was Abu Bakr's suggestion on which the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) decided to release the prisoners of war after taking ransom.
In the battle of Uhud when some of the Muslims were running away, Abu Bakr was firm & when the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) was brought on the mountain after being injured, he was with him.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) was the first companion to accept the peace plan of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) without any hesitation at Hudaibiyah when all the Muslims insisted upon fighting. Even a Muslim like Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) hesitated to accept the treaty with the non-believers of Mecca but Hazrat Abu Bakr fully supported the Holy Prophet's decision.
Imam of Holy Prophet's Mosque
Since his arrival at Medina the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) himself led the Salats at his mosque all the time. This was really a high office & was not given to anybody in the presence of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). A few months after his return from the Farewell Pilgrimage (AI-Hujjatul-Wida’) in IO A.H., the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) fell ill. A time came when he was unable to move a&d could not go to the Mosque to lead the Salat. He had to appoint someone as the Imam & this honour fell to the lot of Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr's daughter, lady 'A'isha (Radiallahu Anha) was one of the most beloved wives of the Holy Prophet Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). She knew that Hazrat Abu Bakr was a soft hearted man & it would be rather hard for him to replace the Holy Prophet(Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) in the Salat. So she pleaded with the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) to excuse Hazrat Abu Bakr from this duty but the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) did not change his decision even though he was requested three times.
During those days once Abu Bakr was not present at the time of congregational Salat. Somebody asked Hazrat Umar to lead the Salat. The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) after hearing the voice of Hazrat Umar enquired about the Imam & when he found that Abu Bakr(Radi Allah Anhu) was not leading he was annoyed & said, "Nobody will lead the Salat besides Ibn Abu Qahafa (i.e. Hazrat Abu Bakr)". Then Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) was called but by that time Hazrat Umar had completed the Salat. The Salat was repeated by the order of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) & Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) led it.
During his sickness, the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) once felt some relief & went for Zuhr Salat, supported by Hazrat Ali & Hazrat Abbas (Radi Allah Anhu). His face beamed with joy & full satisfaction on seeing Abu Bakr leading the Salat. Sensing the presence of the Holy Prophet, (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) Abu Bakr wanted to step back but the Holy Prophet stopped him & sat down by his side. After the Salat the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) gave his last address: "Allah offered one of His servants the choice of the life on this earth & a life with Him. But the servant accepted the latter". Hearing this tears came out of Abu Bakr's eyes & rolled down to his beard. He thought of the inevitable separation from his Beloved Master (the Holy Prophet). Most of the people did not understand the meaning of Holy Prophet's address & they were surprised at Abu Bakr's crying.
Early in the morning of the last day of his life, the Holy Prophet's condition became suddenly better for a while. As the apartment was just adjoining the Mosque, he raised the curtain & observed the Muslims busy in Salat under the Imamat (leadership) of Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu). A smile lit up the pale face of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam). Seeing the sign of the Holy Prophet's recovery the people in the Mosque lost control over themselves in sheer delight. They might have fallen out of the file but the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) asked Hazrat Abu Bakr to lead the Salat & he went inside & let the curtain fall.
On the occasion of Tabuk expedition Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) brought everything that he possessed. When the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) asked him, "What did you leave for your family?" Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) said, "I have left for them Allah & his Prophet". Even Hazrat Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) admitted that he could never hope to surpass Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) in his sacrifice for the cause of Allah & Islam.
Abu Bakr chosen as the First Khalifah
The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) did not nominate his successor & left the choice of his deputy or viceroy (Khalifah) to his Ummah (followers). There were two groups of Muslims in Medina viz., Muhajirin (the Immigrants from Mecca), & Ansar (Helpers i.e., Medinites). After the death of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam), Ansar (Medinites) gathered in a big Hall of Medinah known as "Saqifah-i-Bani Sa'idah" to discuss the appointment of a Khalifah. Hazrat Abu Bakr & Hazrat Umar with other prominent Muhajirin (Immigrants) were in the Mosque. When they were informed about the gathering of Ansar, Hazrat Abu Bakr & Umar also went there accompanied by a number of eminent Muhajirin like Hazrat Abu 'Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah. Since Hazrat Ali & Hazrat Zubair (two prominent figures among Muhajirin) were not present at the spot, they could not go to the gathering.
Much discussion was going on in the gathering of the Ansar about the selection of a Khalifah. Some of the leading Ansar wanted a Khalifah from amongst the Ansar. When Hazrat Abu Bakr heard it, he said. "We acknowledge the sacrifices of Ansar for Islam. You really deserve to have a Khalifah from amongst yourselves, but Arabs will not agree on any "Amir" (Chief of other than a person from the Quraish." Hearing Hazrat Abu Bakr another Ansari, Khabab bin Mundhar stood up & said, "Let there be two Amirs (Khalifahs) then, one from amongst Quraish & another from amongst Ansar." On this Hazrat Umar stood up & said, "This is not at all possible. There would be great confusion because of two Amirs." Hazrat Khabbab bin Mundhar did not agree with Umar & there was a hot talk between them. Hazrat Abu 'Ubaidah tried to cool them down. Then another Ansari Hazrat Bashir bin an-Nu'man (Radi Allah Anhu) stood up & said, "The Holy Prophet belonged to the Quraish tribe. Quraishites have preference over others. All the Arabs would agree on them. Therefore a Khalifah must be from amongst them. We do not want any dispute with Muhajirin in the matter of Khilafat. We the Medinites are Ansar (Helpers) & we would prefer to remain Helpers of Allah & His Holy Prophet (Sallaliahu alaihi wa Sallam)." Another Ansari Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (Radi Allah Anhu) also supported this view & said, "There should be a Khalifah from amongst Muhajirin (Quraishis). We Medinites were Ansar (Helpers) of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) & would remain Ansar (Helpers) of his Khalifah as well." A number of Ansar then supported this view & there was general satisfaction in the council over the selection of a Muhajir (Quraishi) Khalifah. Seeing this Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) stood up & said, "I propose the name of Umar & Abu Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah for this post. Select anyone of these two men as your Khalifah." But both of them refused & Hazrat Umar said, "Abu Bakr is the best of all of us because Allah has mentioned him in the Holy Qur'an saying: "The one amongst two in the cave" (9:40). He further said, Abu Bakr excelled at every occasion during the life of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). He deputised the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) in leading Salats, he was appointed the Chief of Haj caravan. As such he is the fittest person to be the Khalifah." Hazrat Abu Bakr still hesitated but Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) & Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit Ansari held his hand & took pledge of loyalty (Bai'at). Then Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah & Hazrat Bashir bin an-Nu'man Ansari also took pledge of loyalty at his hands. Seeing this people from all the sides rushed to pledge loyalty to Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) as the first successor of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam).
Next day a general pledge of loyalty (Bai'at) was taken by the Muslims in the Mosque of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). Thus Hazrat Abu Bakr assumed the greatest office, after the office of prophethood & became the first Khalifah of Islam. He gave his first address as a Khalifah in the mosque after the general "Bai'at" "O people! I have been selected as your Trustee although I am no better than anyone of you. If I am right, obey me. If I am misguided, set me right. Of course truth is honesty & a lie is dishonesty. The weakest among you is powerful in my eyes until I do not get him his due, Insha-Allah (If it should please Allah). The most powerful among you is the weakest in my eyes until I do not make him pay due rights to others Insha Allah. Allah sends down disgrace on those people who give up Jihad in the path of Allah. Allah surely sends down calamities on such people who indulge in evils.
"I ask you to obey me as long as I obey Allah & His Messenger (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). If I disobey Allah & His Messenger you are free to disobey me. Now come & offer Salat."
In his short address, Hazrat Abu Bakr showed the role of an exemplary Khalifah of Islamic Government. No doubt Islamic Government means: "Government of Allah & His Prophet, by His obedient servants for the benefit of the people in this world & in the Hereafter."
About thirty three thousand people took pledge of loyalty (Bai'at) at the hand of Hazrat Abu Bakr in the mosque. The selection (or Election) of Hazrat Abu Bakr is a pointer towards Islamic Democracy & furnishes example for selection of a Leader for Ummat-e-Muslimah (Muslim Community) till the Day of Judgement.
Hazrat Ali took pledge of loyalty a few months later because he was busy in collecting various parts of the Holy Qur'an. Some other reasons have also been given for his delay in "Bai'at'' which are ignored here.
As-Siddiq al-Akbar passes away
After a fortnight's illness, As-Siddiq al-Akbar passed away at the age of 61 on Tuesday, the 22nd Jamad al-Akhira, 13 A.H. (23rd August 634 A.D.). Before his death he said to his daughter Lady Aisha (Radi allahu 'Anha), "Do not use new cloth for my shroud. Wash the sheet in my use & wrap my corpse in it". His wish was acted upon. His next wish was to pay all the money he got as salary for Caliph from "Bait-ul-Mal" (The Public Treasury) after selling his garden. He said, I did not like to take anything from the "Bait-ul-Mal but Umar pressed me to accept some allowance so that I would be relieved of my occupation & devote my full time to the duties of the Khilafat (Caliphate). I was left no choice but to accept the offer". After his death 'Aisha asked Hazrat Umar to take over that garden as desired by her father. Umar remarked: "May Allah bless him. He left no chance for any body to open his lips against him".
Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) was a rich merchant before his Khilafat. After he was selected as Caliph, Hazrat Umar & some other Companions put pressure on him to leave his business & accept some allowance from the Baitul Mal. He took the least possible amount which was hardly sufficient for him & his family. Once his wife wanted to prepare some sweet dish & somehow saved something after one month. When she brought to him the money to make purchases for the sweet dish, Hazrat Abu Bakr said, "It seems that we have been over-paid, beyond our needs". He then deposited the saving in the Bait-ul-Mal & she was not able to prepare the sweet dish. Not only this he got his allowance cut down for future by the amount saved by his wife.
As-Siddiq al-Akbar left behind a noble example of selfless service. He lived & worked for the sake of Islam to his last breath, but sought no reward.
Wives & Children
Wives
His first wife was Qatilah bint Abdul Aziz who bore to him Abdullah and Asma (Radi Allah Anhu). His second wife, Umm-e-Ruman gave birth to Lady Aisha (Radi Allah Anha), the most beloved wife of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam), & Abdur Rahman (Radi Allah Ahnu). Besides these two he also married Asma & Habibah (Radi Allah Anha).
Abu Bakr, a Saviour of Islam
As-Siddiq al-Akbar took the office of Caliphate (Khilafat) at the most crucial & critical moment of Islamic history. He gave Islam a new life after the death of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam). Islam, in its infant stage, when he was entrusted with the responsibility to Caliphate, was threatened by rebellions, rise of false prophets & apostasy movements. He crushed all the futile powers because of his unshakeable faith. No amount of difficulties could make him deviate from the Sunnah (Path) of the Holy Master. He brought unity among the Muslims & crushed all the rebellions. In view of his great service for the cause of Islam at that critical moment when there was a lot of confusion, Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) may rightly be called the Saviour of Islam.
It was in the time of Abu Bakr that Islam started to cross the Arabian borders. A major part of Iraq came under his rule & Muslim armies had captured many important cities of Syria. Thus Islam, the religion of whole mankind, started to be a world religion in his period.
Character & Piety
Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq al-Akbar (Radi Allah Anhu) was the most distinguished figure of Islam after the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). He was mild and gentle but stern when necessary. He was the true embodiment of Islam. Being diligent, wise, full of wisdom and a great statesman, he occupies a unique place in the history of Islam. His name would remain for ever in the minds of Muslims.
Hazrat Abu Bakr was the most pious Companion of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). He never took unlawful meal. Once one of his slaves brought for him some food to eat. He took a morsel out of it but afterwards he learnt that the slave got it as a result of soothsaying. He then remarked, "Ah! you would have surely killed me". He tried to disgorge it and when he did not succeed he drank water and then vomited the whole thing out. He never spoke any obscene language in any situation. Once he said a harsh word to Hazrat Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) which he realised later and asked him to forgive him. Hazrat Umar delayed in excusing him. He was so much perturbed that he went to the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) who asked Umar (Radi Allah Anhu) to excuse him.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) used to fear Allah most of all. Once he went to a garden where he saw a bird. He sighed deeply and said, "O bird! you are lucky indeed! you eat and drink as you like and fly but do not have fear of reckoning on the Day of Judgement. I wish that I were just like you". Sometimes he said, "I wish I were a blade of grass whose life ended with the grazing of some beast; or a tree that would be cut and done away with".
He was a great worshipper. It is said that Hazrat Abu Bakr (Radi Allah Anhu) used to perform Salat similar to that of the Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam). He was the one who spent all of his belongings for the sake of Allah and His Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam).
The Holy Prophet (Sallallahu alaihi wa Sallam) gave him the glad tidings of Paradise in these words: "Abu Bakr's name shall be called out from all the gates of Paradise & he will be the first person of my Ummah (people) to enter it".
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