The Name And Title
Hazrat Abubaker Siddiq Radi Allahu Anhu was the first caliph of the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). His previous name was Uthman and when he entered in the fold of Islam, the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) called him as Abdullah.
The Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) gave him the title of Al-Atiq, which means “freed” (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). Imam Hakim and Tirmizi Rahmatullahi Alaihima narrate from Aisha Radi Allahu Anha that Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu came to the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). The Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said,” O Abu Bakr! (anta atiqun minan naar) You are free from the fire of Hell.”
He was given the title of As-Siddiq too which means true person. Allama-Jalaalud-deen Sayyuti Rahmatullahi Alaihi writes in Tareekhul Khulafa that Abubakr Radi Allahu Anhu was titled As-Siddiq because he was famous in his truthfulness in the period of ignorance as mentioned Imam Sudi and according to some narrations, he was called Siddiq because of testifying the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) in the matter of ascension (miraj).
Imam Hakim Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates that the pagans of Makkah came to Abu Bakr Siddiq Radi Allahu Anhu and said, “do you know that your friend (Muhammad May Blessings and Peace be upon him) thinks that he has been journeyed from Makkah to Baitul Muqaddas in the short period of last night.” Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu asked, ”Is it sure that he says so?” They replied, “yes.” Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu replied them, “No doubt, he spoke the truth and I testify him more than this about the news of skies, day and night.” This is why he was given the title of As Siddiq.
Imam Hakim Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates from Annizal bin Subra that we said to Ali Radi Allahu Anhu,”O Ameeral Mumineen! Tell us about Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu.” He Radi Allahu Anhu replied,”He was such a person whom Allah subhanahu wa taala called him Al Siddiq by the tongue of Jabriel alaihis salam and the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him), he was the caliph of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) in leading prayer. The Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) made him our leader in our religious affairs (Prayer and Hajj) so we accepted him as a caliph in our wordly affairs too.
Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates by Anas Radi Allahu Anhu that The Prophet ascended the mountain of Uhud and Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Uthman Radi Allahu Anhum were accompanying him. The mountain gave a shake (i.e. trembled underneath them joyfully). The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said, “O Uhud! Be calm.” I think that the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) hit it with his foot, adding, “For upon you there are none but a Prophet, a Siddiq and two martyrs.”
This hadith also clearly shows that the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) given him the title of As-Siddiq. He Was The Chastest Person In The Period Of Ignorance.
Imam Abu Nuaim Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates by Aisha radi Allahu anha that Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu had made drinking wine unlawful for himself in the period of ignorance (Jahiliah).
Imam Ibnu Asakar narrates from Abul Aaliah Arriyahi Rahmatullahi Alaihi that once Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was asked in the gathering of the companions of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him), “Have you ever drunk?” He replied, “I seek refuge of Allah subhanahu wa taala from drinking.” He was further asked, “Why?” He said, “I saved my honor and protect my esteem because whoever drinks he loses his honor and esteem.” When this news reached to the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). He (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) testified it two times saying, “Undoubtedly, Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu spoke the truth, Undoubtedly, Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu spoke the truth.”
Acceptance Of Islam
Imam Tirmizi and Ibnu Habban Rahmatullahi Alaihima narrate from Abu Saeed Khudri Radi Allahu Anhu that Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu said, “Was I not most deserving person for caliphate? Was I not the first in Islam? Was I not the friend (of the Holy Prophet May Blessings and Peace be upon him) in such and such matter?”
Imam Ibnu Asakar Radi Allahu Anhu narrates from Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu Anhu that Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu became muslim, first of all, in men.
Imam Ibnu Khaisma Radi Allahu Anhu narrates with saheeh chain (Sanad) from Zaid ibnu Arqam Radi Allahu Anhu that the first man who prayed with the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him), was Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu.
Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates by Abu Ad Darda Radi Allahu Anhu that While I was sitting with the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu came, lifting up one corner of his garment uncovering his knee. The Prophet said (May Blessings and Peace be upon him), “Your companion has had a quarrel.” Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu greeted (the Prophet May Blessings and Peace be upon him) and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! There was something (i.e. quarrel) between me and the son of Al-Khattab. I talked to him harshly and then regretted that, and requested him to forgive me, but he refused. This is why I have come to you.” The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said thrice, “O Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu! May Allah forgive you.” In the meanwhile, ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu regretted (his refusal of Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu Anhu excuse) and went to Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu Anhu house and asked if Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was there. They replied in the negative. So he came to the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) and greeted him, but signs of displeasure appeared on the face of the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) till Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu pitied (‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu), so he knelt and said twice, “O Allah’s Apostle! By Allah! I was more unjust to him (than he to me).” The Prophet said,(May Blessings and Peace be upon him) “Allah sent me (as a Prophet May Blessings and Peace be upon him) to you (people) but you said (to me), ‘You are telling a lie,’ while Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu said, ‘He has said the truth,’ and consoled me with himself and his money.” He then said twice, “Won’t you then give up harming my companion?” After that nobody harmed Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu.
This narration clearly shows that Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was the first of all who accepted the message of Islam. However there are some others narrations which show that the first man in Islam was Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu Anhu and according to some other narrations he was Hazrat Zaid ibnu Haritha Radi Allahu Anhu, a freed slave of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) and according to some she was Hazrat Khadija radi Allahu anha, mother of the believers. Therefore all of the narration are contradictory with an other. The Greatest Imam Abu Hanifa Radi Allahu Anhu removes this contradiction saying that Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was the first man in Islam amongst all other men and Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu Anhu was the first child in Islam amongst all other children and Hazrat Zaid bin Haritha Radi Allahu Anhu was the first in Islam amongst all other slaves and Hazrat Khadija radi Allahu anha was the first woman in Islam amongst all other women.
Agent to the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him)
The Holy Makkah was conquered in the 8th year of Hijra. Kaaba was, for the first time, in the hands of Muslims. It had to be cleaned of the traces of idol-worship and the silly practices of pagan days. Hitherto pagan Arabs had done absurd things at the time of Hajj. They went around the House of Allah naked. They did many other foolish and unclean things. All this had to be stopped. The first Hajj under Islam fell in the ninth year of Hijra. The holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) was too busy at Medina shareef to lead the Hajj himself. So he sent Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu as his agent. He was to lead the Hajj in place of the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). Ali Radi Allahu Anhu was also sent after him with a new revelation about Hajj. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu delivered the Khutba (Sermon) of Hajj. Then Ali Radi Allahu Anhu stood up and read out to the people the commandments of Allah concerning the idol worshippers. From that year on, they were forbidden to enter the Kaaba. (Abstracted from Bukhari and Muslim)
Ever since he came to Medina, the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) himself led prayers in the Prophet’s (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) Mosque. It was an unusually high office which the Messenger of Allah himself filled. During his last illness, the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) could no longer lead prayers. He grew too weak to go to the mosque. He had to appoint someone to act in his place. This honor also fell to the lot of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu. Aisha Radi Allahu Anha, who was Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu Anhu daughter and a wife of the holy Prophet, (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) thought that the burden was too much for her tenderhearted father. She pleaded with the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) to excuse her father from this duty. But the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him)did not change his mind. Thus in the lifetime of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu came to fill the highest office under Islam. One day Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was away on some business and Omar Radi Allahu Anhu led the prayer in his absence. “This is not Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu Anhu voice,” remarked the ailing Messenger (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah Almighty. “No one but he should lead prayers. He is the fittest person for this high office.”
On the last day of his life, the condition of the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) became suddenly better for a while. It was early morning. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was leading the prayer in the mosque. The holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) lifted the curtain of his door and fixed his gaze on the worshippers. They were busy in prayer under Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu Anhu leadership. A smile lite up on the pale face of the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). He let go of the curtain, as his weak hand could no longer hold it. But he was happy at the thought that he had chosen the best man to fill his place.
Imam Muslim narrates that Anas Radi Allahu Anhu reported: The Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) did not come to us for three days. When the prayer was about to start. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu stepped forward (to lead the prayer), and the Apostle of Allah (may peace be upon him) lifted the curtain. When the face of the Apostle (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah became visible to us, we (found) that no sight was more endearing to us than the face of the Apostle (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah as it appeared to us. The Apostle (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah with the gesture of his hand directed Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu to step forward (and lead the prayer). The Apostle of Allah (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) then drew the curtain, and we could not see him till he died.
According to another narration he Radi Allahu Anhu led the people in the presence of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him).
Imam Muslim Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates that ‘A’isha Radi Allahu Anha reported: When the Messenger (A) of Allah was confined to bed; Bilal Radi Allahu Anhu came to him to summon him to prayer. He (the Holy Prophet May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said: Ask Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu to lead the people in prayer. She (‘A’isha) Radi Allahu Anhu reported: I said: O Messenger of Allah! Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu is a tenderhearted man; he cannot stand at your place (he would be so overwhelmed by feelings) that he would not be able to make the people hear anything (his recitation would not be audible to the followers in prayer). You should better order Umar Radi Allahu Anhu (to lead the prayer). He (the Holy Prophet) said: Ask Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu to lead people in- prayer. She (‘A’isha)Radi Allahu Anhu said: I asked Hafsa Radi Allahu Anhu to (convey)my impression to him (the Holy ProphetA)that Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was a tenderhearted man, so when he would stand at his place, he would not be able to make the people hear anything. He better order Umar Radi Allahu Anhu. Hafsa Radi Allahu Anha conveyed this (message of Hadrat ‘A’isha Radi Allahu Anhu) to him (the Holy Prophet). The Messenger (A) of Allah said: (You are behaving) as if you are the females who had gathered around Yusuf Alaihis Salam. Order Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu to lead the people in prayer. She (‘A’isha Radi Allahu Anha) reported: So Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was ordered to lead the people in prayer. As the prayer began, the Messenger (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah felt some relief; he got up and moved supported by two persons and his feet dragged on earth (due to excessive weakness).
‘A’isha Radi Allahu Anha reported: As he (the Holy Prophet May Blessings and Peace be upon him) entered the mosque. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu perceived his (arrival). He was about to with draw, but the Messenger (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah by the gesture (of his sacred hand) told him to keep standing at his place. The Messenger (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah came and seated himself on the left side of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu. She (‘A’isha Radi Allahu Anha) reported: The Messenger (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah was leading people in prayer sitting. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was following the prayer of the Apostle (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) in a standing posture and the people were following the prayer of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu.
Election of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu
The first problem before the people was the election of a new leader. There had to be a head of the State of things could not work. The need was too urgent to allow delay. Delay might have meant disorder and the undoing of all that the Messenger of Allah had done. The prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah subhanahu wa taala had died but the head of the state had to live on. The two big groups among Muslims were the Muhajirin (refugees from Makkah) and the Ansar (helpers or the people of Medina). The Ansar gathered together at Thaqifa Bani Saida, their meeting place, near the house of Saad bin Abada Radi Allahu Anhu. The talk naturally centered around the election of a Caliph. Saad, the Ansar leader, stood up and said that the Caliph must be from among them. Many voices seconded him. One man, however, stood up and said, “But how about the Muhajirin? They have perhaps a better claim.” “Then let there be two caliphs,” suggested someone, “one from among the Ansar and the other from among the Muhajirin.”
Someone told Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu what was going on at this gathering. He saw the need to act quickly or confusion might set in again. So taking with him a part of Muhajirin he went to Thaqifa Bani Saida. He addressed the gathering and said, “Both the Muhajirin and the Ansar have done great services to Islam. But the former were the first to accept Islam. They were always very close to the Messenger of Allah subhanahu wa taala. So, O Ansar, let the Caliph be from among them.” To this a man from the Khazraj tribe replied, “If you don’t want a Caliph from among us, let there be two Caliphs, one an Ansari and the other a Muhajir.” “That won’t work,” said Abu Obaida bin Jarrah Radi Allahu Anhu. “O Ansar, you are the people who made Islam strong now, don’t do anything that may undo your work.” Hearing this, another man said, “O Ansar, if we did anything for Islam, we did it to please Allah subhanahu wa taala and His Apostle A. We did not thereby oblige anybody. This should not be made a plea to win office. Listen, the holy Prophet
belonged to the Quraish tribe. The Quraish have a greater right to fill his place. By Allah, I do not think it right to quarrel with them over this matter. Fear Allah, and do not oppose them.” This speach of a man from among them silenced the Ansar. They agreed to have a Muhajir as the Caliph. So Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu said, “Friends, I think either Umar or Abu Obaida Radi Allahu Anhuma should be the Caliph. Chose one of these two gentlemen.” Hearing this both Umar and Abu Obaida Radi Allahu Anhuma jumped to their feet, and exlaimed, “O Siddiq, radi how can that be? How can anyone else fill this office as long as you are among us? You are the top man among the Muhajirin. You were the companion of the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) in the Thaur Cave. You led prayers in his place, during his last illness. Prayer is the foremost thing in Islam. With all these qualifications, you are the fittest person to be the successor of the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). Hold out your hand that we may pledge loyatly to you.” But Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu did not stretch out his hand. Umar Radi Allahu Anhu saw that delay might lead to the reopening of the whole question. That could easily create difficulties. So he himself took Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu Anhu hand and pledged loyalty to him. Others followed his example. Men from all sides rushed to pledge loyalty to the successor of the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu became Caliph by the general consent of the people. (Abstracted from Tareekhul Khulafa)
Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates the same incident with a change of some words Aisha Radi Allahu Anhu (the wife of the Prophet May Blessings and Peace be upon him) Allah’s Apostle died while Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was at a place called As-Sunah (Al-‘Aliya) ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu stood up and said, “By Allah! Allah’s Apostle is not dead!” ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu (later on) said, “By Allah! Nothing occurred to my mind except that.” He said, “Verily! Allah will resurrect him and he will cut the hands and legs of some men.” Then Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu came and uncovered the face of Allah’s Apostle, kissed him and said, “Let my mother and father be sacrificed for you, (O Allah’s Apostle), you are good in life and in death. By Allah in Whose Hands my life is, Allah will never make you taste death twice.” Then he went out and said, “O oath-taker! Don’t be hasty.” When Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu spoke, ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu sat down. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu praised and glorified Allah and said, No doubt! Whoever worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead, but whoever worshipped Allah, then Allah is alive and shall never die.” Then he recited Allah’s Statement: “(O Muhammad May Blessings and Peace be upon him) Verily you will die, and they also will die.” (39.30) He also recited: “Muhammad is no more than an Apostle; and indeed many Apostles have passed away, before him, If he dies Or is killed, will you then Turn back on your heels? And he who turns back on his heels, not the least Harm will he do to Allah And Allah will give reward to those Who are grateful.” (3.144)
The people wept loudly, and the Ansar were assembled with Sad bin ‘Ubada Radi Allahu Anhu in the shed of Bani Saida. They said (to the emigrants). “There should be one ‘Amir from us and one from you.” Then Abu Bakr, Umar bin Al-Khattab and Abu ‘baida bin Al-Jarrah Radi Allahu Anhum went to them. ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu wanted to speak but Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu stopped him. ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu later on used to say, “By Allah, I intended only to say something that appealed to me and I was afraid that Abu Bakr would not speak so well. Then Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu spoke and his speech was very eloquent. He said in his Statement, “We are the rulers and you (Ansars) are the ministers (i.e. advisers).” Hubab bin Al-Mundhir Radi Allahu Anhu said, “No, by Allah we won’t accept this. But there must be a ruler from us and a ruler from you.” Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu said, “No, we will be the rulers and you will be the ministers, for they (i.e. Quarish) are the best family amongst the ‘Arabs and of best origin. So you should elect either ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu or Abu ‘Ubaida bin Al-Jarrah Radi Allahu Anhu as your ruler.” ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu said (to Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu), “No but we elect you, for you are our chief and the best amongst us and the most beloved of all of us to Allah’s Apostle (May Blessings and Peace be upon him).” So ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu took Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu Anhu hand and gave the pledge of allegiance and the people too gave the pledge of allegiance to Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu.
The First Address
Allama Jalaalud-Deen-Sayyuti Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates with refrence to the famous historian Muhammad bin Ishaq that on the following day, Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu went to the Prophet’s (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) mosque where people took the general oath of loyalty. When this was over, Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu mounted the pulpit as the Caliph of Islam. Then he spoke to the gathering as follows:
“O people, I have been elected your leader, although I am not better than anyone from among you. If I do any good, give me your support. If I go wrong, set me right. Listen, truth is honesty and untruth is dishonesty. The weak among you are powerful in my eyes, as long as I do not get them their due, Allah willing. The powerful among you are weak in my eyes, as long as I do not take away from them what is due to others, Allah willing.”
“Listen, if people give up striving for the cause of Allah, Allah sends down disgrace on them. If a people become evil doers, Allah sends down calamities on them.”
“Listen, you must obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger. If I disobey Allah and His Messenger, you are free to disobey me.”
Such was the Magna Carta granted by the first Caliph of Islam to his people, on the first day of his rule, without their asking. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu showed by his example that in Islam government means the complete submission to Allah subhanahu wa taala and His last Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him).
Strongest faith in Allah subhanahu wa taala and the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him)
The faith of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was the stronger than all other companions Radi Allahu Anhum. The following narrations prove this fact.
Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates from Al-Miswar bin Makhrama and Marwan (whose narrations attest each other)
When Suhail bin Amr came, the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said, “Now the matter has become easy.” Suhail said to the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him)”Please conclude a peace treaty with us.” So, the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) called the clerk and said to him, “Write: By the Name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.” Suhail said, “As for ‘Beneficent,’ by Allah, I do not know what it means. So write: By Your Name O Allah, as you used to write previously.” The Muslims said, “By Allah, we will not write except: By the Name of Allah, the most Beneficent, the most Merciful.” The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said, “Write: By Your Name O Allah.” Then he dictated, “This is the peace treaty which Muhammad, Allah’s Apostle has concluded.” Suhail said, “By Allah, if we knew that you are Allah’s Apostle we would not prevent you from visiting the Kaba, and would not fight with you. So, write: “Muhammad (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) bin Abdullah.” The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said, “By Allah! I am Apostle of Allah even if you people do not believe me. Write: Muhammad (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) bin Abdullah.” (Az-Zuhri said, “The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) accepted all those things, as he had already said that he would accept everything they would demand if it respects the ordinance of Allah, (i.e. by letting him and his companions perform ‘Umra.)” The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said to Suhail, “On the condition that you allow us to visit the House (i.e. Ka’ba) so that we may perform Tawaf around it.” Suhail said, “By Allah, we will not (allow you this year) so as not to give chance to the ‘Arabs to say that we have yielded to you, but we will allow you next year.” So, the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) got that written.
Then Suhail said, “We also stipulate that you should return to us whoever comes to you from us, even if he embraced your religion.” The Muslims said, “Glorified be Allah! How will such a person be returned to the pagans after he has become a Muslim? While they were in this state Abu-Jandal bin Suhail bin ‘Amr Radi Allahu Anhu came from the valley of Makkah staggering with his fetters and fell down amongst the Muslims. Suhail said, “O Muhammad (May Blessings and Peace be upon him)! This is the very first term with which we make peace with you, i.e. you shall return Abu Jandal to me.” The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said, “The peace treaty has not been written yet.” Suhail, “I will never allow you to keep him.” The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said, “Yes, do.” He said, “I won’t do.” Mikraz said, “We allow you (to keep him).” Abu Jandal Radi Allahu Anhu said, “O Muslims! Will I be returned to the pagans though I have come as a Muslim? Don’t you see how much I have suffered?”
Abu Jandal had been tortured severely for the cause of Allah. Umar bin Al-Khattab Radi Allahu Anhu said, “I went to the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) and said, ‘Aren’t you truly the Apostle of Allah?’ The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said, ‘Yes, indeed.’ I said, ‘Isn’t our cause just and the cause of the enemy unjust?’ He said, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Then why should we be humble in our religion?’ He said, ‘I am Allah’s Apostle and I do not disobey Him, and He will make me victorious.’ I said, ‘Didn’t you tell us that we would go to the Ka’ba and perform Tawaf around it?’ He said, ‘Yes, but did I tell you that we would visit the Ka’ba this year?’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, ‘So you will visit it and perform Tawaf around it?’ ” Umar Radi Allahu Anhu further said, “I went to Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu and said, ‘O Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu! Isn’t he truly Allah’s Prophet A?’ He replied, ‘Yes.’ I said, ‘Then why should we be humble in our religion?’ He said, ‘Indeed, he is Allah’s Apostle and he does not disobey his Lord, and He will make him victorious. Adhere to him as, by Allah, he is on the right.’ I said, ‘Was he not telling us that we would go to the Kaba and perform Tawaf around it?’ He said, ‘Yes, but did he tell you that you would go to the Ka’ba this year?’ I said, ‘No.’ He said, “You will go to Ka’ba and perform Tawaf around it.” (Az-Zuhri said, ” ‘Umar Radi Allahu Anhu said, ‘I performed many good deeds as expiation for the improper questions I asked them.’ “)
2. The same thing happened on the occasion of Miraj, the ascension, when the people were not ready to accept this event and some of them lost their fiath he was Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu who testified the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him).
3. At Badr, one of Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu Anhu sons, who had not yet embraced Islam, was fighting on the side of the Makkans. Afterwards, when he became a Muslim, he one day said, “Father! at Badr you were twice under my sword. But my love for you held back my hand.” “Son!” remarked Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu, “if I had got that chance only once, you must have been no more.” (Tareekhul Khulafa)
These narrations show that Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu had complete faith in Allah subhanahu wa taala and His holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) and he had most powerful faith amongst all other companios Radi Allahu Anhum. Even Imam Baihaqi quotes, in Shabul Iman, the following saying of Umar Radi Allahu Anhu that if the faith of all muslims on the earth is weighed with the faith of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu, the faith of Abu Bakr will be heavier than the collection of all others.
The Bravery of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu
He was the most courageous and bravest among all companions. He accompanied the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) where no other could dare to accompany him. Allama Bazzar Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates in his Musnad, a book of hadith in which narrations are written by the names of narraters, that once Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu Anhu asked people, “Who is the bravest.” The people replied, “you are the bravest.” Hazrat Ali denied it and said, “I always fight with those who are equal to me. Therefore how can I be the bravest of all?” He further said, “You tell me who is the bravest?” They said, “You yourself inform us.” Hazrat Ali said, “The most courageous and the bravest is Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu. O people! Listen to me; in the battle of Badr we made a cottage so that he (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) might be protected from sunrays and dust. So we said that who would live with the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) to save him from the attack of enemy. By Allah, no one dared to proceed except Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu. He proceeded with his naked sword in his hand and stand nearby the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) so no enemy dared to attack the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). And if some one came to harm, Hazrat Abu Bakr attacked him. Therefore Abu Bakr was the bravest of all.”
Hazrat Ali Radi Allahu Anhu says that once the infidels’ caught the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) and said that you are the person who says that there is only one God. Hazrat Ali says that no one dare to come near the messenger (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah subhanahu wa taala except Abu Bakr. He Radi Allahu Anhu proceeded and pushed the infidels and made them away. And said, “Woe to you, you torture a person who says that my cherisher is only Allah.” Hazrat Ali radi further says that people used to hide their fatih but Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu showed his faith obviously. Therefore he was the bravest. (Tareekhul Khulafa)
Allama Haitham writes in his Musnad that Hazrat Abu Bakr himself said, “When in the battle field of Uhud, the people left the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) so I was the first who reached him and got the chance of serving him protecting him from enemies attack. (Tareekhul Khulafa)
Under the light of above proofs this fact illuminated that Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was the most courageous and bravest.
Generosity of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu
Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was the superior to all in spending his wealth in the way of Allah subhanahu wa taala and the most generous among companions. Imam Tirmizi and Imam Abu Dawood Rahmatullahi Alaihima narrate from Umar Radi Allahu Anhu that he said, “Once the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) ordered us to give charity in the way Allah subhanahu wa taala. I had a big quantity of wealth so I think that this is a best chance to get supremacy upon Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu, giving more wealth than Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu, in the way of Allah. Therefore I took the half of my entire wealth and presented it to the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). The Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) asked me about what I have left in my house. I replied that I have left half of my wealth in my house. Meanwhile Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu came with his whole wealth. The Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) asked him the same question, which he asked me. He replied that he has left Allah subhanahu wa taala and His Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) for his family (meaning he did not leave any thing for his family). Hazrat Umar said that I thought that I can never get supermay over Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu.
As years went by, the people of Makkah became more and more hard upon the Muslims. They made life difficult for them. Muslim slaves who had non-Muslim masters were the worst sufferers. They could not run away from their cruel masters, nor would they give up their faith. The heartless masters tried all kinds of torture to make them give up Islam. They made them laid, all naked, on burning sand. Then they put big stones on their chests. The poor slaves silently bore this all. They had no way of escape. Some of them found escape only in death.
Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu Anhu wealth came to the rescue of many helpless Muslim slaves. He bought them from their inhuman masters and set them free. Bilal Radi Allahu Anhu, the negro, was one of such slaves. He was the slave of Omayya bin Khalaf. Omayya was a heartless man. He would strip Bilal of all clothes, make him lie on the burning sand at mid-day and then lash him mercilessly. Despite this torture Bilal would go on saying, “Allah is one! Allah is one!” One day Abu Bakf happened to pass by. He was greatly moved by the sight. “Why are you so cruel to this helpless man?” he asked Omayya. “If you feel for him, why don’t you buy him?” retored Omayya. So Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu at once bought Bilal Radi Allahu Anhu at a heavy price and set him free. Bilal Radi Allahu Anhu afterwards became the well-known “Muazzin” [one who gives the call for prayer] at the Prophet’s Mosque. (Tareekhul Khulafa)
Hazrat Aisha radi Allahu anha says that when my father accepted Islam he had forty thousands dinars (coin of gold) and according to another narration forty thousands dirham (coin of silver). He spent all of his wealth on the order of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). Hazrat Abdullah ibnu Umar Radi Allahu Anhuma says that when Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu accepted Islam he had forty thousand dirham and when he migrated to Madina Munawwara he had only five thousands of it. He spent thiry five thousands dirham in Makkah Shareef to free slaves and supporting Islam. (Tareekhul Khulafa)
No doubt, the life and wealth of Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was only for the sake of Islam. This is why the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said about Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu “No one has helped me without my making it up to him except AbuBakr, for he has given me help which Allah will make up to him on the Day of Resurrection. No one’s property has benefited me to the extent of Abu Bakr’s, and if I were taking a friend I should take AbuBakr as a friend, but your companion is Allah’s friend.” (Tirmidhi Shareef)
The True Lover of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him)
No doubt, the love of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) is the soul of faith and no one can be complete believer until he loves the beloved Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) more than all, even than his own life. Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates that “Allah’s Apostle said, “By Him in Whose Hands my life is, none of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father and his children.”
Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates, the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) said “None of you will have faith till he loves me more than his father, his children and all mankind.”
Therefore the completion of faith and progress of grade in the eye of Allah subhanahu wa taala depend upon the love of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). So whoever loves the Messenger (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah subhanahu wa taala more than others he has the greater value than others near Allah subhanahu wa taala. Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu has a remarkable value in the love of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). He is the leader of all in this respect too. He was ready to sacrifice his life and wealth in the love of the Holy Prophet A. Allama-Jalaalud-Deen Sayyuti Rahmatullahi Alaihi writes in Tareekhul Khulafa that one day the holy Prophet was saying his prayers in the Kaaba. He was totally lost in the thoughts of Allah. Abu Jahl and some other chiefs of Makkah were sitting in the courtyard of the Kaaba. “I must finish Muhammad today,” said Abu Jahl. So saying, he took a long piece of cloth. He put it around the holy Prophet’s (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) neck. Then he twisted it hard. He was going to strangle the Messenger of Allah to death. The other chiefs looked on and laughed. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu happened to see this from a distance. He at once ran to help the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). He pushed Abu Jahl aside and took off the cloth from around the holy Prophet’s neck. Thereupon Abu Jahl and other enemies of Islam came down upon Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu. They beat him very much. Indeed, the beating was so severe that Abu Bakr fell down senseless. When this news reached to the tribe of Abu Bakr, named Banu Tameem, they carried him home. He was so injured that there was no chance of his life. Therefore the the people of Banu Tameem came to the mosque of Ka’ba and announced that if Abu Bakr died they would kill Atba bin Rabia for him because he beated Abu Bakr more than others. Abu Bakr could not regain his senses till after several hours. And when he did come to himself, the first question he asked was, “Is the Prophet un-hurt?” The men of his tribe censured him very much that all of the problem came to you only because of Him (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) and you spoke his name after getting sensuous. Therefore they went from his home. Before leaving the home they advised his mother, Ummul Khair who accepted Islam afterwards, to provide some food for him. She prepared some food and presented it to Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu and she tried her best to feed Abu Bakr but he was repeating the previous words. “How is Muhammad (May Blessings and Peace be upon him)?” His mother said, “I don’t know about him (May Blessings and Peace be upon him).”He said to her, “Go to Ummu Jameel, sister of Umar Radi Allahu Anhu and ask her about Muhammad (May Blessings and Peace be upon him).” She went to Ummul Jameel to fulfill the eager desire of his son and asked her about the condition of the messenger (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) of Allah subhanahu wa taala. Ummul Jameel did not show her Islam up till now. She evaded and did not replied her clearly and asked her permission to visit her son. She said, “Why not?” When Ummul Jameel reached to the house of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu and saw the condition of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu she could not bear it and burst into tears. Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu asked her, “How is the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him)?” She said indicating towards his mother, “She is hearing.” Hazrat Abu Bakr said, “Don’t be afraid of her.”Therefore she said, “He (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) is well.” He asked her, “Where is he now.” She replied, “In the house of Hazrat Arqam Radi Allahu Anhu.” He said, “By Allah subhanahu wa taala I will not eat until I see my beloved master (May Blessings and Peace be upon him).”
His mother was very eager to feed him but when he swore that he would not eat until he quenched the thirst of his eyes by seeing the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) so she waited for the end of the traffic so that enemy might not hurt him again. When a part of night passed and the traffic came to an end she took Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu to the court of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) in the house of Arqam Radi Allahu Anhu. Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu embraced the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) and the holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) too clasped his true lover in his sacred arms and wept. And all of the people began to weep seeing the condition of Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu.
Two Years of Abu Bakr’s Calpihate
Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was Caliph for only two years, three months and ten days. This was a relatively short period of time in the life of people. But during this short period, Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was able to do great things for Islam. These achievements have made his name immortal. They have placed him among the greatest men of all times. When Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu too over, Islam was confined to Arabia alone. And here, too its hold was rather shaky. In many parts of the country, Islam was but a name. It was not a way of life with most people. Scores of tribes had thought of the Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) was a mere king. They tried to throw off his yoke as soon as he was no more. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu taught these people a lasting lesson. He taught them that Islam was a way of life. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was able to do this because of his unshakable faith. No difficulties could take him off the path of the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). Usama Radi Allahu Anhu might be youthful and inexperienced, but Abu Bakr would not hear a word against him. He was appointed by the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). There might be rising in the country, but Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu would not put off the expedition to Tabuk. The Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) had ordered it. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu stood unequalled in his love for Allah subhanahu wa taala and His Apostle (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). This was the secret of his unbending strength. It was this inner strength that carried him through the darkest hours of his Caliphate. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was as sincere as he was firm in faith. He lived up to every word of what he said at the beginning of his Caliphate .He was never anything but the faithful agent of Allah subhanahu wa taala and His Apostle (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) and the humblest servant of his people. It was this fact, which won him the deepest love and respect for all classes of his people. The result was that Islam took an unshakable hold on the country of its birth. Soon it gathered enough strength to overlap its boundaries. It struck at the two most feared powers of the time. And lo! It was successful. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu had put Islam on the road to worldwide expansion. Islam means total submission to the will of Allah. It means that utter absence of all selfishness. The Holy Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) showed by his example how that goal could be reached. He showed how the power of the State should not be used for private ends but for the public good. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu was the first among his followers to live up to the Prophet’s (May Blessings and Peace be upon him) example. He got no personal gain out of the Caliphate. He spent every minute of the last two years of life in the service of his people, but demanded not a penny as wages. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu had several sons and many near relatives. For public offices, he did not choose anyone of them. He rather chose other people who were more fit for public service. He had to nominate his own successor to prevent quarrels. But his choice fell on none of his own relatives. His choice was rather the man whom he honestly believed to be the best among the Companions. All the same, he did not force his choice on people. He put his proposal before the Companions. When they had agreed to it, he put it before the people. In short, Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu showed the world what government of the people, for the people, and by the people really meant. Neither the East nor the West had ever known such a form of government before. The mighty empires of Iran and Byzantium were based upon naked force. In short Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu kept going the great work of the Prophet (May Blessings and Peace be upon him). For that he had to fight hard. He fought with a will and with a faith that amazed everyone. Islam is forever grateful to him for the great services he rendered to it.
Merits of Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu narrated in narrations
There is a number of narrations mention the merits of Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu. Some of the narrations mentioned in Saheeh Bukhari and Muslim are written below.
Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates in his saheeh Bukhari following narrations.
1. Abu Said Al Khudri Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that Allah’s Apostle addressed the people saying, “Allah has given option to a slave to choose this world or what is with Him. The slave has chosen what is with Allah.” Abu Bakr wept, and we were astonished at his weeping Caused by what the Prophet mentioned as to a slave (of Allah) who had been offered a choice, (we learned later on) that Allah’s Apostle himself was the person who was given the choice, and that Abu Bakr knew best of all of us. Allah’s Apostle added, “The person who has favored me most of all both with his company and wealth, is Abu Bakr. If I were to take a Khalil other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr as such, but (what relates us) is the Islamic brotherhood and friendliness. All the gates of the Mosque should be closed except the gate of Abu Bakr.”
2. Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that I said to the Prophet while I was in the Cave, “If any of them should look under his feet, he would see us.” He said, “O Abu Bakr! What do you think of two (persons) the third of whom is Allah?”
3. Ibn Umar Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that We used to compare the people as to who was better during the lifetime of Allah’s Apostle. We used to regard Abu Bakr as the best, then ‘Umar, and then ‘Uthman.
4. Ibn Abbas Radi Allahu Anhu narrates the Prophet said, “If I were to take a Khalil, I would have taken Abu Bakr, but he is my brother and my companion (in Islam).”
5. Jubair bin Mutim Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that a woman came to the Prophet who ordered her to return to him again. She said, “What if I came and did not find you?” as if she wanted to say, “If I found you dead?” The Prophet said, “If you could not find me, go to Abu Bakr.”
6. Abu Ad Darda Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that while I was sitting with the Prophet, Abu Bakr came, lifting up one corner of his garment uncovering his knee. The Prophet said, “Your companion has had a quarrel.” Abu Bakr greeted (the Prophet ) and said, “O Allah’s Apostle! There was something (i.e. quarrel) between me and the son of Al-Khattab. I talked to him harshly and then regretted that, and requested him to forgive me, but he refused. This is why I have come to you.” The Prophet said thrice, “O Abu Bakr! May Allah forgive you.” In the meanwhile, ‘Umar regretted (his refusal of Abu Bakr’s excuse) and went to Abu Bakr’s house and asked if Abu Bakr was there. They replied in the negative. So he came to the Prophet and greeted him, but signs of displeasure appeared on the face of the Prophet till Abu Bakr pitied (‘Umar), so he knelt and said twice, “O Allah’s Apostle! By Allah! I was more unjust to him (than he to me).” The Prophet said, “Allah sent me (as a Prophet) to you (people) but you said (to me), ‘You are telling a lie,’ while Abu Bakr said, ‘He has said the truth,’ and consoled me with himself and his money.” He then said twice, “Won’t you then give up harming my companion?” After that nobody harmed Abu Bakr.
7. Amr bin Al Aas Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that the Prophet deputed me to lead the Army of Dhat-as-Salasil. I came to him and said, “Who is the most beloved person to you?” He said, ” ‘Aisha.” I asked, “Among the men?” He said, “Her father.” I said, “Who then?” He said, “Then ‘Umar bin Al-Khattab.” He then named other men.
8. Abu Huraira Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “While a shepherd was amongst his sheep, a wolf attacked them and took away one sheep. When the shepherd chased the wolf, the wolf turned towards him and said, ‘Who will be its guard on the day of wild animals when nobody except I will be its shepherd.’ And while a man was driving a cow with a load on it, it turned towards him and spoke to him saying, ‘I have not been created for this purpose, but for ploughing.’ ” The people said, “Glorified be Allah.” The Prophet said, “But I believe in it and so does Abu Bakr and ‘Umar.”
11. Abu Huraira Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “While I was sleeping, I saw myself standing at a well, on it there was a bucket. I drew water from the well as much as Allah wished. Then Ibn Abi Quhafa (i.e. Abu Bakr) took the bucket from me and brought out one or two buckets (of water) and there was weakness in his drawing the water. May Allah forgive his weakness for him. Then the bucket turned into a very big one and Ibn Al-Khattab took it over and I had never seen such a mighty person amongst the people as him in performing such hard work, till the people drank to their satisfaction and watered their camels that knelt down there.”
9. Abdullah bin Umar Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that that Allah’s Apostle said, “Allah will not look on the Day of Judgment at him who drags his robe (behind him) out of pride.” Abu Bakr said “One side of my robe slacks down unless I get very cautious about it.” Allah’s Apostle said, “But you are not an arrogant.”
10. Abu Huraira Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that I heard Allah’s Apostle saying, “Anybody who spends a pair of something in Allah’s Cause will be called from all the gates of Paradise, ‘O Allah’s slave! This is good.’ He who is amongst those who pray will be called from the gate of the prayer (in Paradise) and he who is from the people of Jihad will be called from the gate of Jihad, and he who is from those who give in charity (i.e. Zakat) will be called from the gate of charity, and he who is amongst those who observe fast will be called from the gate of fasting, the gate of Raiyan.” Abu Bakr said, “He who is called from all those gates will need nothing,” He added, “Will anyone be called from all those gates, O Allah’s Apostle?” He said, “Yes, and I hope you will be among those, O Abu Bakr.”
11. Muhammad bin Al Hanafiya Radi Allahu Anhuma narrates that I asked my father (‘Ali Radi Allahu Anhu bin Abi Talib), “Who are the best people after Allah’s Apostle?” He said, “Abu Bakr.” I asked, “Who then?” He said, “Then ‘Umar. ” I was afraid he would say “Uthman,” so I said, “Then you?” He said, “I am only an ordinary person.”
12. Aisha radi Allahu anha narrates that we went out with Allah’s Apostle on one of his journeys till we reached Al-Baida or Dhatul-Jaish where my necklace got broken (and lost). Allah’s Apostle stopped to search for it and the people too stopped with him. There was no water at that place and they had no water with them. So they went to Abu Bakr and said, “Don’t you see what ‘Aisha has done? She has made Allah’s Apostle and the people stop where there is no water and they have no water with them.” Abu Bakr came while Allah’s Apostle was sleeping with his head on my thigh and said, “You detained Allah’s Apostle and the people where there is no water and they have no water.” He then admonished me and said what Allah wished and pinched me at my flanks with his hands, but I did not move because the head of Allah’s Apostle was on my thigh.
Allah’s Apostle kept on sleeping till be got up in the morning and found no water. Then Allah revealed the Divine Verse of Tayammum, and the people performed Tayammum. Usaid bin Al-Hudair said. “O family of Abu Bakr! This is not the first Blessings of yours.” We urged the camel on which I was sitting to get up from its place and the necklace was found under it.
13. Ibn Abbas Radi Allahu Anhu narrates that while I was standing amongst the people who were invoking Allah for Umar bin Al-Khattab who was lying (dead) on his bed, a man behind me rested his elbows on my shoulder and said, “(O ‘Umar!) May Allah bestow His Mercy on you. I always hoped that Allah will keep you with your two companions, for I often heard Allah’s Apostle saying, ‘I, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar were (somewhere). I, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar did (something). I, Abu Bakr and ‘Umar set out.’ So I hoped that Allah will keep you with both of them.” I turned back to see that the speaker was Ali bin Abi Talib.
Imam Muslim narrates that
14. Anas b. Malik Radi Allahu Anhu reported that Abu Bakr Siddiq reported him thus: I saw the feet of the polytheists very close to us as we were in the cave. I said: Allah’s Messenger, if one amongst them were to see at his feet he would have surely seen us. Thereupon he said: Abu Bakr, what can befall twain who have Allah as the third One with them.
15. Ibn Abu Mulaika Radi Allahu Anhu reported: I heard A’isha as saying and she was asked as to whom Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) would have nominated his successor if he had to nominate one at all. She said: Abu Bakr. It was said to her: Then whom after Abu Bakr? She said: Umar. It was said to her. Then whom after ‘Umar? She said: Abu Ubaida b. Jarrab, and then she kept quiet at this.
16. A’isha radi Allahu anha reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) in his (last) illness asked me to call Abu Bakr, her father, and her brother too, so that he might write a document, for he feared that someone else might be desirous (of succeeding him) and that some claimant may say: I have better claim to it, whereas Allah and the Faithful do not substantiate the claim of anyone but that of Abu Bakr.
17. Abu Huraira Radi Allahu Anhu reported that Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: Who amongst you is observing fastthis day? Abu Bake said: It is I. He (again) said: Who amongst you has followed the bier today? Abu Bakr said: It is I. He (the Holy Prophet) again said: Who amongst you has served food to the needy? Abu Bakr said: It is I. He (again) said: Who amongst you has today visited the sick? Abu Bakr said: It is I. Thereupon Allah’s Messenger (may peace be upon him) said: He must get into Paradise who combines in himself (all these noble qualities and virtues).
Karaamat (miracle) of AbuBakr Radi Allahu Anhu
1. Imam Bukhari Rahmatullahi Alaihi narrates in Sahih Al-Bukhari from Abdur Rahman bin Abu Bakr that Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu came with a guest or some guests, but he stayed late at night with the Prophet and when he came, my mother said (to him), “Have you been detained from your guest or guests tonight?” He said, “Haven’t you served the supper to them?” She replied, “We presented the meal to him (or to them), but he (or they) refused to eat.” Abu Bakr became angry, rebuked me and invoked Allah to cause (my) ears to be cut and swore not to eat of it. I hid myself, and he called me, “O ignorant (boy)!” Abu Bakr’s wife swore that she would not eat of it and so the guests or the guest swore that they would not eat of it till he ate of it. Abu Bakr said, “All that happened was from Satan.” So he asked for the meals and ate of it, and so did they. Whenever they took a handful of the meal, the meal grew (increased) from underneath more than that mouthful. He said (to his wife), “O, sister of Bani Firas! What is this?” She said, “O, pleasure of my eyes! The meal is now more than it had been before we started eating.” So they ate of it and sent the rest of that meal to the Prophet. It is said that the Prophet also ate of it.
2. Hazrat Aisha radi Allahu anha narrates that my father, Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu, advised me in his mortal disease and said, “O my beloved daughter! Now my whole wealth which I possessed has become inheritance. You have two brothers and two sisters in my offspring so you divide it according to the book of Allah subhanahu wa taala.” Aisha radi Allahu anha said, “O my father I have only one sister, named Asma. Who is my second sister?” He said, “your step mother, Habiba Bint Kharija, is pregnant and she has a girl in her womb. She is your second sister.” Therefore after his demise Habiba bore a girl, named Ummu Kalthoom. (Mu’atta Imam Muhammad)
This hadith proves the two karaamat (miracles) of Hazrat Abu Bakr Radi Allahu Anhu. First of it that he already knew that he will die in his disease which he caught and second is that he knew that his wife will bear a girl. This relates to the knowledge of unseen.
Written by: Mufti Muhammad Abubaker Siddiq Ashshazli
 – Hazrat Abubaker Siddiq Radi Allahu Anhu){kind=link}