Prepared to Sacrifice his Life for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)
Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had such deep love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that he was prepared, at every moment, to lay down his life to defend Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
During the journey of hijrah, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) noticed that at times, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was traveling in front of him while at other times, he was traveling behind him. Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “O Abu Bakr! What is the matter? Why do you sometimes travel in front of me, and at other times behind me?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “When I think of the people pursuing us, I travel behind you to protect you, and when I think of the people who may be waiting in ambush ahead, I travel in front of you to protect you.”
Hearing this, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked, “O Abu Bakr! If there is any danger or threat, would you prefer that it befalls you rather than me?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I take an oath by that Being who deputed you with the truth of Islam – I most certainly prefer that the danger befalls me and I sacrifice my life, rather than you being afflicted.” (Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah 3/192)
Likewise, when they arrived at the cave of Thowr during the hijrah, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) insisted on entering the cave before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). With extreme love and devotion, he said to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “By Allah! Do not enter the cave until I enter it. If there is any danger in the cave, it should afflict me rather than you!” (Al-Bidaayah Wan-Nihaayah 3/192)
