Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu 'anhu) (27)
Love for the Ahl-e-Bayt
On one occasion, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned, “Maintaining ties with the family of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is more beloved to me than maintaining ties with my own family.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #3712)
From this narration, it is clear that Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) loved the Ahl-e-Bayt more than he loved his own family. This was on account of the Ahl-e-Bayt being the blessed family of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).
Spending on the Occasion of Tabook
On the occasion of Tabook, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) encouraged the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to spend in the path of Allah Ta‘ala. Various Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) presented their contributions to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) according to their means.
Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had thought to himself on that occasion that he will present a great contribution and surpass Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), as this was the first time that he had received a great amount of wealth. Hence, he presented half his wealth before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “Did you leave anything for your family?” He replied, “Yes, O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! I left half of my entire wealth for my family.”
The Companion of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the Cave of Thowr
Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was the only Sahaabi who was divinely selected by Allah Ta‘ala to accompany his beloved messenger (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) during the journey of hijrah. Allah Ta‘ala mentioned Hazrat Abu Bakr’s (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) companionship with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the cave of Thowr in the Qur’aan Majeed.
Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once said to Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “You will be my companion at the haudh (of Kauthar) and you were my companion in the cave (during the journey of hijrah).” (Tirmizi #3670)
Gentle Disposition and Assisting People
Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a person who was well known and respected among the people of Makkah Mukarramah and the surrounding tribes. He was beloved to the people and had a gentle and soft disposition. Among the Quraish, he was regarded as the most knowledgeable person in regard to the lineage of the various tribes of the Quraish. He was a businessman who possessed excellent character and virtue. Due to his knowledge, business acumen and sterling qualities, people would come to him and confide in him regarding their affairs. He would spend on the poor and needy and assist people in difficulty and hardship. Through remaining in the mubaarak company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the beautiful qualities of nubuwwah rubbed onto him, until even in the sight of the kuffaar he was highly praised for his noble character, sublime generosity and assisting the creation at the time of difficulty.
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.”
Request to Preach Islam in Public
In the initial stages of Islam, due to the persecution of the Quraish, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) advised the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to practice Islam in secret. However, when the number of Muslims reached 39, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) requested Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to preach Islam in public. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not initially agree to this request, but when Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) persisted, he eventually relented, and they all proceeded to the Haram.
Incident regarding his accepting Islam (continued)
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiallahu ‘anhu) then says:
I knocked on the door and Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) came out. I then asked, “O Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), I have learnt that you have forsaken the ways of your people, and abandoned the religion of your forefathers?” Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “O Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)! I am the messenger of Allah Ta‘ala to you and to humanity at large, so bring Imaan in Allah Ta‘ala.” I then asked, “What is your proof of your being appointed as the messenger of Allah Ta‘ala?” Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “The learned Sheikh whom you met in Yemen.”
Incident regarding his accepting Islam (continued)
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiallahu ‘anhu) then says:
After completing my work in Yemen, I returned to the learned sheikh to bid him farewell. He asked me, “Do you wish to hear a few verses of poetry which I have composed in praise of the final Nabi?” I agreed and he recited the couplets.
Incident regarding his accepting Islam
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) relates:
Prior to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) being blessed with prophethood, I set out on a journey to Yemen. On arriving in Yemen, I came across a learned sheikh from the tribe of Azd who possessed great knowledge regarding the previous scriptures, and was also knowledgeable in regard to the ways and mannerisms of the various tribes of people. Upon seeing me, the following dialogue ensued between us:
The learned sheikh: “It seems to me that you are from the residents of the Haram.”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “Yes, I am from the people of the Haram.”
The learned sheikh: “It seems like you are from the Quraish tribe.”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu): “Yes, I am from the Quraish.”
The learned sheikh: “It seems like you belong to the Banu Taim clan (i.e. from the descendants of Taim bin Murrah).”
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq rad: “Yes, I am from the progeny of Taim bin Murrah. I am ‘Abdullah bin ‘Uthmaan, from the progeny of Ka’b bin Sa’d bin Taim bin Murrah.”
Inviting to Islam
Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a person with whom his people were well acquainted. He was beloved to his people and he was also soft and gentle in nature. He was the most knowledgeable regarding the lineage of the various tribes that were part of the Quraish. Similarly, he was the most knowledgeable regarding the conditions and history of the Quraish and the good and bad that transpired among the Quraish. He was a businessman who possessed excellent character and virtue. His people would come to him and confide in him regarding various affairs, due to his knowledge, business acumen and the benefit of sitting in his company.
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First to Accept Islam from the Men
Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was the first among the free men to accept the invitation of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and enter into the fold of Islam. (Al-Bidaayah-wan-Nihaayah 3/28)
Spontaneously Accepting the Invitation of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)
Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned:
ما دعوت أحدا إلى الإسلام إلا كانت له عنه كبوة وتردد ونظر إلا أبا بكر ما عتم حين ذكرته له ما تردد فيه
(At the beginning of Islam,) whoever I invited to Islam expressed some reservation, uncertainty and doubt regarding it, with the exception of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). When I invited him to Islam, he readily embraced it, without an iota of doubt and reservation.
(Usdul Ghaabah 3/21)
The Reason for being given the Title As-Siddeeq:
Hazrat ‘Aa’ishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) reports that on the occasion of Mi’raaj, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was taken by night from Musjid Haraam to Musjid Aqsa (and thereafter to the seven heavens), then upon his return, he informed the people of Makkah regarding the miraculous journey that transpired during the night.
The people of Makkah doubted the words of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and thus began to ridicule him. Some people even reneged from Islam who had previously believed in Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Nevertheless, when Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was informed by certain people (who were trying to provoke him) regarding what had transpired, he responded by saying, “Indeed I fully testify to what Muhammed (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has said. I have believed him in that which is even more difficult to believe, I believe him when he says that revelation comes to him from the heavens to the earth in a single moment during the night or day (so why should I then doubt him in this matter?).”
It was after this incident that he received the title As-Siddeeq (the most truthful).
(Usdul Ghaabah 3/21 and Seerat-ul-Halabiyyah1/379)
Name: ‘Abdullah bin ‘Uthmaan bin ‘Aamir
Kunyah (filial title): Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
Father’s name: ‘Uthmaan, Abu Quhaafah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)
Mother’s name: Salmaa bint Sakhr, Ummul Khair (radhiyallahu ‘anha)
Titles: Al-‘Ateeq and As-Siddeeq
Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had two famous titles. One was Al-‘Ateeq (the one who gained emancipation from the fire) and the other was As-Siddeeeq (the most truthful). (Usdul Ghaabah 3/20)