At the beginning of prophecy, Allah guided to Islam the best of his servants "the Sahabas", the companions. These relatives of the Prophet ﷺ stood out for the strong nobility of their characters. They included the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, the first of whom was Abu Bakr As-siddiq, the Truthful One. It's his story we're about to tell.
Who was Abu Bakr?
Real name Abdullah Ibnou Abi Qouhaafa, Abu Bakr was born two and a half years after the birth of the Prophet ﷺ. In the Year of the Elephant. Like the messenger, he came from the Quraysh tribe. He even shared an ancestor with him ﷺ: Moura Ibn Louay.
He was one of the most respected notables. He was a very well-to-do merchant renowned for his very high qualities. He was slim and white-skinned, and could be recognized by his henna-dyed beard.
His unwavering support for the Prophet ﷺ
Indeed, Abu Bakr always supported the Messenger ﷺ, against all odds. And for proof, without hesitation, he converted first after the messenger ﷺ was announced. He thus became the first man to embrace Islam.
The first woman being none other than Khadija bint Khuwaylid, the first wife of the Prophet ﷺ. Her conversion considerably accentuated the strength of the Muslim religion. The Prophet ﷺ and Abu Bakr had a strong bond that went beyond mere friendship.Abu Bakr was like a brother to the Messenger ﷺ.
As proof of this reported hadith:
According to Ibn Abbas, The Prophet (ﷺ) said, "If I had been allowed to have as an intimate friend (someone other than Allah) among my community, it would have been Abû Bakr. Only, he is my brother and my companion." (Reported by Bukhari in his Sahih n°3656)
Abu Bakr's innumerable qualities
This companion was known as much for his bravery as for his wisdom and generosity. He was gentle but knew how to speak firmly when necessary. He was known for giving good advice, listening to others and always being there for them. He unconditionally supported the Prophet ﷺ, but also the poor, the oppressed and the persecuted.
In fact, for many of them, he spent money lavishly. He freed many slaves, including Bilal, the mueddhin of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, whose story should fascinate you.
He loved to help the needy and visit the sick, and he fasted a lot. Indeed, a hadith perfectly illustrates his never-ending quest to spread good:According to Abu Huraira, the Prophet ﷺ said
"Who among you is fasting today?". Abu Bakr said, "I am. The Prophet ﷺ then said, "Who among you has followed a funeral procession today?". Abu Bakr said, "I did.
The Prophet ﷺ then said, "Who among you fed a poor person today?". Abu Bakr said: Me. The Prophet ﷺ then said, "Which of you visited a sick person today?". Abu Bakr said: Me. Then the Prophet ﷺ said, "These things do not come together in a person without his entering paradise."
(Reported by Mouslim in his Sahih n°1028)
The first caliph
After the death of the Prophet ﷺ, people are distraught and sad. But they remain, however, all unanimous. The one who had the makings of a ruler closest to that of the Messenger ﷺ was "As Siddiq". Indeed, with his speech following the death of our beloved Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr shows his qualities to federate.
Indeed, his words are often reported to illustrate oneness:"O people! Whoever worshipped Muhammad, let him know that Muhammad is dead; and whoever worships Allah, let him know that Allah is Alive and that He never dies!"
He recited the word of the Most High, from Surah Al-Imran verse 144, roughly translated in the meaning of the verses, "Muhammad is but a messenger - messengers before him have passed - If he died, then, or was killed, would you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels will not harm Allah in any way; and Allah will soon reward the grateful."
Abu Bakr's Caliphate
During his caliphate, which lasted around two years, Abu Bakr is remembered for his dedication to continuing the expansion of the Muslim empire, but also for being the cause of the gathering of the Koran.
Indeed, he gave the order to gather the noble Word of the Most High into a bound book. He gave his life for his religion. But he was struck down by illness, and his stewardship of the community was short-lived. Nevertheless, his noble deeds and qualities left a strong mark on the community. Abu Bakr died of an illness in the year 13, at the same age as the Prophet, 63.
He is remembered for his willingness to do good, just like his successors. Wonderful examples to follow, discover the captivating stories of the caliphs who followed: Umar, 'Uthman and Ali, examples of life.