Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq- First Chalipha of Islam
By Dr.Faizan Ahmed Azizi
Published in Divine Vision Magazine Second Edition
Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) said: Hazrat Abu Bakr except from all Prophets are supreme in all
human beings. (Tibrani)
Name and family back ground
Hazrat Abu Bakr, as-Siddiq, (R.A.) was born in 573 A.D.
at Mecca. Thus he was two years younger than the Holy prophet (Peace be upon
him). He belonged to a respectable and noble family, the Bani Tamim, a branch
of Quraish Tribe. H is lineage joins with that of the Holy prophet (Peace be
upon him) six generations before. His name was Abdullah. Hazrat Abu Bakr was
his patronymic name (or Kuniyah) which became so famous that most of the people
did not know his real name. After his conversion to Islam he received the title
of "As-Siddiq" (The Truthful). His father's name was 'Uthman who was
known by his patronymic name, Abu Qahafah. His mother's name was Salma but she
was also known by her patronymic name, Ummul Khair.
Life before Islam
When Hazrat Abu Bakr was 10 years old, he went to Syria along with his
father with the merchants' caravan. Prophet Muhammad (Peace be upon him) , who was 12 years old at
the time, was also with the caravan. In 591 at the age of 18, Hazrat Abu Bakr
went into trade and adopted the profession of cloth merchant, which was the
family's business. In the coming years Abu Bakr traveled extensively with
caravans. Business trips took him to Yemen, Syria, and elsewhere. These travels brought him wealth and added to
his experience. His business flourished and he rose in the scale of social
importance. Though his father, Uthman Abu Quhafa, was still alive, he came to
be recognized as chief of his tribe.
Like other children of the rich Meccan merchant families, Hazrat Abu
Bakr was literate and developed a fondness for poetry. He used to attend the annual fair at Ukaz, and participate in poetical symposia. He had a
very good memory and had a good knowledge of the genealogy of the Arab tribes, their stories and
their politics.[1]
A story is preserved that once when he was a child, his father took him
to the Kaaba, and asked him to
pray before the idols. His father went away to attend to some other business, and Hazrat
Abu Bakr was left alone with the idols. Addressing an idol, Hazrat Abu
Bakr said "O my God, I am in need of
beautiful clothes; bestow them on me". The idol remained indifferent. Then
he addressed another idol saying "O God, give me some delicious food. See
that I am so hungry". The idol remained cold. That exhausted the patience
of young Hazrat Abu Bakr. He lifted a
stone, and addressing an idol said "Here I am aiming a stone; if you are a
god protect yourself". Hazrat Abu Bakr
hurled the stone at the idol and left the Kaaba. Thereafter, he
never went to the Kaaba to pray to the idols.[2] Even before embracing Islam he did not
like most of the customs of the days of ignorance and never drank any liquor.
Hazrat Abubakr Madhab (Belives) was mwahid mean he was not worshiping idol.
First man to accept Islam
Due to the close observation of Holy prophet (Peace be
upon him) character and conduct, Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A)was a great admirer of the Holy prophet (Peace be upon
him). During this period, Hazrat Abu Bakr(R.A) dreamt many dreams which made his heart the hut of love
and affection for the Prophet (S.A.W). Sheikh Muhammad Abu Zuhrah, a very
renowned and authentic Scholar in Islamic thoughts, in his book
“Al-Roze-ul-Anf” mentioned a dream of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A):
"Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A), saw a dream that a moon came over Makkah and every
house of the city lit up with its light. The moon broke into pieces and a piece
of it dropped into each house, then he (R.A) saw the pieces reuniting into full
moon, which descended into his lap."
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (R.A) asked the meanings of the dream from a
Scholar from the people of the Book. The Scholar told him that; they were
waiting for the Last Prophet to come very soon and the dream reflects that he
would be the follower of that Prophet and by his blessings, he would be the
most distinguished and blessed person of the world.
Such dreams and the close observation of the good manners
of the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) made Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) very anxious to follow the Divine
Voice, whom the whole world was awaiting.
Allah (S.W.T) had chosen Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A), as a special friend of His beloved prophet (Peace be
upon him) . Allah (S.W.T) prepared Him mentally to immediately
submit before the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) and assist him in his endeavours to
spread the word of Allah(S.W.T).
As soon as the Prophet (S.A.W) proclaimed His Prophethood, Holy
prophet (Peace be upon him) invited Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) to the Oneness of Allah (S.A.W) and he, without the slightest
hesitation, accepted His invitation. Holy Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) himself said: "Whomsoever I
invited to Islam, his foot slipped, he felt anxiety and then he started
contemplating over it except Abu Bakr, for he neither hesitated nor showed any
shyness.(Sabl-ul-Huda
Wal-Atshad, Vol.II p.406)
His original name was Abdul Ka'bah but the Holy prophet (Peace be upon
him) changed it to Abdullah. Abu Bakr was
his surname; the reason behind this name was his innovative virtues and his
good manners. His titles include “Siddique” (the truthful) and “Ateeque” (free
from hell-fire).
THE CAVE SAUR
INCIDENT:
A famous story of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique is the one of about Cave Saur (or Ghaar-e-Saur).The night Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), planned to migrate to Madinah, the leaders of Makkah set out to look for him. He informed Hazrat Abu Bakr that they would leave for Madinah that night, and so they set out on their journey.Aware of the fact that the Kufar were on a hunt for him, Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), decided to take an alternative route.
On the way, he and his blessed companion Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique decided to take shelter in a cave called Cave Saur. Here they hid for 3 days.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (, may Allah be pleased with him) said, as narrated by Umar ibn Khattab, "I swear by Allah that you (the Prophet) will not enter the cave before I have done so, for if there is anything in it, I shall be attacked by it, and not you."
Then he entered the cave and swept it and found some holes in the side of it. He tore up a piece of his garment and plugged the holes with it. As there were still two remaining holes left, he thrust his feet into them and told the Messenger of Allah to enter the cave. When he had done so Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), laid his head on Hazrat Abu Bakr (, may Allah be pleased with him)'s lap and went to sleep.
One of Hazrat Abu Bakr (, may Allah be pleased with him)'s foot was stung by a creature in the hole, but he did not move for fear that he might disturb Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), and wake him up from his sleep. The effect of the poison returned later on in his life, and was said to be the cause of his death.
Hazrat Abu Bakr's slave, Amir bin Fuhairah, tended the flocks of goats near the cave during the day and supplied them fresh milk in the night.On the final day, the Kufar reached the cave that Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), and Hazrat Abu Bakr were in.
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique was full of worry for the safety of Holy prophet (Peace be upon him),, and the worry worsened when the Kufar were face to face with the two friends in the cave.But Allah works in wonderful ways; a spider had spun a web across the mouth of the cave which not only helped conceal what was inside the cave, but also decieved the Kufar. They thought the web was old and came to the conclusion that noone had entered the cave in a long time.
Thus, the Kufar ended their search and Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), and his blessed companion proceeded on their journey to Madinah.The exalted status of Hazrat Abu Bakr is such that he is mentioned in the Holy Quran for this incident:
"When the disbelievers drove him Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) out; he had no more than one companion. They were two in the cave. And he said to his companion: "Have no fear for Allah is with us". Then Allah sent down His peace upon him".
- The Holy Quran 9:40
THE SUPERIOR MORAL VALUES OF HAZRAT ABU BAKR IN THE WORDS OF OUR Holy prophet (Peace be upon him)
A famous story of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique is the one of about Cave Saur (or Ghaar-e-Saur).The night Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), planned to migrate to Madinah, the leaders of Makkah set out to look for him. He informed Hazrat Abu Bakr that they would leave for Madinah that night, and so they set out on their journey.Aware of the fact that the Kufar were on a hunt for him, Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), decided to take an alternative route.
On the way, he and his blessed companion Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique decided to take shelter in a cave called Cave Saur. Here they hid for 3 days.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (, may Allah be pleased with him) said, as narrated by Umar ibn Khattab, "I swear by Allah that you (the Prophet) will not enter the cave before I have done so, for if there is anything in it, I shall be attacked by it, and not you."
Then he entered the cave and swept it and found some holes in the side of it. He tore up a piece of his garment and plugged the holes with it. As there were still two remaining holes left, he thrust his feet into them and told the Messenger of Allah to enter the cave. When he had done so Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), laid his head on Hazrat Abu Bakr (, may Allah be pleased with him)'s lap and went to sleep.
One of Hazrat Abu Bakr (, may Allah be pleased with him)'s foot was stung by a creature in the hole, but he did not move for fear that he might disturb Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), and wake him up from his sleep. The effect of the poison returned later on in his life, and was said to be the cause of his death.
Hazrat Abu Bakr's slave, Amir bin Fuhairah, tended the flocks of goats near the cave during the day and supplied them fresh milk in the night.On the final day, the Kufar reached the cave that Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), and Hazrat Abu Bakr were in.
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique was full of worry for the safety of Holy prophet (Peace be upon him),, and the worry worsened when the Kufar were face to face with the two friends in the cave.But Allah works in wonderful ways; a spider had spun a web across the mouth of the cave which not only helped conceal what was inside the cave, but also decieved the Kufar. They thought the web was old and came to the conclusion that noone had entered the cave in a long time.
Thus, the Kufar ended their search and Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), and his blessed companion proceeded on their journey to Madinah.The exalted status of Hazrat Abu Bakr is such that he is mentioned in the Holy Quran for this incident:
"When the disbelievers drove him Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) out; he had no more than one companion. They were two in the cave. And he said to his companion: "Have no fear for Allah is with us". Then Allah sent down His peace upon him".
- The Holy Quran 9:40
THE SUPERIOR MORAL VALUES OF HAZRAT ABU BAKR IN THE WORDS OF OUR Holy prophet (Peace be upon him)
·
In a hadith from Abu-d Darda related by Bukhari, Prophet Muhammad
(saw) says: "It is certain that Allah sent me to you as a prophet, but
some people did not believe. But Abu Bakr said ‘You have spoken the truth!’ and
helped me with his life and possessions. You will now leave this dear friend to
me with this virtue, will you not?” (Prophet Muhammad (saw) said this twice). (Political, Religious, Cultural
and Social Islam, Vol: 1 p: 269-270)
·
In another hadith related by Abu Huraira, the Messenger of Allah (saw
said: "Apart from Abu Bakr, there are none whose goodness we have not
repaid. He has done such good things for us that Almighty Allah will repay him
on the Day of Reckoning... (A History of Political, Religious, Cultural and Social Islam,
Kayihan Press, Hasan Ibrahim Hasan, Ziya Kazic, Ismail Yigit, Abdulkerim
Ozaydin, Idris Bostan, Fehamettin Basar Vol: 1, p: 270)
Those who converted to Islam at the insistence of Abu Bakr
were:
Abu Bakr's
acceptance proved to be a milestone in Prophet Muhammad (saw) mission. Slavery was common in
Mecca, and many slaves accepted Islam. When an ordinary free man accepted
Islam, despite opposition, he would enjoy the protection of his tribe. For
slaves however, there was no such protection and they commonly experienced
persecution. Abu Bakr felt compassion for slaves, so he purchased eight slaves
(four men and four women) and then freed them, paying 40,000 dinar for their freedom.[3][4]
The men were
The women
were:
Most of the slaves liberated by Abu Bakr were either women or old and
frail men.[31] The father of Abu Bakr asked him to for
why doesn't he liberate strong and young slaves who could be a source of
strength for him, Abu Bakr replied that he was freeing the slaves for the sake
of God, and not for his own sake.
According to Sunni tradition the following verses of the Qur'an were revealed
due to this:
“He who
gives in charity and fears Allah And in all sincerity testifies to the Truth; We shall
indeed make smooth for him the path of Bliss”.{92:5–7}.
“Those who
spend their wealth for increase in self-purification; And have in their minds
no favor from any one For which a reward is expected in return, But only the
desire to seek the Countenance, Of their Lord, Most High; And soon they shall
attain complete satisfaction”. {92:8–21}.
The Title of "Siddiq"
In the tenth year of his mission, the Holy Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) had the Miraj or Ascension. One night the angel Gabriel AS came with the word that Allah the Almighty wanted the Holy Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) to come all the way up to the highest heaven. The Holy Prophet SAW undertook the journey.In the morning, after the ascension had taken place, the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) talked to people about the Miraj. This drew the jeers of his enemies.
"Look!" they howled out, "what nonsense he talks! Surely, now his followers too will laugh at him. Who is going to believe in such a midsummer night dream?"
The talk was going on when Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) came up. "Do you know, Abu Bakr (RA), what news your friend has for you in the morning?" said one of the mean. "He says he was on the highest heaven last night, having a talk with Allah, the Almighty. Would you believe it?"
"I would believe anything that the Messenger of Allah says," replied Abu Bakr (RA)
When the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) learnt of this, he at once said, "Abu Bakr (RA) is the `Siddiq'." `Siddiq' is a person so sincere of heart that doubts never mar his love. Abu Bakr (RA) earned this title because of his faith was too strong to be shaken by anything.
In the tenth year of his mission, the Holy Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) had the Miraj or Ascension. One night the angel Gabriel AS came with the word that Allah the Almighty wanted the Holy Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) to come all the way up to the highest heaven. The Holy Prophet SAW undertook the journey.In the morning, after the ascension had taken place, the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) talked to people about the Miraj. This drew the jeers of his enemies.
"Look!" they howled out, "what nonsense he talks! Surely, now his followers too will laugh at him. Who is going to believe in such a midsummer night dream?"
The talk was going on when Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) came up. "Do you know, Abu Bakr (RA), what news your friend has for you in the morning?" said one of the mean. "He says he was on the highest heaven last night, having a talk with Allah, the Almighty. Would you believe it?"
"I would believe anything that the Messenger of Allah says," replied Abu Bakr (RA)
When the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) learnt of this, he at once said, "Abu Bakr (RA) is the `Siddiq'." `Siddiq' is a person so sincere of heart that doubts never mar his love. Abu Bakr (RA) earned this title because of his faith was too strong to be shaken by anything.
Imam of Holy Prophet's Mosque
During his sickness, the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him)
once felt some relief and went for Zuhr Salat, supported by Hadrat ‘Ali and
Hadrat ‘Abbas (R.A.). His face beamed with joy and full satisfaction on seeing
Abu Bakr leading the Salat. Sensing the presence of the Holy prophet (Peace be
upon him) Abu Bakr wanted to step back but the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him)
and sat down by his side. After the Salat the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him)
gave his last address: "Allah offered one of His servants the choice of
the life on this earth and a life with Him. But the servant accepted the
latter". Hearing this tears came out of Abu Bakr's eyes and 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 and 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 and observed the Muslims
busy in Salat under the Imamat (leadership) of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.). A smile
lit up the pale face of the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him). 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 (Peace be upon him) asked Hadrat Abu Bakr to lead the Salat and he
went inside and let the curtain fall
News of the Demises of the Holy prophet (Peace be
upon him)
When Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) found the Holy prophet (Peace
be upon him) in a better condition in the morning of the last day of his life,
he went a few miles outside Medina to meet his wife Hadrat Kharjah bint Zuhair
(Radiallahu anha). After hearing the news of the demises of the Holy prophet
(Peace be upon him), he immediately returned and saw great rush at the gate of
the Mosque. He did not talk to anybody and went straight to Hazrat ‘ A’isha’s
apartment where the Holy Corpse was lying. After taking permission he entered
the apartment and kissed the Holy Face, tears rolling out of his eyes. Then he
remarked, "May my parents be sacrificed for you. I swear by Allah that
death will never come twice to you. You have tasted the death which was
destined for you and now you will get no other." He covered the Holy Body
with a sheet and came to the Mosque.
A multitude of people was crying in the Mosque. Hazrat
Umar (R.A.) was in a strong emotional state and was shouting that the Holy
prophet (Peace be upon him) had not died. Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) tried to calm
him but Umar did not pay any attention to him. Noting the delicacy of the
situation, Hazrat Abu Bakr stood in another corner of the Mosque and gave his
most effective and historical address. All the people gathered around him. He
said:
"O People! If any one of you worshipped Muhammad
(Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam) he should bear in mind that Muhammad is dead.
But those who worshipped Allah should know that He is Alive and will never die.
Allah says in the Holy Qur'an: "Muhammad is only a Messenger of Allah.
There came down a number of Messengers before him. Then would you turn back from
Islam, if he dies or is killed?"
The address of Hazrat Abu Bakr touched the hearts of the
people. Hazrat Umar also cooled down. Hazrat 'Abdullah says, "It seemed
that the verse of the Holy Qur'an to which Hazrat Abu Bakr referred was just
revealed, although we had recited it several times in the past"
Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A):
After the demises of the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) was elected as the Caliph on 8 June 632. On assuming office, in his inaugural address, Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) said that he was not the best among them, and needed their advice and help. He held that to tell the truth to a person commissioned to the rule was faithful allegiance, and to conceal it was treason. He declared that in the sight the strong and a weak were to be alike, and he would render justice to all without a fear or favor. He laid down the following criterion for the obedience of the people:
“As I obey Allah and His Prophet obey me: if I neglect the laws of Allah and the prophet, I have no more right to your obedience.”
After the demises of the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him), Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) was elected as the Caliph on 8 June 632. On assuming office, in his inaugural address, Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) said that he was not the best among them, and needed their advice and help. He held that to tell the truth to a person commissioned to the rule was faithful allegiance, and to conceal it was treason. He declared that in the sight the strong and a weak were to be alike, and he would render justice to all without a fear or favor. He laid down the following criterion for the obedience of the people:
“As I obey Allah and His Prophet obey me: if I neglect the laws of Allah and the prophet, I have no more right to your obedience.”
Two Years of Hazrat Abu Bakr
(RA)'s Calpihate
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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 time.
When Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) took 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 (Peace be upon him) has a mere king. They tried to throw off his yoke as soon as he was no more. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) taught these people a lasting lesson. He taught them that Islam was a way of life.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was able to do this because of his unshakable faith. No difficulties could take him off the path of the Prophet SAW. Usama (RA) might be youthful and inexperienced, but Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) would not hear a word against him. He was appointed by the Prophet SAW. There might be rising in the country, but Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) would not put off the expedition to Tabuk. Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) had ordered it. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) stood unequalled in his love for Allah and His Apostle SAW. This was the secret of his unbending strength. It was this inner strength that carried him through the darkest hours of his Caliphate.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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 and His Apostle, 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. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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 (Peace be upon him) showed by his example how that goal could be reached. He SAW showed how the power of the State should not be used for private ends but for the public good. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was the first among his followers to live up to the Prophet SAW's 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 got not a penny as wages.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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 (RA) 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 Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) kept going the great work of the Prophet SAW. 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.
Oh Allah continue to raise the rank of Hazrat Abu Bakr RA and let us be amongst his party on the day of Resurrection. Ameen.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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 time.
When Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) took 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 (Peace be upon him) has a mere king. They tried to throw off his yoke as soon as he was no more. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) taught these people a lasting lesson. He taught them that Islam was a way of life.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was able to do this because of his unshakable faith. No difficulties could take him off the path of the Prophet SAW. Usama (RA) might be youthful and inexperienced, but Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) would not hear a word against him. He was appointed by the Prophet SAW. There might be rising in the country, but Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) would not put off the expedition to Tabuk. Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) had ordered it. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) stood unequalled in his love for Allah and His Apostle SAW. This was the secret of his unbending strength. It was this inner strength that carried him through the darkest hours of his Caliphate.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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 and His Apostle, 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. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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 (Peace be upon him) showed by his example how that goal could be reached. He SAW showed how the power of the State should not be used for private ends but for the public good. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was the first among his followers to live up to the Prophet SAW's 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 got not a penny as wages.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) 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 (RA) 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 Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) kept going the great work of the Prophet SAW. 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.
Oh Allah continue to raise the rank of Hazrat Abu Bakr RA and let us be amongst his party on the day of Resurrection. Ameen.
Collection of the Holy Qur'an
One of the greatest services rendered to Islam by Hazrat
Abu Bakr (R.A.) was the collection of the Holy Qur'an. There were hundreds of
Huffaz (i.e., those who committed the whole Holy Qur'an to memory) among the
Companions during the life-time of the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him) but it
had not been compiled in book form though its memorisation continued even after
the demises of the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him). In various battles which
took place against rebels and false prophets, a number of Huffaz Companions
were martyred. In the battle against Musailimah al-Khad-dhab about seventy
Huffaz had died.
It then occurred to Hazrat Umar (R.A.) that necessary
steps should be taken to preserve the Holy Qur'an intact in its original form
against every kind of danger and it was not wise to depend exclusively upon
those who had learnt it by heart. Therefore, he urged Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) to
put it in black and white in the form of a book. Other Companions also agreed
with Umar’s opinion but Hazrat Abu Bakr hesitated in the beginning because it
was not done by the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him). However after some
discussion he agreed to it and appointed Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (R.A.) for this
work who was hesitant at first but later, he changed his mind and started the
work. Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit was the best qualified person for this work
because he had acted as an amanuensis to the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him),
and was one of the Companions who had learnt the Holy Qur'an directly from him.
Moreover, he was also present on the occasion when the Holy prophet (Peace be
upon him)recited the whole of the completed Holy Qur'an to angel Gabriel.
Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit adopted the same order of the various chapters of the
Holy Book as was revealed to the Holy prophet (Peace be upon him). In the
compilation of the Holy Book a number of prominent Companions assisted him. The
compiled copy of the Qur'an was kept in the house of Umm ul-Mu'minin, Hazrat
Hafsah (Radiallahu 'Anha) who was one of the wives of the Holy Prophet and
daughter of Hazrat Umar. It was proclaimed that anyone, who desired, might make
a copy of it or compare with it the copy one already possessed.
During his caliphate Hazrat 'Uthman sent copies of the
same compilation of the Holy Qur'an, collected during the period of Hadrat Abu
Bakr (R.A.), to various places of his caliphate.
In this way we see that Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) kept doing
the great work of his Holy Master (Sallallahu 'alaihi wa Sallam). With
unshakeable faith and full courage he had struggled to the utmost. Islam is for
ever grateful to its greatest hero, the next to prophets, for the great
services he rendered to it. Hazrat Abu Bakr's caliphate lasted for only two
years, three months and ten days (according to Islamic calendar).
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) Passes Away
On 23 August 634, Hazrat Abu Bakr fell sick and did not recover due to his old age. There are two accounts about the sickness of Hazrat Abu Bakr. One account states that 8 August 634 was a cold day and when Hazrat Abu Bakr took a bath, he caught a chill. Another account indicates that, about a year before, along with some other companions, Hazrat Harith bin Kaladah and Hazrat Attab bin Usaid, he had eaten some poisoned food which did not affect him for a year.
On 23 August 634, Hazrat Abu Bakr fell sick and did not recover due to his old age. There are two accounts about the sickness of Hazrat Abu Bakr. One account states that 8 August 634 was a cold day and when Hazrat Abu Bakr took a bath, he caught a chill. Another account indicates that, about a year before, along with some other companions, Hazrat Harith bin Kaladah and Hazrat Attab bin Usaid, he had eaten some poisoned food which did not affect him for a year.
Hazrat Abu
Bakr developed high fever and was confined to bed. His illness was prolonged and when
his condition worsened he felt that his end was near. Realizing his death was
near, he sent for Hazrat Ali (R.A) and requested him to perform his ghusl since Hazrat Ali (R.A) had also done it for Holy Prophet SAW.After
an illness of two weeks, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) passed away. He was sixty-three at the
time. He was buried by the side of the Holy Prophet SAW.
Before his death he said, "Do not use new cloth to cover my dead body. The sheet of cloth I have on will do for me. Wash it clean."
"But this is too old and worn, father," said his daughter Aisha RA.
"This old and worn sheet will do for me," he replied.
On the 7th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, 13 A.H., Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was taken ill. He had severe fever. Everything was done to bring down the fever, but all in vain. It became clear to the aged Caliph that his end had come.
Before his death he said, "Do not use new cloth to cover my dead body. The sheet of cloth I have on will do for me. Wash it clean."
"But this is too old and worn, father," said his daughter Aisha RA.
"This old and worn sheet will do for me," he replied.
On the 7th of Jamadi-ul-Akhir, 13 A.H., Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was taken ill. He had severe fever. Everything was done to bring down the fever, but all in vain. It became clear to the aged Caliph that his end had come.
WIVES AND CHILDREN
:
His first wife was Qatilah bint 'Abdul 'Aziz who gave birth to his children by the names of Abdullah and Asma (, may Allah be pleased with him).
His second wife, Umm-i-Ruman gave birth to Hazrat Aisha (, may Allah be pleased with him), the most beloved wife of Rasulallah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,, and Abdur Rahman (R A).
Besides these two he also married Hazrat Asma (, may Allah be pleased with him) and Hazrat Habibah (, may Allah be pleased with him.).
CHILDERN:
DAUGHTERS-
(i) Ummul-Mu'mineen Hazrat Aisha (, may Allah be pleased with him)
(ii) Hazrat Asma
(iii) Hazrat Umme Kulthum, born to Habibah after his death.
SONS -
(i) Hazrat Abdullah,
(ii) Hazrat Abdur Rahman
(iii) Hazrat Muhammad.
His first wife was Qatilah bint 'Abdul 'Aziz who gave birth to his children by the names of Abdullah and Asma (, may Allah be pleased with him).
His second wife, Umm-i-Ruman gave birth to Hazrat Aisha (, may Allah be pleased with him), the most beloved wife of Rasulallah, peace and blessings of Allah be upon him,, and Abdur Rahman (R A).
Besides these two he also married Hazrat Asma (, may Allah be pleased with him) and Hazrat Habibah (, may Allah be pleased with him.).
CHILDERN:
DAUGHTERS-
(i) Ummul-Mu'mineen Hazrat Aisha (, may Allah be pleased with him)
(ii) Hazrat Asma
(iii) Hazrat Umme Kulthum, born to Habibah after his death.
SONS -
(i) Hazrat Abdullah,
(ii) Hazrat Abdur Rahman
(iii) Hazrat Muhammad.
Legacy
Though the
period of his caliphate covers only two years, two months and fifteen days, it
included successful invasions of the two most powerful empires of the time: theSassanid Empire and Byzantine Empire.
Abu Bakr had
the distinction of being the first Caliph in the history of Islam and also the
first Caliph to nominate a successor. He was the only Caliph in the history of
Islam who refunded to the state treasury at the time of his death the entire
amount of the allowance that he had drawn during the period of his caliphate
He is
revered for being the first Muslim ruler to establish:
·
The Crown Pasture
Abu Bakr was
the foremost genealogist of the Quraysh and was well
accomplished at interpreting dreams according to Ibn Sirin.
Abu Bakr as one of al-`Ashara al-Mubasharîn fi-l-Janna (The Ten Promised
Paradise) whom
Holy
Prophet SAW. had testified
were destined for Paradise. He is regarded as Khalifa Rasulullah The successor of Messenger of Allah,
and first of the Rightly Guided Caliphs – i.e. Rashidun and being the rightful successor to Holy Prophet (SAW).. Hazrat Umar ibn Khattab stated that ‘If
the faith of Abu Bakr was weighed against the faith of the people of the earth,
the faith of Abu Bakr would outweigh the others.’[6] famous scholar Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal also
stated that he is among the foremost companions (sahaba) of Holy Prophet (SAW)
Reference
1.Al-zarkali, "al-a'alam", dar al'ilm lil'malayeen, 15th
edition, may 2002
2.SIDIQ-I-AKBAR HAZRAT ABU BAKR by PROF. MASUD-UL-HASAN PAGE 2.
Printed and published by A. SALAM, FEROZSONS Ltd, 60, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam,
Lahore
3.Tabaqat ibn Sa'd 3/ 169, 174
4.Tarikh ar-Rusul wa al-Muluk 3/ 426
5.The Mohammedan Dynasties: Chronological and Genealogical Tables
with Historical Introductions (1894) by Stanley Lane-Poole, published by
Adamant Media Corporation ISBN 978-1-4021-6666-2
6.Narrated by al-Bayhaqi in ‘al-Jamia’ lashu’ab al-Eemaan’ (1:18)
and its narrators are trustworthy.
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