O'Level Notes

Ten Blessed Companions 

  HAZRAT ABU BAKR (RA)

SIGNIFICANCE OF HAZRAT ABU BAKR (RA) DURING THE PROPHET’S LIFETIME

 

1. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was born in 573 AD in Makkah. His real name was Abdullah. He belonged to the noble family of Banu Tamim, a branch of Quraish tribe. He was one of the Prophet’s closest friends. Even before accepting Islam, he led a pious and chaste life.

2. After the Holy Prophet had received his first revelation he thought of approaching those closest to him so he told Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) the whole story of his experience. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) responded to his call and immediately embraced Islam.

3. He was the first free adult male and the first person outside the family of the Prophet to become a Muslim. The Qur’an describes his acceptance as: ‘’and he who comes with the truth and he who confirms it.....such are the people who do right’’ (39:33).

4. He was the first person to testify to the Messenger’s event of Miraj (Prophet’s ascension to the heavens) and was given the title of ‘’Al Siddique’’ due to his immediate belief of the journey.

5. After accepting Islam he devoted his life and wealth to preaching Islam. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)’s acceptance proved to be a milestone in the prophet’s mission.

6. Prominent companions like Hazrat Uthman, Hazrat Talha and Hazrat Zubair are said to have been persuaded by him to accept Islam.

7. He bought and freed a lot of slaves, Hazrat Bilal(RA) being one of the prominent ones.

8. When the Holy Prophet started preaching openly he faced fierce opposition. During all such hardships Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) stood by his side.

9. The first public address of inviting people to offer allegiance to the Prophet’s message was delivered by Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). At this the youth of Quraish beat Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) till he fainted.

10. In 620AD when the Prophet’s wife died, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)’s daughter Hazrat Ayesha (RA) was engaged to the Prophet whom he married after his migration to Madina.

11. In 622AD on the invitation from the Muslims of Madina, the Prophet ordered Muslims to migrate. The migration took place in batches and the Prophet was the last one to leave accompanied by Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA). Both remained in the cave of Saur for three days to hide from the Makkans who wanted to kill the Prophet and his companion. This event is mentioned in the Qur’an: ‘They were two  in the cave and he said to his companion, “ Have no fear for Allah is with us’’ (Surah Tauba 9:40).

12. At Madina Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) continued his services to Islam. He paid for the piece of land selected by the Holy Prophet for the mosque of the Prophet (Masjid-e-Nabvi).

13. He rendered valuable services in all the battles. In the battle of Badr, he was in charge of the right wing of the troops and fought against his own son Abdur Rahman. In the battle of Uhad, he negated the rumour of the Prophet’s death and acted as a shield to save him. In the battle of Hunaian, he remained firm and reorganised the scattered troops that had started running away.

14. When the Holy Prophet began to raise funds for the Tabuk expedition, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) placed all his wealth at the disposal of the Holy Prophet. He asked him, “What did you leave for your family? Hazrat Abu Bakr said , “ I have left for them Allah and His prophet”

15. He was present at the time of the treaty of Hudaibiya and was one of the signatories.

16. He was also one of the ten blessed companions who were given tidings of heaven during their lifetime.

17. He was one of the scribes of the Holy Quran.

18. He was appointed the first Ameer-e-Hajj (the chief guide of pilgrimage) on the 9th Hijrah when it was first became obligatory.

19. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) led 17daily prayers during the last days of the Holy Prophet’s illness.

20. Finally it was Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) who normalized the critical situation arising out of the death of the Holy Prophet, as nobody was ready to believe this including Hazrat Umar. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) on this occasion recited these verses: ‘’Muhammad is no more than a messenger: many messengers that were before him passed away, if he died or were slain will you then turn back on your heels?’’ (3:144).

21. He was unanimously elected the first Caliph of Islam. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) continued to perform meritorious services for Islam even after the death of the Holy Prophet.

 

WHY WAS HE CALLED AL-SIDDIQUE?

First free male to accept Islam.* Believed in the ‘’miraj’’ (Prophets ascension to the heavens)

The Holy Prophet had Mi'raj (Ascension) in the 10th year of his Mission. He narrated his Ascension to the people in the morning. Some of them came to Abu Bakr and said, "Have you listened to your friend (the Holy Prophet)? He is claiming that he visited Jerusalem and the Sublime Throne in the heavens last night and talked with Allah Almighty. Would you believe it?" Hadrat Abu Bakr (R.A.) immediately replied. "If he said so then it is an absolute Truth". They again said, "Do you believe that he visited all these places and came back within a small part of night?" He again replied. "Of course I believe in it and I believe in the things which are farther than it, i.e., the news of Hell and Paradise". For this the Holy Prophet named him as-Siddiq i.e., the most Truthful and sincere person in Faith not having even slightest doubt. Of course Abu Bakr's faith was so.