Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddiq RA

[Jamil]

Sideeq al-Akhbar (RadiAllaho'anho) The First Caliph of Islam

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Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RadiAllaho'anho) was the staunchest follower and the nearest and dearest companion of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam). His name was Abdullah son of Abu Qahafa Usman. He was descendent in the sixth generation of Mirah Bin Ka'b, progenitor of the family of the Beloved Prophet Muhammad (Salla Allahu alayhiwa Sallam).

He was born in Makkah in 572 AD. Before the advent of Islam, he was a rich cloth merchant. He was a virtuous and pious next only to the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) himself.

Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho) is the first ever male to embrace Islam on his free will and soon after embracing Islam, he became the right hand of the Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam). Allah Exalted has given Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho) a heart full of love and affection for the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam. After the advent of Islam, he dedicated his life and his wealth for the cause of Islam and the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam). He emancipated many slaves who had embraced Islam and lived a miserable life at the hands of their infidel masters. He (RadiAllahu'anho) was also a poet. He was known for his exceptional recitation and his excellent memory of the long poems in which the Arabs took great pride. These qualities served him well in Islam. His recitation of the Qur'an al-Kareem was so sweet-sounding that many people came to Islam simply after hearing him pray. The infidels always tried to restrict him to pray in the courtyard of his house in order to prevent the people from hearing him.

He was also one of the members who undertook migration to Ethiopia. On his way to Ethiopia, he met a noble Arab, Rabi bin Rafi, who after listening his intention said that an altruist likes Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho) became a refugee elsewhere was unacceptable to him. He took him back to Mecca and told the Arab infidels that Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho) was in his protection and be allowed to live in Makkah untroubled. The Arabs agreed on one condition that Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho) would not worship and recite Qur'an-e-Paak publicly.

He agreed to the term, but could not comply with it for long. He made a mosque outside his house and offered worship and recitation of al-Qur'an publicly. His sweet-sounding recitation attracted many people around him. When, on the complaint by Arabs, Rabi Bin Rafi approached him, he liberated him of his avowal, saying: "I am pleased with the wish of Allah (swt)." That Rabi Bin Rafi later himself embraced Islam.

There are many Quraa'nic verses about the exaltation of Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho) one is in chapter Tauba: "Verily, Allah gives him support, when infidels expelled him."

About a verse in chapter Zammer: "And who brought forward the true verse and that when believed it truth those are pious," Hadrat Ali (RadiAllahu'anho) said that Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhiw a Sallam) is indicated by words 'who brought forward the true verse and the one who testified it is Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho)."

Among all the people, he was called "Al-Atiq," the most pious, delivered from the punishments of the fire.
Besides, there are many Hadiths in praise of Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho). The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allaho alayhi wa Sallam) said: "Had I made anyone my friend except Allah, I would have chosen Sideeq al-Akbar (RadiAllahu'anho).
"What ever Allah poured into my heart, I poured into the heart of Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllaho'anho)."

The Most Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) said: "Whenever I offered Islam to anyone, he always showed some reluctance and hesitation and tried to enter into an argument. Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho) was the only person who accepted Islam without any doubt or hesitation, and without any argument."

"Allah will show His glory to the people in a general way, but He will show it to Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho) in a special way."

"Never was anything revealed to me that I did not pour into the heart of Sideeq-e-Akhbar (RadiAllahu'anho)."

"There is no one to whom I am obligated and have not repaid my debt except Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho), for I owe him much for which Allah will compensate him on the Day of Judgment."

"Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllahu'anho) does not precede you because of much prayer or fasting, but because of a secret that is in his heart."

Bukhari narrates from Ibn Umar (RadiAllaho'anho), who said: "In the time of the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allaho alayhi wa Sallam) we were not recognising anyone higher than Hadrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RadiAllaho'anho), then Umar (RadiAllaho'anho), then Usman(RadiAllaho'anho)."

He freed seven slaves before leaving Makkah. He not only spent large amounts to buy them freedom but he then took them into his own household and educated them.

[Jamil]

In early Islam interpretation of dreams was considered a spiritual exercise. Only those with pure hearts and spiritual vision could have meaningful dreams; and only those with pure hearts and spiritual vision could interpret them. Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) was an acknowledged interpreter of dreams. Even the Prophet (PBUH) also consulted him in search for clarity of his prophetic dreams.
Although, a quiet and gentle man he was also first on the battlefield. He only fought for the Islam. Once his son Abdul Rehman (R), who had fought for infidels against Muslims before embracing Islam, said that during wars he had three chances to kill Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) but he let go the chances in respect for the father. But Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) replied: "My son, had I had a single chance to kill you, by Allah, I would not have hesitated for a single moment."

Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) always remained side by side the Prophet (PBUH) whether in Mecca, or in on the way to Madina or in Madina. He was with the Prophet in the cave of Sor, he was with him in the Battle of Badr. Even today both are laid to rest side by side under the same roof of the holy shrine of the Prophet (PBUH).

The Prophet (PBUH) had many a times made Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (R) his deputy. He was his only companion, who led the prayers when the Prophet (PBUH) was sick. He was made leader of the Muslims, during the first ever Hajj in Mecca after Islam dominated infidelity. Therefore, after the demise of the Prophet, all the Muslims elected him as the first and able-most successor to the Prophet. When he assumed the succession to the seat of the Prophet Salla Allahu ta'ala 'alayhi wa Sallam he made clear to every one: "Follow me until I lead you on the path of Allah." He said: "Help me, if I be the right; set me right, if I be the wrong. The weak among you shall be strong to me until his rights have been vindicated. The strong among you shall be weak with me until, if God wills, I have taken what is due to him. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Prophet; when I disobey Him and his Prophet, obey me not."

When, there arose the matter of non-payment of Zakat by some distracters, many of the companions suggested that it was befitting to tackle the mater unhurriedly. But he (R) said: "I have not ascended to first in altering the orders, of Allah" He then initiated Jihad against the defaulters of Zakat. He also took firm stance on sending mission to Syria under the command of Hazrat Usama Bin Zaid (R), whereby all other companions of the Prophet (PBUH) were of the view that some senior general be deputed in place of teenaged Usama (R). Hazrat Ussama (R) was nominated to lead the army by Prophet (PBUH) himself.

During his caliphate, he instituted public treasury (Bayt-ul-mal) to take care of the poor. He was the first to compile holy Qura'n and called it 'Mus-haf'.

Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) passed away on Monday, (as did the Prophet himself) between Maghrib and Isha on Jumadi-al-Sani 22, 13 AH, or August 25, 634 AD.

Before, his departure to the Afterworld, he told his daughter Syeda Ayesha Siddiqa (R) that he be shrouded in his used clothes as was the Prophet (PBUH) and some new pieces be added to his shroud. When his funeral became ready for the burial, he be taken to the shrine of the Prophet (PBUH) and permission for entering the Shrine of the Prophet (PBUH) be sought. If the door of the shrine opens of its own, he may be buried there.

When the mourners took his funeral at the door of the shrine of the Prophet (PBUH) they said: "O prophet of Allah! your companion Abu Bakr seeks permission to enter," and the door of the shrine of the Prophet (PBUH) opened without touching by anybody. Then Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) was laid to rest besides his beloved, the Prophet (PBUH).

Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) initiated the recitation of La Ilaha Illallah in a circle of his friends in his house. The practice later adopted by all saints and has become the cornerstone of Sufism. It was his way and his favours, he imparted upon his companions in that circle of recitation, which continued in the Naqshbandia order till today.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) was the first in many aspects. He was the first male Muslim. He was the first successor of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was the first ruler who called himself a Khalifat-ur-Rasool (Caliph of the Prophet (PBUH)). He was the first ruler whose honorarium was fixed by the subject. He was the first who ruled in the life of his father. And also the one who voluntarily not nominated his son to the throne rather handed over the throne to the able person out of his blood relation.

The Noor passed on in the heart of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R) by the Prophet (PBUH) was then placed in the heart of his successor, Salman Farsi (R).

[Abdul Rafiq]

The Blessed Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam)confirmed his high rank in many of his sayings, among them:

"Allah gave one of His servants a choice between this world and what He has with Him, and that servant chose what Allah has with Him." Abu Bakr Radi Allahu anhu wept profusely and we wondered why he wept, since the Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) had told of a servant that was given a choice. The Blessed Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) himself was that servant, as Abu Bakr Radi Allahu anhu later told us.

The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) continued: "Among those most dedicated to me in his companionship and property is Abu Bakr Radi Allahu anhu. If I were to take an intimate friend other than my Lord, I would take Abu Bakr Radi Allahu anhu. But what binds us is the brotherhood of Islam and its love. Let no door [of the Prophet’s mosque] remain open except Abu Bakr’s Radi Allahu anhu"

[Marhaba]

Abdul said:

The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam) continued: "Among those most dedicated to me in his companionship and property is Abu Bakr Radi Allahu anhu.

Its give me real pleasure always to real about Sidiq-e Akbar RA

[simnani]

Subhanallah brother great thread, Sideeq al-Akhbar always showed such devotion and humility and a most worthy first caliph to his Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam ;

The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allaho alayhi wa Sallam) said: "Had I made anyone my friend except Allah, I would have chosen Sideeq al-Akbar (RadiAllahu'anho).
"What ever Allah poured into my heart, I poured into the heart of Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllaho'anho)."

[Jamil]

Simnani said:

Subhanallah brother great thread, Sideeq al-Akhbar always showed such devotion and humility and a most worthy first caliph to his Beloved Prophet Salla Allahu alayhi wa Sallam ;

The Beloved Prophet (Salla Allaho alayhi wa Sallam) said: "Had I made anyone my friend except Allah, I would have chosen Sideeq al-Akbar (RadiAllahu'anho).
"What ever Allah poured into my heart, I poured into the heart of Hadrat Abu Bakr (RadiAllaho'anho)."

Mashallah brother a truly praiseworthy hadith for the truthful one.

[Abdul Rafiq]

I was surprised there werent any threads already on Hazrat Sideeq-e-Akbar (radi Allahu anhu) considering it was their anniversary the other day ? Thats why i have resurrected this old thread.

The Bravery of Sayidina Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu)

He was the most courageous and bravest among all companions. He accompanied the noble Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) where no other could dare to accompany him. Allama Bazzar (rahmatullahi alaihi )narrates in his Musnad, a book of hadith in which narrations are written by the names of narraters, that once Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) asked people;,

“Who is the bravest.”

The people replied, “you are the bravest.”

Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) denied it and said, “I always fight with those who are equal to me. Therefore how can I be the bravest of all?”

He further said, “You tell me who is the bravest?”

They said, “You yourself inform us.”

Hazrat Ali (radi Allahu anhu) said, “The most courageous and the bravest is Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu). O people! Listen to me, in the battle of Badr we made a cottage so that he might be protected from sun rays and dust.

So we said that who will live with the noble Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) to save him from the attack of enemy. By Allah, no one dare to proceed except Abu Bakr (radi Allahu anhu). He proceeded with his naked sword in his hand and stand nearby the noble Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam) so no enemy dare to attack the noble Prophet (Salla Allahu alayhi wa sallam). And if some one came to harm, Hazrat Abu Bakr attacked him. Therefore Abu Bakr was the bravest of all.”