The High Resolve of Abu Bakr in Inviting to Allah
Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) is recognized as the first man to embrace Islam alongside the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him). He took the initiative to invite people to the message of monotheism together with the Prophet. Abu Bakr was well-regarded by his community; he possessed a friendly demeanor and was easygoing in his interactions. He understood what was suitable for his people and embodied noble character, which led many to seek his counsel and assistance. As a knowledgeable person, a merchant, and an engaging conversationalist, he utilized every opportunity to promote the call of Islam.
Many notable figures accepted Islam through his efforts, including Al-Zubair bin Al-Awwam, Uthman bin Affan, Talha bin Ubaydullah, Sa’d bin Abi Waqqas, and Abdurrahman bin Awf. They were all introduced to the Prophet, where they accepted Islam and listened to the Quran, becoming among the earliest followers and staunch defenders of the faith.
His Companionship with the Noble Prophet and Support
Abu Bakr accompanied the Prophet during the migration (Hijrah). Upon reaching the Cave of Thawr, he insisted that the Prophet enter first to ensure his safety. As stated in the Quran: “(If you do not aid him, Allah has already aided him) when the disbelievers drove him out. The second of the two when they were in the cave when he said to his companion, ‘Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us.’ Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon him and supported him with soldiers you did not see…” (Surah At-Tawbah, 40).
He occupied a special place in the Prophet’s heart. In a narration by Amr bin Al-As, the Prophet was asked who was the most beloved person to him. He replied, “Aisha.” When asked about men, he said, “Her father.” Abu Bakr pledged to believe in everything the Prophet stated without doubt, most notably when the polytheists informed him of the incident of the Night Journey and Ascension. He firmly replied, “If he said it, then he has spoken the truth.”
Abu Bakr’s companionship with the Prophet lasted until the latter’s passing. His status was further elevated as he was chosen to be the Prophet’s sole companion during the migration from Mecca to Medina, consistently supporting him and ensuring his well-being. Notably, during the Battle of Badr, he was the only one accompanying the Prophet in a crucial moment, remaining by his side throughout the Prophet’s lifetime.
The Traits of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq
Abu Bakr possessed numerous commendable traits that reflected his noble character.
Proactiveness in Good Deeds
He exhibited the highest standards of morality, always being the first and never allowing anyone else to surpass him in good deeds. One incident narrated by Abu Hurairah involves the Prophet asking his companions who had fasted that day. Abu Bakr replied, “I have.” The Prophet continued to inquire about other good acts, and each time, Abu Bakr affirmed he had done them all, prompting the Prophet to express, “Whenever these qualities converge in one person, he shall enter Paradise.”
Another instance highlights Abu Bakr’s generosity when the Prophet acknowledged the significant impact of Abu Bakr’s wealth on him. Overcome with emotion, Abu Bakr proclaimed, “O Messenger of Allah! Is there anything of mine other than to serve you?” During the migration, he dedicated all of his wealth, which amounted to between five and six thousand dirhams, to support the mission.
Omar ibn Al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) once attempted to cherish a place in good deeds by bringing half of his wealth, while Abu Bakr brought everything he owned. The Prophet inquired about what he left for his family, to which Abu Bakr responded, “I left them with Allah and His Messenger,” asserting, “I shall never allow him to surpass me in anything.” He displayed similar generosity during the Expedition of Tabuk, wherein he fully equipped the army.
Kindness, Gentleness, Humility, and Patience
Abu Bakr was known for his gentle and sensitive nature, often seen with tears in his eyes while reading the Quran. As Aisha described, “Abu Bakr was a weeping man who could not contain his tears upon reciting the Quran.” His tender heart drew people to him, positioning him as the Prophet’s foremost supporter. The Prophet remarked, “The most merciful of my community toward my community is Abu Bakr.”
Omar ibn Al-Khattab once tended to an elderly blind woman, only to discover that Abu Bakr had preceded him in aiding her. This reflects Abu Bakr’s humility, even as he served as the Caliph. Furthermore, he was characterized by patience; one day, when Al-Hassan ibn Ali approached him during his sermon requesting him to step down from “his” pulpit, Abu Bakr acknowledged the claim and embraced him, showcasing his humble disposition.
The Era of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq
Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq lived in challenging times during the Prophet’s mission when the number of Muslims was minimal and the strength of Islam was still growing. His unwavering allegiance and support for the Prophet and Islam were evident.
Following the Prophet’s death, the Muslim community faced tumultuous challenges. It was Abu Bakr who worked tirelessly to restore stability and continue the Prophet’s mission, demonstrating significant achievements aligned with the needs of his time.
His Steadfastness During Critical Moments
Abu Bakr’s resolve was most apparent on the day of the Prophet’s passing. While Omar ibn Al-Khattab insisted that the Prophet was alive, Abu Bakr approached the Prophet, lifted the cover from his face, and kissed him, proclaiming, “You have left this life sweetly.” He then delivered a powerful address to the people, stating, “Whoever worships Muhammad, know that Muhammad is dead, but whoever worships Allah, know that Allah is alive and never dies.” He recited the verse: “Muhammad is but a messenger; there have passed on before him messengers…” (Surah Al-Imran, 144), causing the community to come to terms with the reality of the Prophet’s demise.
The Compilation of the Quran During Abu Bakr’s Era
Many of the Quran’s memorizers were martyred in the Battle of Yamama, raising fears among the companions of losing the Quran’s authenticity through the loss of its memorizers. This concern motivated them to compile the Quran into one manuscript. The idea originated from Omar ibn Al-Khattab, who urged Abu Bakr saying, “The casualties of the Quran’s memorizers are increasing, and I fear we will lose much of it.” Abu Bakr consented, entrusting this significant task to Zaid ibn Thabit, a meticulous recorder of revelations and a witness to the final recitation of the Quran by the Prophet before his passing.
Zaid collected the Quran from memorization and written records, validating each piece of documentation against witnesses who had recorded it in the presence of the Messenger. This monumental undertaking took around fifteen months, resulting in a manuscript that was preserved by Abu Bakr until his death. The manuscript was notable for its structured arrangement of chapters and verses, containing only the Quran and encompassing the seven dialects, alongside the companions’ unanimous agreement on its authenticity and precision.
Conclusion
Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) embodied numerous admirable qualities and virtues. He was the first man to accept Islam and significantly contributed to spreading its message, leading many early companions to embrace the faith. Renowned for his patience, gentleness, humility, and eagerness to do good, he was specifically chosen by the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) as his companion during the migration. His era is marked by the remarkable achievement of compiling the Quran into a single manuscript, preserving the sacred text for generations to come.