Abu Bakr Siddiq

      Abu Bakr Siddiq

Abu Bakr was born in 573 C.E., in the city of Makkah. His parents were Uthman bin Abu Qahafah and Ummul Khair. This noble and wealthy family belonged to the tribe of Quraysh, the same tribe as that of Muhammad(Pbuh) At birth he was named Abdul Kabah (servant of Kabah), and when he accepted Islam, he was named 'Abdullah (servant of Allah). However, he became known as Abu Bakr, the father of the camel, as he loved camels and knew a lot about them. Abu Bakr was three years younger than the Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh) and, as they were very much alike, he became his childhood friend. Abu Bakr remained his closest Companion and the Prophet once said, No one has been a better companion to me than Abu Bakr.

When Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh) was twelve years old, he had gone to Syria with his uncle, Abu Talib, with a trading caravan. During that trip, Bahira (a monk) on seeing Muhammad(Pbuh) predicted that one day he would be a prophet. Abu Bakr was also with the caravan. From that day onwards, Abu Bakr was convinced that this prophecy would come true. Abu Bakr was known for his good character. He was honest and truthful; hardworking and fair in his dealings. He was extremely kind and helped the poor and the sick. He spoke eloquently and enjoyed composing poetry. He was intelligent and had an excellent memory.

As a merchant he traveled a lot and the experiences he had on his journeys broadened his general knowledge and outlook on life. As a merchant he traveled a lot and the experiences he had on his journeys broadened his general knowledge and outlook on life.

 In 610 C.E., Prophet Muhammad(Pbuh) was told by Angel Jibrail that he has been chosen as the messenger of Allah. Three> family members, Khadija, Ali and Zaid bin Haritha (the Prophet's adopted son) immediately accepted Islam. Abu Bakr was the first person outside the family to do so without any hesitation. Abu Bakr was a rich merchant. He knew that his acceptance of Islam would have a negative affect on his business. However, he made up his mind to support Islam at any cost.

He made no secret of his conversion to Islam. He persuaded many very influential people to do so as well, such as Uthman bin Affan, Abdur Rahman bin Auf, Sa'ad bin Abi Waqgqas, Abu Ubaidah, Abu Salma, Zubair bin Awam, Talha bin Ubaidullah and several others. All these men were of a high status and proved to be a great asset to Islam

Slaves who accepted Islam were persecuted and tortured by their owners. Abu Bakr purchased many of them and set them free. Bilal, the first 'muadhdhin' the one who calls for prayer) of Islam was one of them. Wherever Muhammad Pbuh) went, Abu Bakr went with him and he often risked his life to protect the Prophet. After the death of his wife Khadija and his uncle Abu Talib, the Holy Prophet was sad. Things were not going well for Muslims either. One night in 620 C.E. the Prophet was taken to the Heavens (al-Mi'raj). People ridiculed him when they heard that he had gone to Masjid al-Aqsa in Jerusalem and from there to the Heavens. A number of people, some of them Muslims, came to Abu Bakr and expressed doubts about the possibility of this journey. He silenced them with his eloquent reasoning and told them that he would believe anything the Prophet said. Thus he earned the title of 'al-Siddig, which means a very strong and honest friend.

A man came up and insulted Abu Baki onde day when he was sitting with the Prophet. Abu Bakr listened but remained silent. The man insulted him again. But Abu Bakr continued to hold his peace. When the man kept on with his verbal attack, Abu Bakr could no longer control himself, and answered back. On hearing this, the Prophet immediately got up to leave.. 'Why have you left your place, Prophet of God?' Abu Bakr asked. 'As long as you remained silent, Abu Bakr,' the Prophet replied, 'God's angel was answering for you. But as soon as you burst out, the angel left, and I am leaving too."

A man came up and insulted Abu Bakr one day when he was sitting with the Prophet. Abu Bakr listened but remained silent. The man insulted him again. But Abu Bakr continued to hold his peace. When the man kept on with his verbal attack, Abu Bakr could no longer control himself, and answered back. On hearing this, the Prophet immediately got up to leave..

 'Why have you left your place, Prophet of God?' Abu Bakr asked. 'As long as you remained silent, Abu Bakr,' the Prophet replied, 'God's angel was answering for you. But as soon as you burst out, the angel left, and I am leaving too."