Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA)

Introduction
“There is no one to whom I am obligated and have not repaid my debt except for Abu Bakr (RA), for I owe him much for which Allah will compensate him on the Day of Judgment.” –Prophet Muhammad (PBUH)

Such is the exalted status of the first Caliph of Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA). Many a time, other companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) tried to emulate him, but always fell short of his greatness. That is why he is regarded by many scholars as:

“The best of humans after the Prophets”

There is no doubt that all the four rightly guided Caliphs were great, but when it comes to choosing the greatest one of them all, it would certainly have to be Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA). We will try to learn more about our hero in this blog.

Life before Islam
Abdullah was his name, although the name Ateeq was used more. Hazrat Aisha (RA) further narrates ‘Once my father came to the Prophet and the Messenger of Allah said to him, “You are Allah’s freed one from the fire.” So he was known as Ateeq.

Since his boyhood, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) was a quiet and sincere man. He was very honest and truthful. Because of his sterling character he was the closest friend of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) since his youth (even before Muhammad (PBUH) proclaimed prophethood, and the friendship proved to be life-long. He was a soft hearted man and keenly felt others sufferings and miseries. He used to help the poor and the needy, the distressed and the downtrodden.

Even before embracing Islam he did not like most of the customs of the days of ignorance and never drank any liquor.
His main profession was trade. He also accompanied the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in some of his trade missions. Because of his honesty people trusted him and often kept their money as a trust with him. His nobility and truthfulness soon made him a rich trader. Actually these qualities were soon to serve the noblest cause of Allah.

First Free Man to Accept Islam

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) was a firm friend of the Holy Prophet and knew him better than any other man. His honesty, nobility, truthfulness and trustworthiness, had great attraction for Abu Bakr (RA).

When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) disclosed to him secretly about the revelation of Allah, Abu Bakr (RA) accepted it immediately without having the slightest doubt. In this way he was the first adult free man to believe in the Holy Prophet’s Mission, and became his confidant.

Call towards Islam
As soon as he had accepted Islam he started the work of Da’wat (Invitation towards Allah) first secretly and then openly when it was so allowed by the Holy Prophet (RA). In the first instance eight prominent figures accepted Islam at the hands of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA).

Among them was Hadrat Usman, the third Caliph of Islam. In this way he was the first Muslim, after the Holy Prophet, to preach Islam and to invite people towards Allah in a very fruitful way. The main reason for his success was his popularity among the Meccans because of his honesty, nobility, trustworthiness, good morals and fair dealings.

Hardships for Da’wat (Invitation) towards Allah
One day in Makkah, Abu Bakr (R.A.) asked the permission of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to invite people openly. On his persistent request the Holy Prophet (PBUH) gave his consent and all of them went to Haram (the Holy Mosque or Ka ‘bah) for preaching.

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) gave a Khutbah (Sermon) which was the first ever delivered in the annals of Islam. Hadrat Hamzah accepted Islam the same day. When disbelievers and idolaters from amongst Quraish heard it they fell on the Muslims from all sides. Abu Bakr (R.A.) despite the fact that he was considered to be the noblest of all the people in Mecca was besmeared with blood.

He was kicked, thrashed with shoes, trampled under feet and handled most roughly and savagely. He became unconscious. This is the place to observe his extreme love for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) that when he gained consciousness and opened his eyes in the evening he first enquired. “How is the Prophet (PBUH)?” His deep love for the Holy Prophet, really, was the main cause of his success. His love and respect for the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was unbounded.

On another occasion the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was offering his Salat in the Ka’bah, Abu Jahl came and put a sheet of cloth around his neck and twisted it hard in order to strangle the Holy Prophet to death. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) saw this, he at once came and pushing Abu Jahl aside took off the piece of cloth around the neck of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). He then said, “Do you want to kill such a gentle person who is a Messenger of Allah and declares Allah as the Cherisher and Sustainer.” Then Abu Jahl and other enemies of Islam fell upon Abu Bakr and beat him severely.

Freeing of Slaves
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) served Islam in numerous ways. The Quraish cruelly persecuted a number of slaves who had accepted Islam and made life difficult for them. Muslim slaves were the worst sufferers at the hands of non-Muslim masters.

Hadrat Bilal RA (a negro slave), one of the best known in the galaxy of Companions of the Holy Prophet, was one among such slaves. His master Umayyah bin Khalf lashed him at night and made him lie on the burning sand during the day because of Bilal’s conversion to Islam. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) bought him freedom and Bilal became a free Muslim. Other Muslim slaves who were bought by Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), and made free were, ‘Amir bin Fuhairah, Nazirah, Nahdiah, Jariah, Bani Momil and Bint Nahdiah etc. (R.A.).

Abu Bakr gets the title of As-SIDDIQ
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) went on Mi’raj (Ascension) in the I0th 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?” Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) 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 (PBUH) named him as-Siddiq i.e., the most Truthful and sincere person in Faith not having even slightest doubt.
At this place I would like to point out that “SIDDIQIAT” is the highest stage of Iman (Faith) and “Tawakkul” (Trust in Allah) after prophethood as pointed out in the following verse of the Holy Qur’an.

“All those who obey Allah and the Prophet are in the company of those upon whom Allah has shown favours – of the Prophets, “Siddiqin” (The Sincere), “Shuhada” (The Martyrs), and “Salihin”(The Righteous Muslims): Ah! What a beautiful company.” (Holy Quran 4:69).

Other Virtues of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) mentioned in the Holy Quran
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) accompanied the Prophet (PBUH) during the Hijrah (migration to Madina), as Allah says (interpretation of the meaning):
“If you help him (Muhammad) not (it does not matter), for Allah did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of the two; when they (Muhammad and Abu Bakr) were in the cave, he said to his companion (Abu Bakr): ‘Be not sad (or afraid), surely, Allah is with us.’

Then Allah sent down His Sakeenah (calmness, tranquility, peace) upon him, and strengthened him with forces (angels) which you saw not, and made the word of those who disbelieved the lowermost, while the Word of Allah that became the uppermost; and Allah is All-Mighty, All-Wise”
[al-Taubah 9:40]

Al-Lail. The following verses in the Sura “Al-Lail” refer to Abu Bakr:
“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 will they attain complete satisfaction.” {92:18-21}

“He who gives in charity, and fears Allah and in all sincerity testifies to the best, We will indeed, make smooth for him, the path to bliss”. {92:1-7}
Al-Ahzab. When the verse “Surely Allah and His angels bless the Prophet” {33:56} was revealed, Abu Bakr inquired of the Holy Prophet whether he was included in the divine grace which was bestowed on the Holy Prophet.

It was on this that the following verse was revealed which contains an implied reference to Abu Bakr: “He it is, Who sends His blessings on him, and so do His angels that He may bring him forth out of utter darkness into light, and He is merciful to the believers’. {33:43}.
Al-lmran. The commentators are agreed that the following verse of Sura “Al-lmran” refers to Abu Bakr and Umar (RA):
“And take counsel with them in the affair”. (3:158)

Ashra Mubashara (Blessed Ten)
Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) is one of the ten companions who were informed by the Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) about the award of Paradise for them during their lifetime. This means these companions were chosen among 124000 companions for this great blessing. But another amazing point about these ten is that six of them (besides him) reverted to Islam on the invitation of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) : Hazrat Usman, Hazrat Talha, Hazrat Zubair, Hazrat Saad bin Abi Waqqas, Hazrat Abdur-Rahman bin Auf and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah bin Jarrah (RA).

Virtues of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) mentioned by the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself
The Holy Prophet (PBUH) showered such high exalted praise for his beloved companion Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) as mentioned below:
“When I invited people towards Allah, everybody thought over it and hesitated, at least for a while, except Abu Bakr (RA) who accepted my call the moment I put it before him, and he did not hesitate even for a moment.”
“Had I made anyone my friend except Allah, I would have chosen Abu Bakr (RA).”
“It is incumbent upon my Ummah to love Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) and be thankful to him”

“There is no one to whom I am obligated and have not repaid my debt except Abu Bakr, for I owe him much for which Allah will compensate him on the Day of Judgment.”
“Whatever Allah poured into my heart, I poured into the heart of Abu Bakr (RA).”
“Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) does not precede you because of much prayer or fasting, but because of a secret that is in his heart.”
“No wealth has ever benefited me as much as the wealth of Abu Bakr (RA).”

“You are Allah’s freed one from the fire.” So he was known as Ateeq.

“There is no one among the people who has been more generous to me with his life and his property than Abu Bakr ibn Abi Quhaafa and if I was to take a bosom friend, I would take Abu Bakr as my bosom friend. But, the friendship of Islam is better. Block off every door in this Masjid except the door of Abu Bakr.”

Who is most beloved to you? He said: “Aisha RA.” I said: What about among men? He said: “Her father.” (Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) I said: And then who? He said: “Then Umar ibn Al-Khattab.” And then he listed some other men.

And it was narrated from Anas ibn Malik (RA) that the Prophet (PBUH) climbed Uhud with Abu Bakr, ‘Umar and ‘Usman, and it trembled beneath them. He said, ‘Stand firm, O Uhud, for there is no one on you but a Prophet, a Siddiq and two martyrs.”
“Abu Bakr is the best of mankind unless it is a Prophet.”

“Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer.” (when the Prophet (PBUH) was sick)

Virtues of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) mentioned by Companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
It was narrated that Ibn ‘Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “We used to compare the people as to who was better at the time of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him). We used to regard Abu Bakr as the best, then ‘Umar ibn al-Khattab, then ‘Usman ibn ‘Affaan (may Allah be pleased with them).” Narrated by al-Bukhari, 3655.

According to another report he said: “At the time of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) we did not regard anyone as equal with Abu Bakr, then ‘Umar (RA), then ‘Usman, then we left the companions of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him) and we did not differentiate between them.” Al-Bukhari, 2679.

This is testimony of all the Sahabah, narrated by ‘Abd-Allah ibn Umar (RA), that Abu Bakr was superior to all the Sahabah, followed by Umar (RA), then Usman.

It was narrated that ‘Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) said: “No one is brought to me who regards me as superior to Abu Bakr and Umar (RA) but I will punish him with a beating like a fabricator.” Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyah said: It was narrated that he used to speak from the minbar of Kufa and say that the best of this Ummah after our Prophet was Abu Bakr, then ‘Umar (RA). This was narrated from him via more than eighty isnaads, and it was narrated by al-Bukhari and others.

It was narrated that Muhammad ibn al-Hanafiyyah (who was the son of ‘Ali ibn Abi Talib RA) said: “I said to my father, ‘Which of the people was the best after the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings of Allah be upon him)?’ He said, ‘Abu Bakr.’ I said, ‘Then who?’ He said, ‘Then ‘Umar (RA).’ I was afraid that he would say Usman. I said, ‘Then is it you?’ He said, ‘I am only one of the Muslims.’”

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) was the bravest of the companions. Hazrat Ali (RA) said: “I saw the Messenger of Allah and the Quraish had grabbed him. One of the men held him and threw him down and was saying ‘Are you the one who have made all the gods into one god?’ By Allah, none of us approached except Abu Bakr who struck the men of the Quraish single-handed.”

Virtues of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) mentioned by Hazrat Jibrael (The Angel) and other angels
Jibrael informed the apostle of Allah: ‘The best of your Ummah after you is Abu Bakr”
Abu Hurairah said: “The angels made each other rejoice on the Day of Badr saying, ‘Do you not see As-Siddiq with the messenger of Allah
Jafar mentioned that Abu Bakr used to listen to the conversations that occurred between the Prophet (PBUH) and Jibrael even though he could not see Jibrael, the only Companion of the Holy Prophet reported to have this honour.

Honored to become Father-In-Law of the Holy Prophet (PBUH)
Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) married Hazrat Aisha (RA), the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr, thus giving Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) the honor of becoming the father-in-law of the Holy Prophet (PBUH).

Participation in the Holy Wars
He fought in almost all the battles along with the Holy Prophet (PBUH). In the first battle of Islam at Badr he was with the Holy Prophet like a shadow. His own son, who had not embraced Islam by that time, was fighting on the side of Quraish. After he accepted Islam he said to Abu Bakr one day, “Dear father! I found you twice under my sword at Badr but I could not raise my hand because of my love for you”.”If I had got a chance”, Abu Bakr replied, “I would have killed you”. It was Abu Bakr’s suggestion on which the Holy Prophet (PBUH) decided to release the prisoners of war after taking ransom.

In the battle of Uhud when some of the Muslims were running away, Abu Bakr was firm and when the Holy Prophet (PBUH) was brought on the mountain after being injured, he was with him.

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) was the first companion to accept the peace plan of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) without any hesitation at Hudaibiyah when all the Muslims insisted upon fighting.

On the occasion of Tabuk expedition Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) brought everything that he possessed. When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) asked him, “What did you leave for your family?” Abu Bakr (R.A.) said, “I have left for them Allah and his Prophet”. Even Hadrat Umar (RA) admitted at this occasion that he could never hope to surpass Abu Bakr (R.A.) in his sacrifice for the cause of Allah and Islam.

Amir (Chief) of Al-Hajjul-Akbar (9 A.H.)

It was the 9th year of Hijrah when the first Haj took place. The Holy Prophet (PBUH) had then returned from Tabuk expedition but he was so busy that he could not himself attend the Hajj pilgrimage. He sent Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) as-Siddiq as his deputy to lead the Hajj caravan to Mecca.

Among others in the Hajj caravan were Hadrat Sa’d bin Abi-Waqqas, Jabir, and Hadrat Abu Hurairah (R.A.). The Holy Qur’an calls this Hajj pilgrimage as “Al-Hajjul-Akbar” (The Great Hajj) because it was the first ever Hajj in the history of Islam and was the beginning of a new era of Islamic period and constitution. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) taught the people the Hajj rites and rituals and gave a historic sermon (Khutbah) on the Sacrificial Day before the congregation. Hadrat ‘Ali (RA) followed him and proclaimed severance of all connections with the heathen world.

Imam of Holy Prophet’s Mosque

Since his arrival at Medina the Holy Prophet (PBUH) himself led the prayers at his mosque all the time. This was really a high office and was not given to anybody in the presence of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). A few months after his return from the Farewell Pilgrimage (AI-Hujjatul-Wida’) in 10 A.H., the Holy Prophet (PBUH) fell ill.

A time came when he was unable to move and could not go to the Mosque to lead the Salat. He had to appoint someone as the Imam and this honour fell to the lot of Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr’s daughter, lady ‘A’isha (RA) was one of the most beloved wives of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). She knew that Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) was a soft hearted man and it would be rather hard for him to replace the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the Salat. So she pleaded with the Holy Prophet (PBUH) to excuse Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) from this duty but the Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not change his decision even though he was requested three times.

During his sickness, the Holy Prophet (PBUH) 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, (PBUH) Abu Bakr wanted to step back but the Holy Prophet stopped him and sat down by his side.

After the Salat the Holy Prophet (PBUH) 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 Siddiq (RA). A smile lit up the pale face of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). 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 (PBUH) asked Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) to lead the Salat and he went inside and let the curtain fall

News of the Death of the Holy Prophet(PBUH)
When Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) found the Holy Prophet (PBUH) 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 (RA). After hearing the news of the death of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), he immediately returned and saw great rush at the gate of the Mosque.

He did not talk to anybody and went straight to Hadrat Aisha’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. Hadrat Umar (RA) (R.A.) was in a strong emotional state and was shouting that the Holy Prophet (PBUH) had not died. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) tried to calm him but Umar (RA) did not pay any attention to him. Noting the delicacy of the situation, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) 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 (PBUH) 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 Siddiq (RA) touched the hearts of the people. Hadrat Umar (RA) also cooled down. Hadrat ‘Abdullah says, “It seemed that the verse of the Holy Qur’an to which Abu Bakr referred was just revealed, although we had recited it several times in the past”

Abu Bakr chosen as the First Khalifah

After consultations among the Companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) in the Mosque of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) Siddiq (RA) was rightly chosen as the first Khalifah (Caliph). Thus Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) assumed the greatest office, after the office of prophethood, and became the first Khalifah of Islam. He gave his first address as a Khalifah in the mosque after the general “Bai’at” (oath).

“Oh people! I have been selected as your Trustee although I am no better than anyone of you. If I am right, obey me. If I am misguided, set me right. Of course truth is honesty and a lie is dishonesty. The weakest among you is powerful in my eyes until I do not get him his due, In sha-Allah (If it should please Allah). The most powerful among you is the weakest in my eyes until I do not make him pay due rights to others in sha Allah. Allah sends down disgrace on those people who give up Jihad in the path of Allah. Allah surely sends down calamities on such people who indulge in evils.

“I ask you to obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger (PBUH). If I disobey Allah and His Messenger you are free to disobey me. Now come and offer Salat.”

Problems faced by Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) As-Siddiq as a Caliph
After the death of the Holy Prophet (PBUH), the Arabs were on all sides rising in rebellion. Apostasy and disaffection raised their heads. Christians and Jews were filled with unrest. Some Muslim tribes refused to pay Zakat to the Caliph for “Baitul Mal” (the Public Treasury). Some disbelievers declared themselves to be prophets. There were many problems and much confusion. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) faced and handled all these with unparalleled courage and the highest degree of Iman (Faith) which is the characteristic of a “SIDDIQ”.

Collection of the Holy Qur’an
One of the greatest services rendered to Islam by 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 (PBUH) but it had not been compiled in book form though its memorization continued even after the death of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). In various battles which took place against rebels and false prophets, a number of Huffaz Companions were martyred. In the battle against Musailimah al-Khazzab about seventy Huffaz had died.

It then occurred to Hadrat Umar (RA) (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 Siddiq (RA) to put it in black and white in the form of a book.

Other Companions also agreed with Hazrat Umar’s (RA) opinion but Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) hesitated in the beginning because it was not done by the Holy Prophet (PBUH). However after some discussion he agreed to it and appointed Hadrat Zaid bin Thabit (R.A.) for this work who was hesitant at first but later, he changed his mind and started the work.

Hadrat Zaid bin Thabit was the best qualified person for this work because he had acted as an amanuensis to the Holy Prophet (PBUH), 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 recited the whole of the completed Holy Qur’an to angel Gabriel. Hadrat Zaid bin Thabit adopted the same order of the various chapters of the Holy Book as was revealed to the Holy Prophet (PBUH). 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, Hadrat Hafsa (RA) who was one of the wives of the Holy Prophet and daughter of Hadrat 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 Hadrat Usman sent copies of the same compilation of the Holy Qur’an, collected during the period of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA), to various places of his caliphate.

Illness of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) and Hazrat Umar’s Nomination
It was the 7th Jamada-ul-Akhira, 13 A.H. that As-Siddiq al-Akbar fell ill. He had a severe fever. When the illness took a serious turn he called the “Shura” (Advisory Council) to consult about his successor, the second Caliph. He preferred to let the Muslims decide the matter in his presence.

Following were the leading figures present in the Shura: Hazrat Umar (RA), Usman, Ali, Abdur-Rahman bin Auf, Mu’adh bin Jabal, Ubaiy bin Ka’b, Zaid bin Thabit (RA) and other leading Muhajirin and Ansar. Since there was no opposition to Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA)’s view, Hadrat Umar (RA) was declared to be the next Caliph and all the Companions, including Hadrat Ali and Hadrat Talha, agreed to it.

Reflections on Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA)
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) was a rich merchant before his Khilafat. After he was selected as Caliph, Hadrat Umar (RA) and some other Companions put pressure on him to leave his business and accept some allowance from the Baitul Mal. He took the least possible amount which was hardly sufficient for him and his family. Once his wife wanted to prepare some sweet dish, and somehow saved something after one month.

When she brought to him the money to make purchases for the sweet dish, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) said, “It seems that we have been over-paid, beyond our needs”. He then deposited the saving in the Baitul Mal and she was not able to prepare the sweet dish. Not only this he got his allowance cut down for future by the amount saved by his wife.

As-Siddiq al-Akbar left behind a noble example of selfless service. He lived and worked for the sake of Islam to his last breath, but sought no reward.
In this way we see that Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) kept doing the great work of his Holy Master (PBUH). With unshakeable faith and full courage he had struggled to the utmost. Islam is forever grateful to its greatest hero, the next to prophets, for the great services he rendered to it.

As-Siddiq al-Akbar passes away
After a fortnight’s illness, As-Siddiq al-Akbar passed away at the age of 61 on Tuesday, the 22nd Jamadal-Akhira, 13 A.H. (23rd August 634 A.D.). Before his death he said to his daughter Hazrat ‘A’isha (RA), “Do not use new cloth for my shroud. Wash the sheet in my use and wrap my corpse in it”. His wish was acted upon. His next wish was to pay all the money he got as salary for Caliph from “Baitul Mal” (The Public Treasury) after selling his garden.

He said, I did not like to take anything from the “Baitul Mal but Umar (RA) pressed me to accept some allowance so that I would be relieved of my occupation and devote my full time to the duties of the Khilafat (Caliphate). I was left no choice but to accept the offer”. After his death ‘A’isha asked Hadrat Umar (RA) to take over that garden as desired by her father. Umar (RA) remarked: “May Allah bless him. He left no chance for anybody to open his lips against him”.

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA)’s caliphate lasted for only two years, three months and ten days (according to Islamic calendar). And thus the greatest human ever after the Prophets left this world…..

May Allah Almighty be pleased with him.