Sayyidunā ʿAlī’s Eulogy of Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq
Sayyidunā ʿAlī’s Eulogy of Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq
Abu Bakr رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was born in the year 573. His parents were Abu Quhafa and Umm Khayr, and they belonged to Banu Taym tribe. Even before Islam, he believed in one God and didn't like people worshiping idols. The first Muslim caliph, Abu Bakr رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ, who was a rich trader, used his money to set slaves free. which means 'the Truthful/Righteous.'
The first leader of Islam, the leader of believers, and the first caliph of Islam is called Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddique رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ. His respected name is 'Abdullah and people also call him 'Abu Bakar.' He has titles like Siddeeq, meaning 'extremely truthful,' and 'Ateeq,' which means 'freed.'
Even before Islam, he was known for always telling the truth. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, who knows things unseen through Allah Almighty's blessings, gave him the good news that he is free from the Hellfire, which is why he is also called 'Ateeq.' (Tareekh-ul-Khulafa, p. 29) Abu Bakar Al Siddiq رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ is from the Quraysh tribe, and if you go back seven generations in his family, you reach the lineage of the Holy Prophet صَلَّى الـلّٰـهُ عَلَيْهِ وَاٰلِهٖ وَسَلَّم. Abu Bakar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was born in Makkah Mukarramah, about two and a half years after the incident of 'Aam-ul-Feel, which was when the unsuccessful king, Abrahah, tried to attack the Blessed Ka’bah with an army of elephants.
Before Islam, the society of the Arabs was in a troubled state. Among those fortunate companions of the Prophet who had the honor of staying away from societal wrongs, the first name that comes to mind is that of our great leader, Abu Bakar al Siddiq رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ.
Throughout the life, Abu Bakar Siddique رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ never allowed social misconduct to taint his pure days. He stayed separate from all the bad customs, rooted in honesty, dealt with contemporary issues with wisdom, distant from worldly desires, and adorned with brotherhood, like an honest merchant, he showcased his true self among people. With his family heritage, he possessed a sharp intellect and consciousness, always maintaining a respectable position among people.
The sincerity in Khalifa Abu Bakr al Siddiq رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ heart, his intelligence, and wisdom were so profound that the branches of his wisdom were spoken of among people. Infused with all kinds of goodness, with a heart connected to truth, when Abu Bakr As Siddiq رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ set out on a journey to Yemen and was observed by a religious man, the signs of fidelity and truthfulness were evident to him.
He said, "I inform you that you are an emissary of a Prophet in the sanctuary, and all the signs of being among the close associates of the Prophet, which I recognize, are in you. Just do not abandon the path of guidance. Do not lose the blessing that the Lord has bestowed upon you."
This incident planted the seeds of faith in the heart of Siddiq e Akbar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ. He returned to Makkah, and on the way, he heard the news that Abu Talib's nephew claimed to be a Prophet. The desire to meet the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had already been stirring in his heart. He started his quest to find the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and was directed to the house of Hazrat Khadijah رَضِیَ اللہُ عَنْہا.
Running swiftly, he reached the beloved house and knocked on the door. The face of the Holy Prophet ﷺ appeared. With the courage to inquire, he رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ asked, "Why have you abandoned the religion of your forefathers?" The Prophet replied, "I am the Messenger of Allah Almighty to you and all people. You too should have faith in Allah Almighty. He had already believed in the truth of the Prophet, had complete trust in honesty, and just asked for the tranquility of the heart. For the sake of some peace of mind, guidance was given him"
Upon hearing the incident of the old scholar, he met on the way to Yemen, Abu Bakr رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ testified: "I testify that indeed there is no one worthy of worship except Allah Almighty, and undoubtedly, you are the true Messenger of Allah Almighty."
Siddique e Akbar رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ achieved the position of being truthful and then the honor of becoming the first companion. The life of Abu Bakr Siddiq رَضِىَ الـلّٰـهُ عَـنْهُ was spent supporting and standing by the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ.
Imam Abu Hanifah رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ resolved these opinions by saying that among the men, Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ was the first to embrace Islam. Among the women, the Mother of the Believers, Khadijah رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهَا, was the first woman to accept Islam, and among the boys, Ali کَـرَّمَ الـلّٰـهُ تَـعَـالٰی وَجْـھَـهُ الْـکَـرِیْم embraced Islam first. (Tareekh-ul-Khulafa, p. 26)
Before Islam, the social condition of Arab society was in turmoil. Among the fortunate companions of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ who had the honor of staying away from social evils, the first name is that of our great leader and Islam 1st khalifa, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ.
Islam first khalifa, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, in the pure days of His life, he never let societal corruption taint him. Always separate from bad customs and practices, connected with truth and honesty, with a clear understanding of affairs, distant from contemporary extravagance, characterized by brotherhood and generosity, and as an honest merchant, he established his identity among people. With familial dignity, he was also the possessor of wisdom and consciousness, neither indulging in fortune-telling nor regretful gossip. Always held in high esteem by the people, he maintained a place of honor in their hearts.
Abu Bakr Siddiq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, often known as Abu Bakr, was the first Caliph in Islam following Prophet Mohammad ﷺ. His full name is Abdullah bin Abu Quhafah Uthman bin Aamer Al Qurashi Al Taymi, and he comes from a line of people who are six generations apart from the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. They both share a common ancestor named Murrah Ben Kaab.
The name Abdullah in Arabic means "servant of Allah Almighty." This is the name he was given at birth.
As a child, Abu Bakr got the nickname (kunya) because he spent time with a Bedouin tribe, playing with camel calves and goats. "Abu Bakr" translates to "father of the young camel," with "bakr" referring to a young but fully grown camel.
Before converting to Islam, one of Abu Bakr's early titles was Ateeq, meaning "saved one." In a narration in Tirmidhi, Prophet Muhammad later reaffirmed this title by saying that Abu Bakr is the "Ateeq of Allah Almighty from the fire," indicating he is saved or secure and closely protected by Allah Almighty.
Prophet Muhammad ﷺ gave Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ the name Al-Siddiq (the truthful) after he believed in him during the event of Isra and Mi'raj, even when others doubted. Hazrat Ali رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ also confirmed this title multiple times. The Holy Quran refers to him as the "second of the two in the cave," highlighting the event of hijra when he and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ hid in the cave in Jabal Hira from a Meccan party.
He was respectfully called "al-sahib" (the companion) in the Holy Quran, acknowledging his role as a companion of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ during the Hijra to Madina. The verse emphasizes that even if other believers don't support him, Allah Almighty supported him when he was driven out of Makkah, and he was one of the two in the cave.
It does not matter if you ˹believers˺ do not support him, for Allah Almighty did in fact support him when the disbelievers drove him out of Makkah˺ and he was only one of two. While they both were in the cave, he reassured his companion, “Do not worry; Allah Almighty is certainly with us.” Allah Almighty then sent down His serenity upon the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, supported him with unseen forces, and made the word of the disbelievers the lowest, while the Word of Allah Almighty remained supreme. Allah is All-Mighty and All-Wise.
In a hadith explained by Ibn Abbas in the interpretation of chapter 92 of the Holy Quran by Imam al-Suyuti, the term "al-atqā" (Arabic: الأتقى), which means "the most pious," "the most righteous," or "the most God-fearing," is used to describe Abu Bakr as an example for believers. The term is found in verses warning about a severe Fire that only the most unfortunate will face, contrasting with the righteous who will be spared as they donate to purify themselves, seeking the pleasure of their Lord.
"Al-Awwāh" (Arabic: الأواه) means someone who prays abundantly to God, someone who is merciful, and kind-hearted. According to Ibrahim al-Nakha'i, Abu Bakr was also called al-awwah due to his merciful character.
The beloved mother of believers, Sayyidatuna ‘Aaishah Siddiqahرَضِیَ اللہُ عَنْہا was asked: ‘How was the blessed appearance of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ?’
She said رَضِیَ اللہُ عَنْہا: ‘His complexion was fair, his body was slender and his cheeks were not fleshy. He رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ would tie his lungi (lower garment) tightly at the waist to stop it from dangling. The veins on his face were clearly visible; likewise, the veins on the back of his palms could be seen clearly. (Tareekh-ul-Khulafa`, p. 25)
When discussing the ranking of the companions in terms of excellence and status according to the beliefs of Ahl-us-Sunnah wal-Jama’at, Mufti Amjad Ali A’zami رَحْمَةُ الـلّٰـهِ عَلَيْه states: ‘all of the companions, the superior and the lower ranked ones (and there is no low ranking one among them) are dwellers of Paradise. After the Prophets and Messengers, the highest-ranking personality within the creation of Allah Almighty from the humans, Jinns, and angels is Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddeeq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, followed by Sayyiduna ‘Umar, then Sayyiduna ‘Usman, then Sayyiduna ‘Ali رضى الله عنهم and after the first four caliphs of Islam, superiority belongs to the rest of the ‘Ashara Mubashira, Hasnayn e Kareemayn, the participants of Badr and the those of Bay'at-ur-Ridwan رضى الله عنهم these all are proven dwellers of Paradise.
The meaning of superiority is that they have more honour and status in the court of Allah Almighty, which is interpreted as an abundance of reward also.’ (Bahar-e-Shari’at, vol. 1, pp. 241-245 summarised)
The 1st khalifa of Islam did not question, dispute, or resist accepting Islam. His conversion to Islam turned into a significant event in Islamic history. According to Muir, his conversion served as the best evidence of Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ sincerity.
After the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ was the most successful Islamic missionary. Numerous Quraish young men became Muslims as a result of his efforts.
Sayidina Abu Bakar رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ bought the slaves from their owners and freed them after he رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ saw that the Quraish were torturing the slaves who had converted to Islam.
Abu Baker Al Siddiqui رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ often stepped in to defend the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ whenever the Quraish mistreated and violently attacked him.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr Siddiqui رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ categorically said that the words of the Holy Prophet ﷺ were true when he related the story of his Safar e Meraj and some Muslims were even struck with misgivings. Siddique e Akbar رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ turned became an eyewitness to reality.
Abu Bakar Siddiq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ accompanied the Holy Prophet ﷺ on his migration from Makkah to Madina. Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ treated the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ with the warmth and consideration of a real friend. He covered the whole cost of the trip.
Abu Bakar Al Siddiq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ paid the payment when the Holy Prophet ﷺ bought a piece of land in Madina to build a mosque.
Abu Bakar As Siddiq رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ served as the Holy Prophet's ﷺ bodyguard at the Battle of Badr. Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ was the first companion to join the Holy Prophet ﷺ during the turmoil that followed the other companions' dispersal at the battle of Uhud. Abu Bakar Siddique رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ stayed with the Holy Prophet ﷺ throughout the Hunain war when the other companions left.
Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ backed the Holy Prophet ﷺ and believed it was in the best interests of the Muslims when the Hudaibiya Pact was implemented and several of the companions, especially Umar, disapproved of its provisions.
Siddique e Akbar رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ gave everything he had when the Holy Prophet ﷺ asked for donations to fund the Tabuk expedition, claiming that Allah Almighty and the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ would be sufficient for him and his family.
The whole Muslim community was experiencing a mental breakdown following the death of the Holy Prophet ﷺ, and even someone like Hazrat Umar رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ exclaimed, "Who says that the Holy Prophet is dead? Moses like he has gone to meet the Lord, and would return to us after some time". At this point, Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ realized the terrible truth and spoke these words: " He who worships Prophet Muhammad ﷺ let him know that Prophet Muhammad ﷺ being a mortal is dead. But he who worships the God of Muhammad ﷺ, let him know that He being immortal lives and would live forever.
Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddiqui رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ continued to assist the Holy Prophet ﷺ even after his passing, not just during his lifetime. Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ opposed the suggestions that Usama's expedition not be sent out or at the very least that Usama be replaced by a more experienced commander, arguing that the Holy Prophet's ﷺ commands were to be obeyed at all costs and could not be changed.
When certain tribes asked to be excluded from paying Zakat, Abu Bakar Al Siddiqui رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ turned them down, stating that there could be no compromising on one of Islam's core teachings.
The first khalifa of Islam religion, Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ was successful in convincing the Ansar to cede the caliphate to the Quraish when a political dispute over the Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ succession endangered the Muslim community.
Siddiq e Akbar رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ handled the situation expertly as danger began to threaten the Muslim community from all directions following the death of the Holy Prophet ﷺ. Not only did he preserve Islam in Arabia, but he also elevated it to a global power that effectively challenged the Byzantine and Persian empires. The distinguished companion Abu Huraira said that Islam would have collapsed if it weren't for Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ. Indeed, Abu Bakar رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ fulfilled the role of Islam's rescuer.
The Mushaf was put together with sponsorship from Syedna Abu Bakr Siddique رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, ensuring that God's Word will always be available for human guidance.
He became the first caliph after Muhammad ﷺ. As 1st khalifa of Islam, Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ succeeded to the political and administrative functions previously exercised by Prophet Muhamad ﷺ, since the religious function and authority of prophethood ended with Prophet Muhammad's ﷺ death. After his election, the Caliph Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ addressed the Muslims with these words:
"O People! I have been chosen by you as your leader, although I am no better than any of you. If I do any wrong, set me right. Listen, truth is honesty and untruth is dishonesty. The weak among you are the powerful in my eyes, as long as I do not give them their dues. The powerful among you are weak in my eyes, as long as I do not take away from them what is due to others. Listen carefully, if people give up striving for the Cause of Allah Almighty, He will send down disgrace upon them. If people become evil-doers, Allah Almighty will send down calamities upon them. Obey me as long as I obey Allah Almighty and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. If I disobey Allah Almighty and Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, you are free to disobey me".
Here you can read some of the famous sayings of Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ:
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ stated: "Sending salat upon the Prophet removes sins faster than how water extinguishes fire. Sending salat upon the Prophet is superior than freeing a slave." (Tareekh-e-Baghdad, vol. 7, p. 172, Raqm 3607)
Follow Allah Almighty’s command about marriage, and He will keep His promise to make you prosperous. Allah Almighty has said: If they are poor, then Allah Almighty will make them rich through His bounty. (Tafseer Ibn Abi Haatim, Surah Al-Noor, under verse 32, vol. 8, p. 2582)
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ would mention in his sermon: Where are those people with beautiful, glowing faces who were proud of their youth? Where are those kings who built cities and constructed walls around them to protect their inhabitants? Where are those who were dominant on the battlefield? The passing of time weakened and disgraced them and they were placed in the dark depths of their graves. Hurry and seek salvation, seek salvation. (Ihya-ul-‘Uloom, vol. 5, p. 201)
O people! Save yourselves from lying because lying opposes faith. (Musnad Imam Ahmad, vol. 1, p. 22, Hadith 16)
The devoted follower, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رَضِىَ اللهُ عَنْهُ, passed away on Monday, the 22nd of Jumadal Ukhra, 13AH, at the age of 63. (Sunan-ul-Kubra-lil-Bayhaqi, vol. 3, p. 557, Hadees 6663)
At the time of his death, his final words were: ‘O Allah Almighty! Grant me death upon Islam and join me with the righteous.’ (Al-Riyad-un-Nadarah, vol. 1, p. 258)
