Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a)

First Caliph ( 573-634 C.E. )

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a) is the biggest personality in Muslims after the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w) and Messengers of ALLAH. He is one of the Companions of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w), who was give the reward of Heaven in the world by the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w). He was born in Amul-Feel, ( an Abyssinian Christian General named Abraha Came to attack Makkah with an army of some 60,000 men and several elephants ), i.e. after 2-1/4 years in Makkah in 573 C.E. Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a) was named as Abdullah. Abu Bakr was his Patronymic name (Kynniya), (a sir name which is usually derived from the name of the first son or daughter according to Muslim traditions). He was the most respectful and attractive personality in Makkah before embracing Islam. He use to be respected by all due to His humble and pious character. Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a) was the first person to embrace Islam in the (in the men). He was the most trusted companion of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w) and also earned the title of "As-Siddiq" (the most truthful and sincere person in faith) from the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w). He alone accompanied amongst all the companions with the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w), during migration from Makkah to Madinah. He participated in all the battles of Islam with Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w). History notes that He donated all the households and the property whenever Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w) desired to do so in the way of ALLAH. Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a) was the only one who led 17-18 Salah prayers in the lifetime of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w) due to sickness of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w). Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a) continued His Caliphate for about 2 years after the death of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w). He executed the order and sent "Lashkar-e-Usama" against the Kuffars on the last orders given by Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w). He made a call for Jihad against those Muslims who after the death of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w), over-rided the rule to give Zakat. Yes!, this was Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a) who cut their necks with a group of Sahabah (r.a) and told the reason why He is going to do this as; "These are the ones who will let down the pillars of Islam tomorrow". A person named Musaylma Kazzab, claimed himself to be a Prophet of ALLAH. Hazrat Abu Bakr (r.a) warned him for this false attitude and when the limits exceeded, was being sentenced on the orders of Hazrat Abu Bakr (r.a), as a "Murtid". Hazrat Abu Bakr (r.a) breathed his last on the 22nd Jamadi-us-Saani of 13 Hijri. He is buried next to the side of the Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w).

Sayings of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w):

1. Abu Bakr except from all Prophets are supreme in all human beings. (Tibrani)

2. The most merciful on my Ummah, in my Ummah, is Abu Bakr. (Tirimzi)

3. Oh Abu Bakr!, you will be my companion on the pond of Heaven as you were also my companion in the cave. (Tirimzi)

4. Tell Abu Bakr from my side to offer Salat to people (Muslims). [In absence of Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w)] (Bukhari, Muslim, Tirimzi, Ibn-e-Majah)

5. I don't know uptil when I remain with you, so follow the ones (who will become Caliphs) after me. [Prophet Muhammad (s.a.w.w) pointed towards Abu Bakr (r.a) and Umar (r.a)]. And follow the way of Ammar and the words that Abdullah bin Masood tell you, verify it. (Tirimzi)

Note: In every Arabic Madrasa, a book named "Husami" is being taught to the Alims. There comes a topic called as "Ijm'a". It is "Ijm'a" that: "The one who don't accept Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (r.a) as the First Caliph, denying "Ijm'a" is a "Kafir".