He is the first of the four most illustrious sahaabah (radhiyallaahu anhum). His name – Abu Bakr As-Siddique (radhiyalaahu anhu), well-known for his close companionship to the most beloved of creation, Muhammad Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). He also had the privilege of being the father-in-law to the best of mankind (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), as his daughter Ayesha Siddiqah (radhiyallaahu anhaa) was one of the ‘mothers of the believers’.
This honourable and respected sahaabi was born just two years after Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and therefore grew up in a similar environment to that of our beloved Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). Yet, this ignorant environment did not have much effect on his pure heart. It is said that even before Islam, he did not touch a drop of wine, nor engaged in haraam relationships with women.
When Allah sent His messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) with the religion of guidance and truth, Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) was the first from amongst the men to profess his belief. He had seen and experienced the unique character of Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and his wisdom and intellect understood that this man was a means of his guidance.
Never did this pillar of strength waver in its support of the Prophet of Islam (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). He spoke up verbally, joined the jihaad physically, spent of his monetary wealth and assisted emotionally…
When Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) called to Islam openly and was attacked by the kuffaar of Makkah, Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu was by his side. They were both injured severely, but Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) did what he could to protect his beloved (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), until a rock struck his head bleeding and he lost consciousness. When he had eventually regained consciousness, the first words to pass his lips were: “How is the prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam).” He would not rest or think of getting well until he had seen with his own eyes that Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) was alive and well.
During the journey from Makkah to Madinah, he had the honour of accompanying Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), offering his lap for Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) to sleep on in the cave of Thoor. It was there that he was honoured with the title of ‘thaaniyathnayn’- the second of the two- and Allah testified to Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) saying that Allah is their companion.
This great man stood shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the mujaahideen in the battle of Badr. He is amongst that small group of Badriyyin whose positions cannot be disputed. He participated in all the major battles of Islam, placing his body as a shield for his beloved (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam).
When the Battle of Tabook was being prepared for and funds were in short-supply, Umar bin Khattaab (radhiyallaahu anhu) determined that he would vie with Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) in earning Allah’s pleasure. Sure that he would win in this action of sacrifice and generosity, he took an entire HALF of his estate to the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) to be used in the path of Allah. He was asked: ‘what have you left for your family, o Umar?’ ‘O messenger of Allah, I have left half of my wealth for them,’ he responded. Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) happily accepted his offer.
Shortly thereafter, Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) arrived, bearing ALL his wealth. On being asked what he had left for his family, he replied: ‘o messenger of Allah, I have left Allah and His Rasool for them!’ Umar (radhiyallaahu anhu) remarks: ‘I knew then that I would never supersede Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu)!’
The night before Badr, when Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) wept for the victory of the ummah, his shawl fell off, exposing his back. Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) went over, lifted the shawl, covered his back and comforted him, saying: ‘Enough now, o messenger of Allah! Enough.’
During the days of his fatal illness, Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) appointed someone to perform the salaah. This was a clear indication of the leader who should be approached in his absence. Who else did he appoint but Abu Bakr As-Siddique (radhiyallaahu anhu)?!
Do you know how Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) earned the titled ‘Siddique’?
He had been out on a journey during the time that Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) had been taken for mi’raaj. It is well known what a mockery the kuffaar made of the journey of mi’raaj. On Abu Bakr’s (radhiyallaahu anhu) return to Makkah, they addressed him saying: ‘if a man has to say that he had travelled from here to Baytul Maqdis and back in one night, would you believe him?’ ‘No,’ Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) responded. ‘Well, your companion, Muhammad, has said so!’ They announced. Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) calmly replied: ‘If Muhammad has said so, it is the truth.’ This earned him the titled, ‘As-Siddique’, one who attests to the truth at all times.
After Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) departed from this world to meet his Lord, the sahaabah (radhiyallaahu anhum) were in confusion and disarray, their minds lost in extreme love. Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) gathered the sahaabah (radhiyallaahu anhum) and addressed them wisely: ‘whoever worships Muhammad, know that Muhammad is no more. And whoever worships Allah, know that He is Ever-Living, Eternal.’ He then recited the verse: “And Muhammad is but a messenger. Messengers have passed before him. If he is killed or dies, will you then turn on your heels? And whoever turns on his heels, will not harm Allah in the least. And soon, Allah will reward the appreciative ones.” These words immediately caused peace and comfort to settle into the hearts of the sahaabah (radhiyallaahu anhum).
He is that sahaabi (radhiyallaahu anhum) regarding whom Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, something to the effect: ‘I have repaid everyone in this world except Abu Bakr. Allah will recompense him on the day of Qiyaamah.’
Lastly, but certainly not least…Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) declared that there is one sahaabi for whom every single gate of Jannah will open in welcome: He is none other than the illustrious Abu Bakr As-Siddique (radhiyallaahu anhu)!
By: Sister Daee ilal Haqq
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