Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was the first man to embrace Islam. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had bestowed him with the title of Al-Ateeq. The title Al-Ateeq means “the one who has been granted emancipation from the fire of Jahannum by Allah Ta’ala”. (Majma‘uz Zawaa’id #14289) There is consensus among the ulama of the ummah that Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is the greatest  person after all the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam) and has been blessed by Allah Ta’ala with the highest rank from this entire ummah.

His name was Abdullah bin Uthmaan bin Aamir, but he was more well known by the name Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). His father, Uthmaan, was also known by the name Abu Quhaafah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), and his mother, Salmaa bint Sakhr, was known as Umm-e-Khair (radhiyallahu ‘anha). (Usdul Ghaabah 3/20)

The Title As-Siddeeq

Just as Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had bestowed Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) with the title Al-Ateeq, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had also bestowed him with the title As-Siddeeq. As-Siddeeq refers to the one who is most truthful and whose inner and outer condition conforms to truth. In other words, he was an embodiment of truth. The reason for him receiving this distinguished and lofty title from the Master (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was that on the occasion of Mi’raaj, when Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) informed the people of Makkah Mukarramah that he was taken by night on a miraculous journey from Musjid Haraam to Musjid Aqsa and thereafter to the seven heavens, then they all doubted him and began to deny his words. However, when Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was informed by the people of Makkah Mukarramah of what Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had claimed, he immediately believed the words of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) and responded to those who rejected the words of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) saying, “Indeed I fully testify to whatever Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) has said. When I believe him when he says that revelation comes to him from the heavens to the earth in a single moment during the night or day – then why should I doubt him in this matter!” It was after this incident that he received the title of As-Siddeeq from the Master (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). (Usdul Ghaabah 3/21; Seerat-ul-Halabiyyah 1/379)

The Special Position He Enjoyed in the Sight of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) enjoyed an extremely special position in the sight of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). This was on account of him remaining with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) day and night and sacrificing his entire life and wealth for the cause of Islam. He gave his heart to the Master (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) from the very beginning of Islam until the end of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)’s life and participated in all the battles and expeditions of Islam at the side of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned to the ummah, “At the beginning of Islam, whoever I invited to Islam expressed some reservation, uncertainty and doubt regarding it, with the exception of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). When I invited him to Islam, he readily embraced it, without an iota of doubt and reservation.” (Usdul Ghaabah 3/21) Similarly, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned during his final illness, just a few days before he departed from this world to the everlasting abode of the Hereafter, “The person who showed me the most favour in his companionship and spending his wealth for my cause is Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).” In another narration, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “No one has done any favour to me except that I have repaid him in this world, except for Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). For the immense favours that he has done to me, Allah Ta‘ala will recompense him on the day of Qiyaamah.  No person’s wealth has benefitted me as much as the wealth of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).”  (Tirmizi #3661) In the narration of Ibnu Maajah, it is mentioned that upon hearing this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) wept and said, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Certainly, my entire life and wealth belongs to you.” (Ibnu Maajah #94)

Unique Incident Prior to accepting Islam

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) relates: Prior to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) being blessed with prophethood, I set out on a journey to Yemen. On arriving in Yemen, I came across a learned sheikh from the tribe of Azd who possessed great knowledge regarding the previous scriptures, and was also knowledgeable in regard to the ways and mannerisms of the various tribes. Upon seeing me, the learned sheikh said to me, “It seems to me that you are from the residents of the Haram.” I said, “Yes, I am from the people of the Haram.” He then said to me, “It seems that you are from the Quraish tribe.” I replied, “Yes, I am from the Quraish tribe.” Thereafter he said, “It seems like you belong to the Banu Taim clan (i.e. from the descendants of Taim bin Murrah).” I answered, “Yes, I am from the progeny of Taim bin Murrah. I am Abdullah bin Uthmaan, from the progeny of Ka’b bin Sa’d bin Taim bin Murrah.” After questioning me in this manner, he said, “All the signs are evidently witnessed in you, however there is one more sign that has not yet been proven.” I then asked him, “What is the last sign that you are searching for?” He told me, “Expose your stomach to me.” However, I said to him, “I will not do so until you explain to me the reason for wanting to see it.”

Mention of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the Divine Scriptures of the Past – Thereafter, the learned sheikh said, “I have found recorded in the authentic scriptures that a Nabi will soon be sent in the world and he will hail from the Haram. A youngster and a middle-aged man will support him in his mission. As for the youngster, he will be extremely strong and powerful, and as for the middle-aged man, he will be fair in complexion, thin in body, on his stomach there will be a beauty spot, and on his left thigh there will be a mark. What harm will be caused if you expose to me what I have requested, for I have found all the signs in you besides one which is hidden from me?”

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then exposed his stomach, and the learned sheikh saw a beauty spot above his navel. Seeing the beauty spot, he said, “I take an oath by the Lord of the Ka’bah! You are definitely the same person!”

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) further mentioned, “After completing my work in Yemen, I returned to the learned sheikh to bid him farewell. He asked me, ‘Do you wish to hear a few verses of poetry which I have composed in praise of the final Nabi?’ I agreed and he recited the couplets.”

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) Returns to Makkah Mukarramah – Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) explained, “I then set out on my return to Makkah Mukarramah, and it was during my journey that prophethood was conferred upon Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Upon my return, the leaders of the Quraish viz. Uqbah bin Abi Mu‘ait, Shaibah, Rabee‘ah, Abu Jahl, Abul Bakhtari and others approached me in a manner as though some great event had occurred.

I asked them, ‘What is the matter? Have you been afflicted by some calamity? Has something strange occurred?’ They replied, ‘O Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)! The most shocking of events has occurred – the orphan of Abu Taalib is claiming to be a nabi.’ They began denying and rejecting whatever Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had claimed. I thereafter went to the home of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and upon meeting Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), I asked, ‘O Muhammad (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), I have learnt that you have forsaken the ways of your people, and abandoned the religion of your forefathers?’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, ‘O Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)! I have been appointed as the messenger of Allah Ta’ala to you and to humanity at large, so bring Imaan in Allah Ta’ala.’ I then asked, ‘What is your proof of being appointed as the messenger of Allah Ta’ala?’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, ‘The learned Sheikh whom you met in Yemen.’

I replied, ‘There were many learned Sheikhs that I had met in Yemen.’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then said, ‘The learned Sheikh who recited poetry regarding myself, the final messenger.’ I then asked, ‘Who has informed you regarding this, O my beloved friend?’ Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, ‘The greatest of angels (Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam)), who used to visit the Messengers who came before me.’”

Pledging allegiance on the hands of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) – Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) then said, “Extend your hand to me (so that I may embrace Islam upon your hands), for indeed I testify that there is none worthy of worship besides Allah Ta’ala, and that you are His final messenger.” Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddeeq (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) further mentions, “I left the gathering of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and there was no one in the valley of Makkah Mukarramah happier with my embracing Islam than Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).” (Usdul Ghaabah 3/22-23)

The day Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) embraced Islam, he began preaching and inviting towards Islam, until five of the Asharah Mubasharah accepted Islam through his invitation. These were: 1. Hazrat Uthmaan bin Affaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) 2. Hazrat Zubair bin Awwaam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) 3. Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) 4. Hazrat Sa’d bin Abi Waqqaas (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) 5. Hazrat Talhah bin Ubaidillah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). (Al-Rowdh-ul-Unuf 1/430-431)

Request to Preach Islam in Public

In the initial stages of Islam, due to the persecution of the Quraish, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) advised the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to practice Islam in secret. However, when the number of Muslims reached 39, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) requested Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to preach Islam in public. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not initially agree to this request, but when Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) persisted, he eventually relented, and they all proceeded to the Haram.

On entering the Haram, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) began to deliver a khutbah. However, as soon as he began to speak, the Quraish began to attack the Muslims. Despite the fact that Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was considered to be the noblest and most respectable of all the people in Makkah Mukarramah, he was beaten to such an extent that his nose, ears and entire face were smeared with blood. He was kicked, thrashed with shoes, trampled under feet and handled most roughly and savagely. He became unconscious and half-dead; none had any hope that he would ever survive this brutal onslaught. He was carried home by his family and remained unconscious until the evening. In the late evening, when he regained consciousness, the very first thing that he asked was, “How is Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)?” In fact, his love and deep concern for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was such that he even refused to eat until he did not see, with his own eyes, that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) was fine. His mother, Hazrat Ummul Khair (radhiyallahu ‘anha), thus took him to the house of Hazrat Arqam (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to see Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), and it was there that she accepted Islam. (Al-Bidaayah-wan-Nihaayah 3/35)

Prepared to Sacrifice his Life for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)

Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had such deep love for Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) that he was prepared, at every moment, to lay down his life to defend Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). During the journey of hijrah, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) noticed that at times, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was traveling in front of him, while at other times, he was traveling behind him. Hence, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “O Abu Bakr! What is the matter? Why do you sometimes travel in front of me, and at other times, behind me?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “When I think of the people pursuing us, I travel behind you to protect you, and when I think of the people who may be waiting in ambush ahead, I travel in front of you to protect you.” Hearing this, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked, “O Abu Bakr! If there is any danger or threat, would you prefer that it befalls you rather than me?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I take an oath by that Being who deputed you with the truth of Islam – I most certainly prefer that the danger befalls me and I sacrifice my life, rather than you being afflicted.” (Al-Bidaayah-wan-Nihaayah 3/192)

Likewise, when they arrived at the Cave of Thowr during the hijrah, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) insisted on entering the cave before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). With extreme love and devotion, he said to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), “By Allah! Do not enter the cave until I enter it. If there is any danger in the cave, it should afflict me rather than you!” (Al-Bidaayah-wan-Nihaayah 3/192)

Gentle Disposition and assisting people

Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was a person who was well known and respected among the people of Makkah Mukarramah and the surrounding tribes. He was beloved to the people and had a gentle and soft disposition. Among the Quraish, he was regarded as the most knowledgeable person in regard to the lineage of the various tribes of the Quraish. He was a businessman who possessed excellent character and virtue. Due to his knowledge, business acumen and sterling qualities, people would come to him and confide in him regarding their affairs. He would spend on the poor and needy and assist people in difficulty and hardship. Through remaining in the mubaarak company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the beautiful qualities of nubuwwah rubbed onto him, until even in the sight of the kuffaar, he was highly praised for his noble character, sublime generosity and assisting the creation at the time of difficulty.

At the time when the Muslims were being mercilessly persecuted in Makkah Mukarramah and practising deen became extremely difficult, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) permitted the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to emigrate to Abyssinia. Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was about to leave Makkah Mukarramah, when he met Ibnud Daghinah, one of the leaders of the Quraish. Ibnud Daghinah said to him, “O Abu Bakr! A man of your calibre should not leave this land and it does not befit the people of your land to remove you. You are renowned for earning and providing sustenance to those who are unable to earn for themselves, you uphold the rights of kinship, you carry the burdens of others (i.e. settling their debts and assisting them), you show hospitality to your guests and you are there for the people (aiding and assisting them) at the time of natural disasters and calamities (e.g. at the time of famine and drought).” (Saheeh Bukhaari #3905)

These noble and exceptional qualities which Ibnud Daghinah mentioned in praise of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) were the very same qualities that Hazrat Khadeejah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) had mentioned when describing the blessed character of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) at the time when he received nubuwwah from Allah Ta’ala. Hence, we see that through remaining in the mubaarak company of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), the colours of nubuwwah had rubbed onto him.

The Companion of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the cave of Thowr

Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was the only Sahaabi who was divinely selected by Allah Ta’ala to accompany his beloved messenger (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) during the journey of hijrah. Allah Ta’ala mentioned Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu)’s companionship with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the cave of Thowr in the Qur’aan Majeed. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once said to Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), “You will be my companion at the haudh (of Kauthar) and you were my companion in the cave (during the journey of hijrah).” (Tirmizi #3670)

Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) envied Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) for this honour which Allah Ta’ala had granted him. Once, during the khilaafah of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) began discussing the personality of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) in the presence of Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was so overwhelmed with emotion that he wept profusely saying, “How I wish that my entire life’s endeavor and sacrifice were exchanged for just one day and night of the life of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). The night of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) for which I am prepared to bargain my entire life is the night he travelled with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) to the cave of Thowr during the journey of hijrah.” The day which Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) referred to was the occasion after the demise of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), when various tribes turned renegade, some tribes did not wish to discharge the obligation of zakaat any longer, and there was fear of the Roman army attacking the Muslims. On that day, all the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) were in turmoil and did not know what to do. They were skeptical about waging war against the Roman army as well as addressing these challenges. It was Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) who stood as firm as a mountain and led the ummah, until the Roman army was defeated and the various tribes returned to the fold of Islam. Indeed, it was Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) who saved Islam on that day. In one narration, it is reported that Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) said, “That night of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) (which he spent with Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) in the cave of Thowr during the hijrah) is greater than Umar and the entire family of Umar.” (Al-Bidaayah-wan-Nihaayah 3/192)

Spending on the Occasion of Tabook

On the occasion of Tabook, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) encouraged the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) to spend in the path of Allah Ta’ala. Various Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum) presented their contributions to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) according to their means. Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had thought to himself on that occasion that he will present a great contribution and surpass Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), as this was the first time that he had received a great amount of wealth. Hence, he presented half his wealth before Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam).  Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “Did you leave anything for your family?” He replied, “Yes, O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), I left half of my entire wealth for my family.” Subsequently, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) came forward and presented all his wealth to Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) asked him, “What did you leave for your family, O Abu Bakr?” He answered, “I have brought everything and I have left Allah Ta’ala and his Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) for them.” Hazrat Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) thereafter says that it was on that day that he realized the esteemed rank and position of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and that he would never be able to surpass him. (Abu Dawood #1678; Tirmizi #3675)

Love for the Ahl-e-bayt

On one occasion, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned, “Maintaining ties with the family of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) is more beloved to me than maintaining ties with my own family.” (Saheeh Bukhaari #3712) From this narration, it is clear that Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) loved the Ahl-e-Bayt more than he loved his own family. This was on account of the Ahl-e-Bayt being the blessed family of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam). Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) had loved Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) so much that on the demise of Hazrat Faatimah (radhiyallahu ‘anha), it was the wife of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), Hazrat Asmaa bint Umais (radhiyallahu ‘anha), who attended to her ghusl and kafan. (Usdul Ghaabah 5/369)

Testimony of Entry into Jannah

Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) possessed qualities which were so sublime that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned that the one who possessed such qualities would enter Jannah. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) narrates that on one occasion, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) enquired from the Sahaabah (radhiyallahu ‘anhum), “Who amongst you is fasting today?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I am fasting today.” Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then enquired, “Who amongst you has visited a sick person today?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I have visited a sick person today.” Nabi (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) further enquired, “Which of you has participated in a Janaazah today?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I have participated in a Janaazah today.” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) then asked, “Which of you has fed a poor person today?” Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) replied, “I have fed a poor person today.” Thereafter, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “The one who possesses all these qualities will definitely enter Jannah.” (Muslim #1028)

Called to Enter from all the Doors of Jannah

It is reported in the Hadith that on the Day of Qiyaamah, those who excelled in actions of virtue will be honoured by Allah Ta’ala. If they performed abundant nafl salaah during their lives, they will be called to enter Jannah from the Door of Salaah. If they excelled in giving charity, they will be called to enter through the Door of Charity. If they excelled in keeping abundant nafl fasts, they will be called to enter through the Door of Fasting. Hearing this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) asked, “O Rasul of Allah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! Will there be any person who will be called by the angels at every door in Jannah (in other words, will there be any servant who excelled in every department of deen due to which his name will be called out with honour by the angels standing at every door – inner and outer door of Jannah)?” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) replied, “Certainly, and from my ummah, the person honoured with this will be you”. (Bukhaari #3666)

The First Person of the Ummah to Enter Jannah

Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) explained in the Mubaarak Hadith that his ummah will enter Jannah before all the other ummats. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) also explained that Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) will be the first person from his entire ummah to enter Jannah. Hazrat Abu Hurairah (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) once said, “Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) appeared before me, took me by my hand and showed me the door of Jannah through which my ummah will enter.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) responded, “O Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)! How I wish I was with you when Hazrat Jibreel (‘alaihis salaam) showed you the door of Jannah!” Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “O Abu Bakr, as far as you are concerned, you will be the first of my followers to enter Jannah.” (Abu Dawood #4652)

The man who possessed the Greatest Imaan of this Ummah

In his very lifetime, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) bore testimony to the lofty and exalted position of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). In one Hadith, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) mentioned, “The one who has the most mercy for my ummah is Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu).” (Tirmizi #3790) Similarly, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) bore testimony to the Imaan of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) being greater and weightier than the combined Imaan of the entire ummah. Hazrat Abdullah bin Umar (radhiyallahu ‘anhuma) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “If the Imaan of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) has to be weighed against the Imaan of this entire ummah, his Imaan will be more weighty than the Imaan of the entire ummah.” (Al-Maqaasid-ul-Hasanah #908) It is in accordance to the level of one’s Imaan that one will be rewarded for the good deeds that one carries out. The greater one’s Imaan, the higher the reward one will receive for one’s good deeds. Thus, when the Imaan of Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) was the greatest then Allah Ta’ala blessed him with the highest reward, from the ummah, for all the good deeds he carried out. Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “Abu Bakr is the best person (after the Ambiyaa (‘alaihimus salaam)) on whom the sun ever rose or set.” (Majma’uz Zawaa’id #14314)

The Successor of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)

During the final illness of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam), Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) intended to call Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) and his son, Hazrat Abdur Rahmaan (radhiyallahu ‘anhu), and write down his bequest instructing that Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) should be appointed as his successor after his demise. However, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had mentioned that there was no need for him to do this as Allah Ta’ala will not allow any person besides Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to be his khalifah, and the believers will not be pleased with any other person besides  Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). (Bukhaari #5666) During his mubaarak life, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) had indicated towards Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) being his successor. Hazrat Aaishah (radhiyallahu ‘anha) reports that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) said, “In a gathering wherein Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) is present, it does not behove anybody else to lead them in salaah besides him.” (Tirmizi #3673) It is for this reason that during his final illness, Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) did not allow anyone to lead the salaah besides Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu). Hazrat Ali (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) mentioned, “We are happy for Hazrat Abu Bakr (radhiyallahu ‘anhu) to lead us in our worldly affairs (in becoming our Khalifah) as he is the person whom Allah Ta’ala and His Rasul (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam) were happy with to lead us in our deen (by leading us in salaah during the life of Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alaihi wasallam)).” (Usdul Ghaabah 3/328)