The Book of Allah, and the Sunnah of the Messenger (saws) clearly mention the lofty position of the Sahabah - The first ones to accept Islam and to believe in the last Messenger of Allah, Muhammad (saws).
They
were the ones, who accepted enmity against their tribes and families and
endured their tyranny and oppression, left their homelands and migrated to
Madinah, all for the sake of practicing and spreading the religion of Allah.
They fought along with the Prophet (saws), against the Kuffar, with their
wealth and lives. They are the ones, whom Allah chose to place the
responsibility of preserving the religion of Islam for the coming generations
and it is through them that the Religion is preserved; they are the Best of
generation, as Prophet (saws) said: "The best of my nation is my
generation then those who follow them and then those who follow them." [Saheeh
Bukhari]
Allah, the All-Wise and Knowledgeable extolled their virtues in His Book saying: "Rather, the Prophet and those who believe with him fought with their property and their lives for these are all good things, they are the successful ones and Allah has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow to dwell therein forever and that is the great success" [9:88-89]
They are the best example for us after our noble Prophet (saws), he (saws) symbolized them as a protection for the Muslim Ummah.
Allah, the All-Wise and Knowledgeable extolled their virtues in His Book saying: "Rather, the Prophet and those who believe with him fought with their property and their lives for these are all good things, they are the successful ones and Allah has prepared for them gardens beneath which rivers flow to dwell therein forever and that is the great success" [9:88-89]
They are the best example for us after our noble Prophet (saws), he (saws) symbolized them as a protection for the Muslim Ummah.
And
Allah, the Exalted has praised those who follow them in faith, He described
them saying: "And the first to embrace Islam of the Muhajirun and
Ansar and all those who followed them exactly (in faith). Allah is well pleased
with them and they are pleased with Him and Allah has prepared for them gardens
beneath which rivers flow to dwell therein forever and that is the great
success." [9:100]
Abi Burda (ra) reports from his father: "He (Prophet Muhammad (saws)) raised his head toward the heavens and said: "The stars are the protection for the sky - when the stars have gone, that which has been forewarned will come to the sky. I am the protection for my Companions - when I have gone, that which has been forewarned will come to my companions. My Companions are the protection for this Ummah - when they have gone, that which has been forewarned will come to this Ummah." [Saheeh Muslim]
So, the only protection for this Ummah is to stick to the way of the Companions, the first generation - the best generation. We will now focus specifically on the status and the virtues of the best of this best generation, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq - the first Khalifa, the most beloved person to Prophet Muhammad (saws). Narrated Amr bin Al-Aas (ra): "The Prophet of Allah (saws) deputed me to lead the army of Dat as-Salasil. I came to him and said: "Who is the most beloved person to you?' He said: "Aa'isha" I asked "Amongst men?" He said: "Her father (Abu Bakr)..." [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Abu Bakr As-Siddique was the closest of the Companions in relationship to the Prophet (saws). Ibn Abbas (ra) reports: "The Prophet (saws) came out during his illness from which he died, his head bound with a cloth. He sat on the mimbar, thanked Allah, praised Him and said: "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 (ra) 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" [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Abi Burda (ra) reports from his father: "He (Prophet Muhammad (saws)) raised his head toward the heavens and said: "The stars are the protection for the sky - when the stars have gone, that which has been forewarned will come to the sky. I am the protection for my Companions - when I have gone, that which has been forewarned will come to my companions. My Companions are the protection for this Ummah - when they have gone, that which has been forewarned will come to this Ummah." [Saheeh Muslim]
So, the only protection for this Ummah is to stick to the way of the Companions, the first generation - the best generation. We will now focus specifically on the status and the virtues of the best of this best generation, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq - the first Khalifa, the most beloved person to Prophet Muhammad (saws). Narrated Amr bin Al-Aas (ra): "The Prophet of Allah (saws) deputed me to lead the army of Dat as-Salasil. I came to him and said: "Who is the most beloved person to you?' He said: "Aa'isha" I asked "Amongst men?" He said: "Her father (Abu Bakr)..." [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Abu Bakr As-Siddique was the closest of the Companions in relationship to the Prophet (saws). Ibn Abbas (ra) reports: "The Prophet (saws) came out during his illness from which he died, his head bound with a cloth. He sat on the mimbar, thanked Allah, praised Him and said: "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 (ra) 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" [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
He
(ra) was the first person to accept Islam amongst men. He was always present
for the Prophet (saws) and was the quickest to come to his defense and to
affirm and believe everything, which came from the Prophet (saws). Narrated
Urwa ibn Az-Zubair: 'I asked Amr ibn Al-Aas (ra): What was the most severe
thing the mushrikeen ever did to Allah's Messenger (saws)? He answered:
"Once, when the Prophet (saws) was praying in the court of the Kaaba, Uqba
ibn Abi Mu'eet came and put a piece of cloth around his neck and began choking
him severely. Abu Bakr came along grabbed his shoulders and pushed him away
from the Prophet (saws) saying: "Do you kill a man just for saying my Lord
is Allah?" [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Abu
Ya'la (ra) also narrates that Anas ibn Malik said: "They beat the Prophet
(saws) one day until he lost consciousness. Abu Bakr stood and began calling
out: 'Woe to you! Do you kill a man just for saying my Lord is Allah? The
people asked one another: "Who is this?" And they said: "That is
Ibn Abi Quhaafa the madman" [Saheeh Al-Bukhari (Hasan)]
Being the closest Companion to the Prophet (saws), Abu Bakr was also the most knowledgeable in both belief and understanding the teachings of the Prophet (saws), as we see in the following:
Being the closest Companion to the Prophet (saws), Abu Bakr was also the most knowledgeable in both belief and understanding the teachings of the Prophet (saws), as we see in the following:
Narrated
Abu Sa'id al-Khudri (ra): "Allah's Messenger (saws) sat on the pulpit and
said: "Allah has given one of his slave, the choice of receiving the
splendor and luxury of the worldly life (whatever he likes) or to accept the
good (of the Hereafter) which is with Him (Allah). So he has chosen that good
which is with Allah." On that Abu Bakr (ra) wept and said: "Our
fathers and mothers be sacrificed for you. We became astonished at this."
The people said: "Look at this old man! Allah's Messenger (saws) talks
about the slave of Allah to whom He has given the option to choose either the
splendor of this worldly life or good which is with Him, while he says,
"Our fathers and mothers be sacrificed for you." But it was Allah's Messenger
(saws) who had been given the option, and Abu Bakr (ra) knew it better than
us." [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Prophet
(saws), himself informed us in his traditions that Abu Bakr (ra) was not a
person of pride.
Ibn
Umar (ra) narrates: "Prophet (saws) said: "Whoever drags his clothing
on the ground in pride will not be looked at by Allah on Qiyamah." Abu
Bakr (ra) said: One side of my garment always drags on the ground unless I
constantly tend to it. The Prophet (saws) said to him: "You do not do that
out of pride." [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
He (ra) was named 'As-Siddeeq' - ''the true verifier', because he hastened to believe the Prophet (saws). He was named so after the Prophet's journey to Jerusalem, when the Qura'ish refused to believe Prophet Muhammad's (saws) journey to Jerusalem within a night, Abu Bakr (ra) when he heard of it, he said: "I have always believed in his words about heavenly revelation; how can I disbelieve him in a secondary worldly matter."
Narrated Anas ibn Malik (ra): "The Prophet (saws) was on Mount Uhud with Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman when the mountain trembled. He (saws) said: "Stay still, Uhud for upon you are a Prophet, a siddique and two martyrs." [Saheeh Bukhari]
He (ra) was named 'As-Siddeeq' - ''the true verifier', because he hastened to believe the Prophet (saws). He was named so after the Prophet's journey to Jerusalem, when the Qura'ish refused to believe Prophet Muhammad's (saws) journey to Jerusalem within a night, Abu Bakr (ra) when he heard of it, he said: "I have always believed in his words about heavenly revelation; how can I disbelieve him in a secondary worldly matter."
Narrated Anas ibn Malik (ra): "The Prophet (saws) was on Mount Uhud with Abu Bakr, Umar and Uthman when the mountain trembled. He (saws) said: "Stay still, Uhud for upon you are a Prophet, a siddique and two martyrs." [Saheeh Bukhari]
Abu
Bakr was one of those mentioned in the Qur'aan who "responded to Allah and
His Messenger after being injured"
From
Saheeh Al-Bukhari: "Aisha (ra) reports regarding Allah's statement: "Those
who responded to Allah and His Messenger (saws) after they had been afflicted
with injury - to those who did good and feared Allah among them is a great
reward." [Aal Imraan (3):172] She said: "...Az-Zubair and Abu
Bakr - after the Prophet (saws) was injured at Uhud and the mushrikeen backed
off, but it was feared they would return - the Prophet (saws) said: "Who
will go after them?" Seven men responded to that and among them were Abu
Bakr and Az-Zubair." [Saheeh al-Bukhari]
In
addition to telling us that Abu Bakr was the closest person in this world to
himself, the Prophet (saws) bore witness to many of the virtues of Abu Bakr and
informed him and us that he is among the people of Paradise. Once Prophet
Muhammad (saws) offered the morning prayer and then faced the people and said:
"While a man was driving a cow, he rode over it and beat it. The cow said:
"We have not been created for this, but we have been created to
plough." On that the people said astonishingly: "Glorified be Allah!
A cow speaks!" The Prophet (saws) said: "I believe this, and Abu Bakr
and Umar too, believe it, although neither of them was present there." The
Prophet (saws) added: "While a person was amongst his sheep, a wolf,
attacked and took one of the sheep. The man chased the wolf till he rescued it
(sheep) from the wolf, whereupon the wolf said: "You have rescued it (the
sheep) from me; but who will guard it on the day of the wild beasts when there
will be no shepherd to guard them except me?" The people said
surprisingly, "Glorified be Allah! A wolf speaks!" The Prophet (saws)
said: "But I believe this, Abu Bakr and Umar too, believe this. Although
neither of them was present there." [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Prophet (saws) said: "...Whoever is among the people of prayer will be called (to paradise) from the door of prayer. Whoever is among the people of jihad will be called from the door of jihad. Whoever is among the people of sadaqa will be called from the door of sadaqa. Whoever is among the people of fasting is called from the door of fasting and the door of Ar-Rayaan." Abu Bakr said "...Is anyone called from all of those doors, O Messenger of Allah (saws)?" He (saws) said:"Yes, and I hope that you will be among them, Abu Bakr" [Saheeh Bukhari]
Once Prophet (saws) asked: "Who began this day fasting?" Abu Bakr said: "I did." The Prophet (saws) said: "Who participated in a funeral procession today?" Abu Bakr said: "I did" Prophet (saws) said: "Who fed a needy person today?" Abu Bakr said: "I did" He (saws) said: "Who visited a sick person today?" Abu Bakr said: "I did" Then, the Prophet (saws) said: "These things cannot all meet in a single person but that they will enter Paradise." [Saheeh Muslim]
Prophet (saws) said: "...Whoever is among the people of prayer will be called (to paradise) from the door of prayer. Whoever is among the people of jihad will be called from the door of jihad. Whoever is among the people of sadaqa will be called from the door of sadaqa. Whoever is among the people of fasting is called from the door of fasting and the door of Ar-Rayaan." Abu Bakr said "...Is anyone called from all of those doors, O Messenger of Allah (saws)?" He (saws) said:"Yes, and I hope that you will be among them, Abu Bakr" [Saheeh Bukhari]
Once Prophet (saws) asked: "Who began this day fasting?" Abu Bakr said: "I did." The Prophet (saws) said: "Who participated in a funeral procession today?" Abu Bakr said: "I did" Prophet (saws) said: "Who fed a needy person today?" Abu Bakr said: "I did" He (saws) said: "Who visited a sick person today?" Abu Bakr said: "I did" Then, the Prophet (saws) said: "These things cannot all meet in a single person but that they will enter Paradise." [Saheeh Muslim]
Abu
Bakr (ra) was the quickest of the Companions to rush to any good deed. Umar
ibn Khattab (ra) said: "Prophet (saws) ordered us to give sadaqa. It
happened to coincide with some wealth I had just acquired and I said to myself:
If I will every surpass Abu Bakr, this is the day I will surpass him. And so I
came to the Prophet (saws) with half of my wealth and he (saws) said to me:
"What have you left for your family?" I said: The same amount. Then,
Abu Bakr came with all of his wealth. The Prophet (saws) said to him:
"What have you left for your family?" He said: " I have left
them Allah and His Messenger." I said: I will never surpass you in
anything." [Abu Dawood (hassan)]
Abu
Bakr (ra) was the best person after the Messenger of Allah (saws). The
Companions were well aware of who were the first few Companions in closeness to
the Prophet (saws) and the Rightly-Guided Khalifas were chosen on that basis.
Ibn Umar (ra) reports: "We used to discuss the best of the people during the time of the Prophet (saws) and we saw the best as Abu Bakr, then Umar, then Uthman ibn Affaan (ram)" [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) was also very much aware of this and bore witness to it as we see in this narration from his son, which is found in Saheeh Al-Bukhari: "I said to my father: 'Who is the best of the people after Allah's Messenger (saws)?' He said: "Abu Bakr (ra)". "I said: "And then who?" He said: "And then Umar ibn Al-Khattab (ra)." I was afraid that he would say Uthman (ra) next, so I said: "And then you?" To which he answered: "I am nothing but a man among the Muslims."
The Prophet (saws) made no "official" appointment of a successor, but left plenty of signs that Abu Bakr was to succeed him as his Khalifa. A woman came to the Prophet (saws) and he ordered her to come back later. When she said: "What if I come don't find you? (Indicating his death)." He (saws) said: "If you don't find me, then go to Abu Bakr." [Saheeh Bukhari]
Ibn Umar (ra) reports: "We used to discuss the best of the people during the time of the Prophet (saws) and we saw the best as Abu Bakr, then Umar, then Uthman ibn Affaan (ram)" [Saheeh Al-Bukhari]
Ali ibn Abi Talib (ra) was also very much aware of this and bore witness to it as we see in this narration from his son, which is found in Saheeh Al-Bukhari: "I said to my father: 'Who is the best of the people after Allah's Messenger (saws)?' He said: "Abu Bakr (ra)". "I said: "And then who?" He said: "And then Umar ibn Al-Khattab (ra)." I was afraid that he would say Uthman (ra) next, so I said: "And then you?" To which he answered: "I am nothing but a man among the Muslims."
The Prophet (saws) made no "official" appointment of a successor, but left plenty of signs that Abu Bakr was to succeed him as his Khalifa. A woman came to the Prophet (saws) and he ordered her to come back later. When she said: "What if I come don't find you? (Indicating his death)." He (saws) said: "If you don't find me, then go to Abu Bakr." [Saheeh Bukhari]
Aisha
(ra) narrates: "Allah's Messenger (saws) said to me in his final illness:
"Call Abu Bakr and his brother so I can write an official document for I
fear that some desirous one may follow his desires and say: I am more
appropriate. And Allah and the believers reject all but Abu Bakr." [Saheeh
Muslim]
Once,
when the Prophet (saws) was very ill, he (saws) said: "Get another to
lead the prayer." The people found Umar ibn Khattab (ra) and Abu Bakr (ra)
was not yet there and they told him to lead the prayer. When the Prophet (saws)
heard Umar's voice leading the prayer, he said: "And where is Abu Bakr?
Allah and the Muslims reject this. Allah and the Muslims reject this." The
Prophet (saws) then sent for Abu Bakr and he led the people in prayer after
Umar had already led them in that same prayer. [Abu Dawood (hassan)]
Jundub (ra) narrates: "I heard the Prophet r five days before his death saying: "I declare my innocence before Allah that I should have any bosom friend among you for Allah Most High has taken me as His friend just as He took Ibrahim as His friend. If I were to take any bosom friend from my nation I would take Abu Bakr." [Saheeh Muslim]
Jundub (ra) narrates: "I heard the Prophet r five days before his death saying: "I declare my innocence before Allah that I should have any bosom friend among you for Allah Most High has taken me as His friend just as He took Ibrahim as His friend. If I were to take any bosom friend from my nation I would take Abu Bakr." [Saheeh Muslim]
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