Hazrat Abubakr sadiq (R.A)

First caliph of Islam -

HazratAbubakr sadiq (R.A) 

Al-Masjid al-Nabawi

Birth of  Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A)

The first khalifa, Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A), was born in 569 AD in the noble and respectable Quraish family of Makkah. He was two years and three months younger than the Holy Prophet(pbuh). Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) and Hazrat Abu Bakr had a com­mon ancestor.Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) in the eighth degree in their common ancestor Murrah ibn Ka'b. 

Apearnce of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A)

He was a man with fair skin, thin, with a sparse beard, a slightly hunched frame, sunken eyes and protruding forehead, and the bases of his fingers were hairless.

Childhood of Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A)

He spent his early childhood like other Arab children among the Bedouins. In his early years he played with the camel foals and goats, and his love for camels earned him the nickname "Abu Bakr". When Abu Bakr was 10 years old, he went to Syria along with his father with the merchants. Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) , who was 12 years old , was also with the caravan. 

Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) as a trader

In 591 Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) went into trade and adopted the profession of cloth merchant. Business trips took him to Yemen, Syria, and elsewhere. Abu Bakr was literate and developed a fondness for poetry. 

sympathetic person (Hazrat Abu Bakr-R.A)

Hazrat Abu Bakr(R.A) was very sympathetic toward the poor and the needy. He would walk in the streets at night to help the distressed. Although tender ­hearted, he was firm, determined and courageous. He was very intelligent and had an excellent memory.

Hazrat Abu Bakr(R.A) served Islam

Hazrat Abu Bakr led a very simple life and per­formed many services for the cause of Islam. 
Abu Bakr's daughter Hazrat Aisha (R.A) was married to Muhammad, strengthening the ties between the two men. 
 Among the many services that he rendered for Islam the most important one is the steps he took to preserve and protect the Holy Quran. He instructed Hazrat Zaid bin Sabit, one of the Holy Prophet’s( pbuh) scribes, to collect the written copies of the various Surahs from the companions of the Holy Prophet(pbuh) and arrange them in book form. 
He laid the foundations of a democratic state. He divided Arabia into prov­inces and appointed officers. He also established several departments for ad­ministrative purposes. The Muslim Empire expanded during his time. 

 The Holy Prophet(pbuh) loved Hazrat Abu Bakr

 The Holy Prophet(pbuh) loved Hazrat Abu Bakr very much. Praising him, the Holy Prophet(pbuh) is reported to have said that if all the virtues are counted, they would be sixty-three in number and Hazrat Abu Bakr possessed all of them. Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) gave him the title of Siddiq because he was the first person to confirm the Holy Prophet’s(pbuh) statement about Miraj. 

Acceptance of Islam of  Hazrat Abu Bakr sadiq (R.A)

Before accepting Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakr sadiq (R.A) led a pious life and never drank or gambled. When Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) invited people to accept Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakr was the first, adult man to become a Muslim. Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) said: “Whenever I offered Islam to any­one, he always showed some reluctance and hesitation and tried to enter into an argument. Abu Bakr was the only person who accepted Islam without any reluctance or hesitation, and without any argument. ” 

Supported Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH)

Hazrat Abu Bakr(R.A) served Islam in all possible ways. Many young men of the Quraish accepted Islam, through his efforts. Many slaves, who were treated cruelly by their masters for accepting Islam, were purchased and freed by him, as he was a rich merchant. He was with the Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) at the time of migration from Makkah to Madinah. In Madinah, Hazrat Abu Bakr was always by the side of the Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) and was his chief adviser. 
He took part in the battles of Badr, Uhad, Khandaq and Hunain. He was also present when the Treaty of Hudaibiya was signed. He supported Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH) when the Muslims including Hazrat Umar, were critical of the terms of the treaty. He donated everything that he pos­sessed at the time of the Tabuk . When the asked him what he had left for his family, he answered that for him and his family, Allah and His Prophet were enough. During his illness, the Holy Prophet (pbuh) appointed Hazrat Abu Bakr to lead the congregational prayers. While announcing the news of the passing away of the Holy Prophet(pbuh), Hazrat Abu Bakr exercised remarkable self-control. He also decided about the burial place of Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH). Hazrat Abu Bakr was elected as the first khalifa of Islam by the Muslim community. After his election as the khalifa, Hazrat Abu Bakr faced many problems, for example, the appearance of false prophets, refusal of some tribes to pay Zakat and disunity among the Muslims. But, within a short time, Hazrat Abu Bakr was able to crush these revolts with firmness and courage. He used to receive six thousand dirhams annually from the Bait-ul-Maal. On his death bed he directed that some of his property be sold in order to pay back to the state the amount he had received. 

Death Hazrat Abu Bakr sadiq (R.A)

 In 634 A.D Hazrat Abu Bakr sadiq (R.A) developed high fever and was confined to bed. His illness was prolonged and when he realizing his death was near, he sent for Hazrat Ali (R.A) and requested him to perform his ghusl because Hazrat Ali (R.A)had also done it for Hazrat Muhammad(PBUH). He appointed Hazrat Umar (R.A) as his successor after discussing with some companions. On Monday 23 August 634, Abu Bakr died. The funeral prayer was led by Hazrat Umar (R.A) . He was buried the same night by the side of Hazrat Muhammad's(PBUH) grave in Aisha's house near Al-Masjid al-Nabawi .