Abu Bakr’s life serves as a radiant beacon for all of humanity, illustrating how a soul can ascend to such exalted status in the eyes of its Creator. His unwavering devotion and selfless actions epitomized Islām in every aspect of his existence… Abu Bakr – the Sidīq – finds mention throughout the entirety of the Qur’ān.
“If the faith of Abu Bakr (rady Allāhu ‘anhu) were to be weighed against the faith of the people of the Earth, he would outweigh them.“[1]
He is a man of truth, a ‘Sidīq’, the Sidīq having testified to the Truth without a moment’s hesitation. Abu Bakr is at once the Prophet’s closest companion, the most complete of faith and devotion and the fullest in his manliness, support and loyalty to the Messenger of Allāh, sala Allāhu ‘alayhi wasalam. He is to whom, after the Messenger, the nation of Truth is most indebted.
In the first third of the Qur’an we read about Abu Bakr dedicating his life, family and wealth supporting the Messenger. He is called the Prophet’s companion, being the Messenger’s most intimate friend. He is outlined as the illustrious ‘one of two’, closely associated with God’s greatest Messenger. In the Hadīth: “The sun has not risen nor set on anyone after the prophets and messengers who is better than Abu Bakr.”[2]
While the Messenger was persecuted by his foes out of Makkah to a desolate cave, Abu Bakr was there, with him, sitting in solitude with the Messenger whilst reassured that Allah is with them both. Time and again, through every trial and tribulation that beset the Messenger, Abu Bakr’s unwavering support remained a steadfast pillar, an unyielding rock of strength at his side:
“If you do not support him, for Allāh did in fact support him when the disbelievers drove him out and he was only one of two. While they both were in the cave, he reassured his companion, ‘Do not worry; Allāh is certainly with us.’”[3]
In the second third of the Qur’ān, in what was in its first instance addressed to him directly, Abu Bakr is hailed as a man ‘of virtue’, a title bestowed upon him by none other than the Creator of the heavens and the earth. It extols his compassionate heart, ever-open hand, and boundless generosity, as he consistently showered charity upon the near and the neediest among his kith and kin:
“Do not let the people of virtue and affluence among you swear to suspend donations to their relatives, the needy, and the emigrants in the cause of Allāh…”[4]
And in the last third of the Qur’an, we read that he was ‘the man of righteousness’, ‘al-Atqa’ a sensational designation by the Divine and an everlasting testimony to the purity of his internal state. The Almighty’s recognition of his virtuous actions serves as an everlasting testament to the depth of his Imān and the sincerity of his heart:
“… But the righteous one (al-Atqā) will be spared from it. He who spends his wealth for increase in self-purification, not to repay someone else for a favour done. Except to seek the Countenance of his Lord, the Most High. And he will certainly be pleased.”[5]
Abu Bakr’s life serves as a radiant beacon for all of humanity, illustrating how a soul can ascend to such exalted status in the eyes of its Creator. His unwavering devotion and selfless actions epitomized Islām in every aspect of his existence. From dedicating himself entirely to the Messenger, both in body and soul, to extending his generosity and support to the poor and destitute with his time and wealth, and above all, aligning every purpose and intention with the will of his Creator, Abu Bakr – the Sidīq – finds mention throughout the entirety of the Qur’ān.
May Allah be immensely pleased with him and may his example continue to inspire and guide generations to come… “And he will certainly be pleased.”
References:
[1] Narrated by al Bayhaqi, Ibn ‘Asākir and others and are the words of ‘Umar b. al Khattāb rady Allāhu ‘anh
[2] Fadā’il al Sahabah vol. 1 pg. 187 Hadith: 135, on the authority of Abu al Dardā’ rady Allāhu ‘anhu
[3] Qur’ān 9:40
[4] Qur’ān 24:22
[5] Qur’ān 92:17-21
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