Abu Bakr

Lore & Background

Abu Bakr was born in Mecca to Abu Quhafa and Umm al-Khayr of the Banu Taym tribe. He was among the earliest converts to Islam and preached dawah to polytheists. He is considered the first Muslim missionary, as several companions converted through him. He accompanied Muhammad on his migration to Medina and became one of his bodyguards. He participated in all of Muhammad's campaigns and served as the first Amir al-Hajj. In Muhammad's absence, he led the prayers. Following Muhammad's death in 632, Abu Bakr succeeded him as the first caliph, chosen at Saqifah by a group of Muhammad's companions in the absence of Ali. Shia Muslims hold that Muhammad had designated Ali as his successor at Ghadir Khumm, and that Abu Bakr's appointment bypassed Ali's rightful claim. During his reign, he overcame uprisings known as the Ridda Wars, consolidating Islam over the Arabian Peninsula. He commanded initial incursions into the Sasanian and Byzantine Empires. He is credited with the compilation of the Quran and is referenced in verse 40 of Surah at-Tawbah. He died of illness after a reign of two years, two months, and fourteen days, and is buried in the Green Dome at the Prophet's Mosque in Medina.

Reader's Guide

Abu Bakr, born into the wealthy Banu Taym tribe of the Quraysh in Mecca, was literate and known for his knowledge of Arab genealogy, poetry, and politics. As a child, he rejected idol worship, reportedly hurling a stone at an idol after it failed to answer his prayers, and is recorded to have practiced as a hanif before embracing Islam. He was among the earliest converts, considered the first free adult male to accept the faith, and became the first Muslim missionary, through whom several companions converted. He accompanied Muhammad on the migration to Medina, served as a bodyguard, and participated in all military campaigns against polytheists. In Muhammad’s absence, he led prayers and served as the first leader of the annual Hajj pilgrimage. After Muhammad’s death, Abu Bakr was chosen as caliph at Saqifah by a group of companions, a succession Sunni Muslims consider legitimate, while Shia Muslims maintain that Muhammad had designated Ali at Ghadir Khumm. His reign saw the suppression of widespread uprisings known as the Ridda Wars, consolidating Islam across Arabia, and he initiated military campaigns against the weakened Byzantine and Sasanian Empires. These campaigns, continued by his successor Umar, led to the conquest of Persia and much of the Byzantine realm. Abu Bakr is also credited with compiling the Quran into a personal codex. He died of illness after a reign of two years, two months, and fourteen days, and is buried in the Green Dome at the Prophet’s Mosque in Medina.

Did You Know?

• Abu Bakr was the first free adult man to embrace Islam, according to the historian Ibn Kathir.
• He purchased and freed eight slaves (four men and four women), including Bilal ibn Rabah, though the source notes this claim may be exaggerated or invented.
• He died of natural causes, the only Rashidun caliph to do so.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"How wretched are those in the sight of God who disobey Him." — Abu Bakr "It is a matter of great shame that the birds wake up in the morning before you." — Abu Bakr "Give brief orders; speeches that are too long are likely to be forgotten." — Abu Bakr "The Biography of Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq, p. 726, also quoted in Tareekh ul-Islam by Imam Al-Dhahabi, p. 116-117." — Abu Bakr