Abu Bakr As-Siddiqu
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Topic: Abu Bakr As-Siddiqu
Posted By: rami
Subject: Abu Bakr As-Siddiqu
Date Posted: 04 March 2005 at 10:11pm
Bismillah
Abu Bakr.
Allah mentions and praises him in His Holy Qur'an in many verses:
Al-Lail (5-7):
"As for him who gives and keeps his duty, we facilitate for him the way to ease."
Al-Lail (17-21):
"And (away from the fire) shall be kept the most faithful who gives his wealth, thereby purifying himself,and seeks to gain no pleasure or reward other than the Presence of his Lord, the Most High."
Ibn al-Jawzi states that all Muslim scholars and the Companions were certain that these ayats referred to Abu Bakr. Among all the people he was called "Al-`Atiq," the most pious, delivered from the punishments of the fire.
Al-Ahzab (43):
When ayat 56 of Surah Al-Ahzab revealed that "Allah and his angels bless the Holy Prophet," Abu Bakr asked if he also was included in this blessing. Ayat 43 was then revealed stating:
"He it is who sends His blessing on you and so do His angels, that He may bring you forth out of darkness into light. And He is merciful to the believers."
Ar-Rahman (46):
Ibn Abi Hatim explained that ayat 46 of Surah Ar-Rahman came in reference to Abu Bakr as-Siddiq:
"And for him who fears to stand before his Lord there are two gardens."
Al-Ahqaf (15-16):
"We have enjoined on man kindness to his parents: in pain did his mother bear him, and in pain did she give him birth. The carrying of the (child) to his weaning is thirty months. At length, when he reaches the age of full strength and attains forty years, he says, "O my Lord! Grant me that I may be grateful for Thy favor which Thou hast bestowed upon me, and upon both my parents, and that I may work righteousness such as Thou mayest approve; and be gracious to me in my issue. Truly have I turned to Thee and truly do I bow (to Thee) in submission." Such are they from whom We shall accept the best of their deeds and pass by their ill deeds: (they shall be) among the Companions of the Garden: a promise of truth, which was made to them (in this life)."
Ibn Abbas says that these ayats came as a description of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, Allah honoring and elevating his state among all the Companions of the Prophet . Ibn Abbas notes further that ayat 158 of Surah Al-Imran was revealed in reference to Abu Bakr and Umar :
"And take council with them on important matters."
At-Tawbah (40):
Finally, the great honor accorded to Abu Bakr in accompanying the Holy Prophet on his flight from Makkah to Madinah, is referred to in the ayat:
"When the unbelievers drove him out, he had no more than one companion. The two were in the Cave, and he said to his companion, Fear not, for Allah is with us."
In addition to the praise of Allah, Abu Bakr as-Siddiq received the praise of the Holy Prophet and of his companions. This is recorded in many well known Hadiths.
The Holy Prophet said:
"Allah will show His glory to the people in a general way, but He will show it to Abu Bakr in a special way."
"Never has the sun risen or set on a person, other than a prophet, greater than Abu Bakr."
"Never was anything revealed to me that I did not pour into the heart of Abu Bakr."
"There is no one to whom I am obligated and have not repaid my debt except Abu Bakr, for I owe him much for which Allah will compensate him on the Day of Judgement."
"If I were to take an intimate friend (khalil) other than my Lord, I would have chosen Abu Bakr."
"Abu Bakr does not precede you because of much prayer or fasting, but because of a secret that is in his heart."
Bukhari narrates from Ibn 'Umar that, "In the time of the Prophet we were not recognizing anyone higher than Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, then 'Umar, then 'Uthman."
Hakim narrated that Ali was asked, "O Ruler of the Faithful, tell us about Abu Bakr." He said, "He is a person whom Allah called as-Siddiq on the tongue of the Prophet and he is the khalif of the Prophet . We accept him for our religion and for our worldly life."
There are many other hadiths indicating the great attainment of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq with respect to all the other Sahaba.
Abu Bakr was the best friend and most beloved companion of the Holy Prophet . He was blessed by being first and foremost, throughout his life, in his belief, his support, and his love of the Holy Prophet. For this quality he was honored with the title of Siddiq, or very truthful one.
He was the first free adult man to accept Islam at the hands of the Prophet . He had never joined in the worship of idols practiced by his contemporaries. He came to Islam without any trace of doubt or hesitation. Many years later the Holy Prophet recalled: "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 doubt or hesitation, and without any argument."
He was first in his spiritual support. He remained steadfast in his support throughout the difficult years in Makkah. He was the first to speak out when events passed beyond the understanding even of the new Muslims themselves, as in the case of the Night Journey. And later in Madinah when the treaty of Hudaybiya was signed, only Abu Bakr remained absolutely faithful. He counseled his companions: "Do not be critical, but hold fast to the stirrup (allegiance) of the Holy Prophet."
He was first in his material support. While others of the Muslims gave large fortunes in support of their faith, Abu Bakr was the first to give everything he had. When asked what he had left for his children he answered: "Allah and His Prophet ." On hearing this Umar said: "None can surpass Abu Bakr in serving the cause of Islam."
He was first in kindness and compassion to his fellow believers. A very wealthy merchant, he always watched out for the poor and the weak. He freed seven slaves before leaving Makkah, among them Bilal . He not only spent large amounts to buy them freedom but he then took them into his own household and educated them.
When he assumed the role of khalif he said: "Help me, if I am in the right; set me right, if I am in the wrong. The weak among you shall be strong with me until, God willing, his rights have been vindicated. The strong among you shall be weak with me until, if God wills, I have taken what is due from him. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Prophet; when I disobey Him and his Prophet, obey me not."
In early Islam interpretation of dreams was considered a spiritual exercise. Only those with pure hearts and spiritual vision could have meaningful dreams; and only those with pure hearts and spiritual vision could interpret them. Abu Bakr was an acknowledged interpreter of dreams. The Prophet himself would consult only him in search for clarity of his prophetic dreams.
Before the battle of Uhud, the Holy Prophet saw in a dream that he was herding animals and some of these were being slaughtered. The sword that he held had a piece broken off. Abu Bakr interpreted the slaughtered animals to prophesize the death of many Muslims, and the broken sword to signify the death of one of the Prophet's relatives. Unfortunately both these predictions were realised at the battle of Uhud.
Abu Bakr was also a poet before he became Muslim. He was known for his exceptional recitation and his excellent memory of the long poems in which the Arabs took great pride. These qualities served him well in Islam. His recitation of the Qur'an was so lyrical and charged with emotion that many people came to Islam simply after hearing him pray. The Quraish tried to forbid him to pray in the courtyard of his house in order to prevent the people from hearing him.
It is due to his memory that many of the most important Hadiths come to us today. Among them are those indicating the proper form of prayer and those specifying the proper proportions of Zakat. Yet out of the many thousands of Hadith verified and recorded, only 142 come through Abu Bakr. His daughter, `Aisha , related that her father kept a book of over 500 Hadith but that one day he destroyed it. The knowledge that Abu Bakr chose to keep hidden related to the heavenly knowledge, ilmu-l-ladunni, the source of all saintly knowledge; a knowledge that can only be transmitted from heart to heart.
Although a quiet and gentle man he was also first on the battlefield. He supported the Holy Prophet in all of his campaigns both with his sword and with his counsel. When others failed or ran he remained at the side of his beloved Prophet. It is stated that once Ali asked his companions who they considered to be the bravest. They replied that Ali was the bravest. But he answered: "No. Abu Bakr is the bravest. On the day of the battle of Badr when there was no one to stand guard where the Holy Prophet prayed, Abu Bakr stood with his sword and did not allow the enemy to come near."
He was of course the first to follow the Holy Prophet as Khalif and leader of the Faithful. He instituted the public treasury (Baytu-l-mal) to take care of the poor and needy. He was the first to compile the entire Qur'an and call it "Mushaf."
In regard to spiritual transmission, he was the first person to give instruction in the method of reciting the sacred Kalima (LA ILAHA ILLALLAH) for purifying the heart by Dhikr.
Although Allah honored Abu Bakr by making him first in innumerable ways, Allah granted him even more honor when he chose him to be second. For Abu Bakr was the only companion of the Holy Prophet on his flight from persecution in Makkah to shelter in Madinah. Probably his dearest title was "the second of two when they were in the cave," already quoted (9:40). Umar said: "I wish all the deeds of my life were equal to his deed of that one day."
Ibn Abbas said that one day the Prophet was sick. He went to the mosque, wrapped his head with a cloth, sat on the minbar, and said, "If I were to take anyone as my intimate friend (khalil), I would take Abu Bakr, but the best friend to me is the friendship of Islam." He then ordered all doors of the neighboring houses which opened into the mosque of the Prophet to be closed except the one of Abu Bakr. And that door is still open till this day.
From His Saying
"No speech is good if it is not directed toward the pleasure of Allah. There is no benefit from money if it isn't spent in the cause of Allah. There is no good in a person if his ignorance overcomes his patience. And if a person becomes attracted by the charms of this lower world, Allah will dislike him as long as he keeps this in his heart."
"We have found generosity in Taqwa (God-consciousness), richness in Yaqin (certainty), and honor in humbleness."
"Beware of pride because you will be returning to the earth and your body will be eaten up by the worms."
When he was praised by people he would pray to Allah saying:
"O Allah, You know me better than I know myself, and I know myself better than these people who praise me. Make me better than what they think of me, and forgive those sins of mine of which they have no knowledge, and do not hold me responsible for what they say."
"If you expect the blessings of God be kind to His people."
One day he called Umar and counseled him till Umar cried. Abu Bakr told him:
"If you keep my counsel, you will be safe; and my counsel is: Expect death always and live accordingly."
"Glory to God who has not given to his creatures any way to attain to knowledge of Him except by means of their helplessness and their hopelessness of ever reaching such attainment."
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Rasul Allah (sallah llahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever knows himself, knows his Lord" and whoever knows his Lord has been given His gnosis and nearness.
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Replies:
Posted By: rami
Date Posted: 02 July 2005 at 2:44pm
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Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, `Atiq ibn Abi Quhafa, Shaykh
al-Islam, `Abd Allah ibn `Uthman ibn `Amir al-Qurashi al-Taymi (d. 13), the
Prophet�s intimate friend after Allah, exclusive companion at the Prophet�s
Basin (hawd) and in the Cave, greatest supporter, closest confidant, first
spiritual inheritor, first of the men who believed in him and the only one who did so
unhesitatingly, first of his four Rightly-Guided successors, first of the ten promised
Paradise, and first of the Prophet�s Community to enter Paradise.
Alone among the Companions, Abu Bakr repeatedly led the Community in
prayer in the lifetime of the Prophet. The latter used to call him by his patronyms of Abu
Bakr and Ibn Abi Quhafa, and he named him with the attributes "The Most
Truthful" (al-Sidd�q) and "Allah�s Freedman From the Fire" (`At�q
All�h min al-n�r). When the Quraysh confronted the Prophet after the Night Journey,
they turned to Abu Bakr and said: "Do you believe what he said, that he went last
night to the Hallowed House and came back before morning?" He replied: "If he
said it, then I believe him, yes, and I do believe him regarding what is farther than
that. I believe the news of heaven he brings, whether in the space of a morning or in that
of an evening journey." Because of this Abu Bakr was named al-Sidd�q: the
Very Truthful, the One Who Never Lies.
Among the Companions who narrated from him: Anas, `A�isha, Jabir,
Abu Hurayra, the four `Abd Allahs (Ibn `Abbas, Ibn Mas`ud, Ibn `Umar, Ibn `Amr), `Abd
Allah ibn al-Zubayr, `Umar, `Uthman, and `Ali. The latter is one of the narrators of the
Prophet�s hadith cited by Abu Bakr: "We [Prophets] do not leave anything as
inheritance. What we leave behind is charity (sadaqa)."
`Umar said: "Abu Bakr�s faith outweighs the faith of the
entire Umma." This is confirmed by the following hadith: The Prophet asked:
"Did any of you see anything in his dream?" A man said to the Prophet: "O
Messenger of Allah, I saw in my dream as if a balance came down from the heaven in which
you were weighed against Abu Bakr and outweighed him, then Abu Bakr was weighed against
`Umar and outweighed him, then `Umar was weighed against `Uthman and outweighed him, then
the balance was raised up." This displeased the Prophet who said: "Successorship
of prophethood (khil�fa nubuwwa)! Then Allah shall give kingship to whomever He
will." `Umar also said: "The best of this Community after its Prophet is Abu
Bakr." `Ali named him and `Umar the Shaykh al-Islam of the Community and said:
"The best of this Community after its Prophet are Abu Bakr and `Umar," "The
most courageous of people is Abu Bakr," and "The greatest in reward among people
for the volumes of the Qur�an is Abu Bakr, for he was the first of those who gathered
the Qur�an between two covers." He was also the first to name it mushaf.
Abu Bakr�s high rank is indicated, among other signs, by the fact
that to deny his Companionship to the Prophet entails disbelief (kufr), unlike the
denial of the Companionship of `Umar, `Uthman, and `Ali to the Prophet. This is due to the
mention of this companionship in the verse: "The second of two when the two were
in the cave, and he said unto his companion: Grieve not" (9:40) which refers, by
Consensus, to the Prophet and Abu Bakr. Allah further praised him above the rest by
saying: "Those who spent and fought before the victory are not upon a level (with
the rest of you)." (57:10)
The Prophet confirmed his high rank in many of his sayings, among them:
"Allah gave one of His servants a choice between this world and
what He has with Him, and that servant chose what Allah has with Him." Abu Bakr wept
profusely and we wondered why he wept, since the Prophet had told of a servant that was
given a choice. The Prophet himself was that servant, as Abu Bakr later told us. The
Prophet continued: "Among those most dedicated to me in his companionship and
property is Abu Bakr. If I were to take an intimate friend other than my Lord, I would
take Abu Bakr. But what binds us is the brotherhood of Islam and its love. Let no door [of
the Prophet�s mosque] remain open except Abu Bakr�s."
"I am excused, before each of my friends, of any intimate
friendship with anyone. But if I were to take an intimate friend, I would take Ibn Abi
Quhafa as my intimate friend. Verily, your Companion is the intimate friend of
Allah!"
"You [Abu Bakr] are my companion at the Basin and my
companion in the Cave."
"Call Abu Bakr and his son so that I will put something down in
writing, for I fear lest someone ambitious forward a claim, and Allah and the believers
refuse anyone other than Abu Bakr."
`Amr ibn al-`As asked: "O Messenger of Allah, who is the most
beloved of all men to you?" He replied: "Abu Bakr."
"It is impermissible for a people among whom is Abu Bakr, to be
led by other than him."
"Take for your leaders those who come after me: Abu Bakr and
`Umar."
"O`Ali! Abu Bakr and `Umar are the leaders of the mature
inhabitants of Paradise and its youth among the first and the last, except for Prophets
and Messengers."
"The sun never rose nor set over anyone better than Abu
Bakr."
"The Prophet used to hold nightly conversations with Abu Bakr in
the latter�s house, discussing the affairs of Muslims, and I [`Umar] was present with
them."
`Umar was angered by Abu Bakr one day and left him in anger. Abu Bakr
followed after him, asking his forgiveness, but `Umar refused and shut his door in his
face. Abu Bakr then went to the Prophet and took hold of his garment until his knee
showed. The Prophet said: "Your companion has been arguing!" Abu Bakr greeted
him and said: "There was a dispute between me and `Umar, then I felt remorse and
asked him to forgive me but he would not, so I came to you." The Prophet said,
repeating three times: "Allah forgives you, O Abu Bakr! Allah forgives you, O Abu
Bakr! Allah forgives you, O Abu Bakr!" Then `Umar felt remorse and went asking for
Abu Bakr at his house without finding him. He came to the Prophet and greeted him, but the
Prophet�s face changed with displeasure. Seeing this, Abu Bakr sat up on his knees in
fear before the Prophet, saying twice: "O Messenger of Allah! I am the one who
trangressed. O Messenger of Allah! I am the one who transgressed." The Prophet said
to the people: "Allah sent me to you and you all said: �You are lying!� But
Abu Bakr said: �He said the truth.� Abu Bakr gave me solace with his person and
property. Will you leave my companion alone once and for all? Will you leave my companion
alone once and for all?!" After this Abu Bakr was never harmed again.
"Jibril came to me, took me by the hand, and showed me the gate
through which my Community shall enter Paradise." Abu Bakr said: "Would that I
were with you to see it!" The Prophet said: "Did you not know? You will be the
first of all my Community to enter it."
Al-Suyuti relates through Ibn Sa`d�s report from `A�isha her
description of Abu Bakr: "He was a man with fair skin, thin, emaciated, with a sparse
beard, a slightly hunched frame, sunken eyes and protruding forehead, and the bases of his
fingers were hairless." He was the foremost genealogist of the Quraysh and the best
of them at interpreting dreams after the Prophet according to Ibn Sirin. `A�isha
related that both he and `Uthman had relinquished drinking wine even in the Time of
Ignorance. His caliphate lasted two years and three months in which he opened up the lands
of Syria and Iraq for the Muslims, suppressed apostasy among the Arab tribes, fought the
pseudo-Prophets al-Aswad al-`Ansi, Tulayha al-Asadi who recanted and declared his
prophethood in Najd, and Musaylima the Liar who was killed in the devastating battle of
al-Yamama.
Imam al-Nawawi pointed out that Abu Bakr�s genealogical tree alone
regroups four successive generations of Companions of the Prophet: his father Abu Quhafa,
himself, his daughter Asma�, and her son `Abd Allah, in addition to Abu Bakr�s
son `Abd al-Rahman and his grandson Abu `Atiq. Nawawi states that only one hundred and
forty-two hadiths of the Prophet are narrated from Abu Bakr. He comments: "The reason
for this scarcity, despite the seniority of his companionship to the Prophet, is that his
death pre-dated the dissemination of hadiths and the endeavor of the Followers to hear,
gather, and preserve them." Among Abu Bakr�s sayings: "Whoever fights his
ego for Allah�s sake, Allah will protect Him against what He hates."
Main sources: Al-Nawawi, Tahdhib
al-Asma� wa al-Lughat 2:181-182; Abu Nu`aym, Hilya al-Awliya� 1:62-72
#1; al-Dhahabi, Siyar A`lam al-Nubala� 1-2:467-508 #2.
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Rasul Allah (sallah llahu alaihi wa sallam) said: "Whoever knows himself, knows his Lord" and whoever knows his Lord has been given His gnosis and nearness.
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