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Question: Make a study on the life and administration of Abu Bakr (r). Evaluate his services towards Islam after his conversion to Islam and after his accession to the Caliphate. Answer: Introduction: Birth, Genealogy, and Early Life of Abu Bakr:  Abu Bakr, as-Siddiq, (r) was born in 573 A.D. at Makkah. He was two years younger than the Prophet (saas). He belonged to a respectable and noble family, the Bani Tamīm, a branch of Quraish Tribe. H is lineage joins with that of the Prophet (saas) six generations before. His name was Abdullah. Abu Bakr was his patronymic name (or Kuniyah) which became so famous that most of the people did not know his real name. After his conversion to Islam he received the title of "As-Siddiq" (The Truthful). His father's name was 'Uthman who was known by his patronymic name, Abu Qahafah. His mother's name was Salma but she was also known by her patronymic name, Ummul Khair.  Since his boyhood, Abu Bakr was a quiet and sincere man. He was very honest and truthful. Because of his sterling character he was the closest friend of the Prophet (saas) since his youth and, the friendship proved to be life-long. He was a soft hearted man and keenly felt others sufferings and miseries. He used to help the poor and the needy, the distressed and the downtrodden.

Even before embracing Islam he did not like most of the customs of the days of ignorance and never drank any liquor. His main profession was trade. He also accompanied the Prophet (saas) in some of his trade missions. Because of his honesty people trusted him and often kept their money as a trust with him. His nobility and truthfulness soon made him a rich trader. Actually these qualities were soon to serve the noblest cause of Allah. Accepting Islam and Services towards Islam after conversion:  First man to accept Islam: Abu Bakr was a firm friend of the Prophet and knew him better than any other man. His honesty, nobility, truthfulness and trustworthiness, had great attraction for Abu Bakr. When the Prophet (saas) disclosed to him secretly about the revelation of Allah, Abu Bakr accepted it immediately without having the slightest doubt. In this way he was the first adult free man to believe in the Prophet's Mission, and became his confidant. The Prophet (saas) once spoke about this, "When I invited people towards Allah, everybody thought over it and hesitated, at least for a while, except Abu Bakr who accepted my call the moment I put it before him, and he did not hesitate even for a moment." When he accepted Islam, the Prophet (saas) was very pleased.  Da'wah towards Islam: As soon as he had accepted Islam he started the work of da'wah first secretly and then openly when it was so allowed by the Prophet (saas). First he went to ‘Uthman, Talha, Zubair and Said (r). They accepted Islam on his preaching. Next day he went to 'Uthman bin Maz'un, Abu'Ubaidah, Abdur Rahman bin 'Auf and some other prominent Quraish. They also accepted Islam at his hands. In the first instance eight prominent figures accepted Islam at the hands of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (r). Among them was Uthman, the third Caliph of Islam. In this way he was the first Muslim, after the Holy Prophet, to preach Islam and to invite people towards Allah in a very fruitful way. The main reason for his success was his popularity among the Makkans because of his honesty, nobility, trustworthiness, good morals and fair dealings.

 Hardships in the way of dawah to Islam: Abu Bakr (r) suffered heavily while making dawah towards Islam. He was not even spared despite his respectable status in the society from the harassment of the Quraysh.

When the number of Muslims reached 39, Abu Bakr (r) asked persistently the permission of the Prophet (saas) to invite people openly. Upon getting permission, Abu Bakr went to Ka ‘bah for dawah. Abu Bakr (r) made open invitation to the disbelievers and idolaters who immediately fell on the Muslims from all sides. Abu Bakr (r), the noblest of all the people in Makkah, was besmeared with blood. He was kicked, thrashed with shoes, trampled under feet and handled most roughly and savagely. He became unconscious and half-dead. When he gained consciousness and opened his eyes in the evening he first enquired. "How is the Prophet (saas)?" His deep love for the Prophet, really, was the main cause of his success. His love and respect for the Prophet (saas) was unbounded. On another occasion the Prophet (saas) was offering his Salat in the Ka'bah, Abu Jahl came and put a sheet of cloth around his neck and twisted it hard in order to strangle the Prophet to death. Abu Bakr saw this, he at once came and pushing Abu Jahl aside took off the piece of cloth around the neck of the Prophet (saas). He then said, "Do you want to kill such a gentle person who is a Messenger of Allah and declares Allah as the Cherisher and Sustainer." Then Abu Jahl and other enemies of Islam fell upon Abu Bakr and beat him severely.  Purchasing the Slave Muslims and setting them free: Muslim slaves were the worst sufferers at the hands of non-Muslim masters when the Quraish started to cruelly persecute the new coverts. Bilal (r) was one among such slaves. His master Umayyah bin Khalf lashed him at night and made him lie on the burning sand during the day because of his conversion to Islam. Abu Bakr bought him freedom and set him free. Other Muslim slaves like ‘Amir bin Fuhairah, Nazirah, Nahdiah, Jariah, Bani Momil and Bint Nahdiah etc were bought by Abu Bakr (r) and were set free.  Spending profusely for Islam: He spent profusely for the new converts and for the growth and spread of Islam. He paid over the land purchased for the construction of Prophet's masjid in Madinah. He also spent his everything during the Tabuk campaign.  Awarded with the title 'As-Siddīq': Abu Bakr was awarded with this title 'As-Siddiq' (the best attester/the most truthful) when he attested to the miraculous heavenly journey of the Prophet (Miraj) without any question. After knowing this the Quraysh came to Abu Bakr and said, "Have you listened to your friend? He is claiming that he visited Jerusalem and the Sublime Throne in the heavens last night and talked with Allah. Would you believe it?" Abu Bakr (r) immediately replied. "If he said so then it is an absolute Truth". They again said, "Do you believe that he visited all these places and came back within a small part of night?" He again replied. "Of course I believe in it and I believe in the things which are farther than it, i.e., the news of Hell and Paradise". For this the Prophet (saas) named him as-Siddiq (the best attester/the most Truthful and sincere person in Faith not having even slightest doubt).  Migration to Abyssinia and Madinah: Being hard-pressed, Abu Bakr won over Prophet's permission to migrate to Abyssinia. On the way to Abyssinia, he met Ibn-ud-Daghna, the chief of another tribe, Qara who then came to know the reason of Abu Bakr's migration. Ibn-ud- Daghna did not want him to leave Arabia and declared to the people of Makkah that Abu Bakr was under his protection. Then nobody dared to harm him.

When the Prophet (saas) decided to migrate to Madinah, Abu Bakr was the only companion with him. He carried all his money, about five to six thousand Darhams, and started in the night with the Holy Prophet. They lay hidden in the cave of Thaur for three days. Abu Bakr's slave 'Amir bin Fuhairah tended the flocks of goats near the cave during the day and supplied them fresh milk in the night. After three days the Quraish stopped the search of the Prophet, ‘Amir bin Fuhairah brought two she-camels and both started for Medina. Thus only Abu Bakr (r) had the honor of accompanying the Prophet (saas) in the most critical days of his life.  Participation in the Holy Wars: He fought in almost all the battles along with the Prophet (saas). In the first battle of Islam at Badr he was with the Prophet like a shadow. His own son, who had not embraced Islam by that time, was fighting on the side of Quraish. After he accepted Islam he said to Abu Bakr one day, "Dear father! I found you twice under my sword at Badr but I could not raise my hand because of my love for you". "if I had got a chance", Abu Bakr replied, "I would have killed you". It was Abu Bakr's suggestion on which the Prophet (saas) decided to release the prisoners of war after taking ransom.

In the battle of Uhud when some of the Muslims were running away, Abu Bakr was firm and when the Prophet (saas) was brought on the mountain after being injured, he was with him. Abu Bakr (r) was the first companion to accept the peace plan of the Prophet (saas) without any hesitation at Hudaibiyah when all the Muslims insisted upon fighting. Even a Muslim like Umar (r) hesitated to accept the treaty with the non-believers of Mecca but Abu Bakr fully supported the Prophet's decision. On the occasion of Tabuk expedition Abu Bakr (r) brought everything that he possessed. When the Prophet (saas) asked him, "What did you leave for your family?" Abu Bakr (r) said, "I have left for them Allah and his Prophet". Even Umar (r) admitted that he could never hope to surpass Abu Bakr (r) in his sacrifice for the cause of Allah and Islam.  Amir (Chief) of Al-Hajjul-Akbar (9 A.H.): It was the 9th year of Hijrah when the first Hajj took place. The Prophet (saas) had then returned from Tabuk expedition but he was so busy that he could not himself attend the Hajj pilgrimage. He sent Abu Bakr as-Siddiq as his deputy to lead the Hajj caravan to Makkah.  Imam of the Prophet's Masjid (al-Masjid al-Nawawi): A few months after his return from the Farewell Pilgrimage (aI-Hajj al-Wida’), the Prophet (saas) fell ill. A time came when he was unable to move and could not go to the masjid to lead the Salat. He appointed Abu Bakr to lead the prayer in his stead. 'A'isha ®, the daughter of Abu Bakr and the wife of the Prophet, pleaded with the Holy Prophet (saas) to excuse Abu Bakr from this duty, as she knew that Abu Bakr was a soft hearted man and it would be rather hard for him to replace the Prophet (saas) in the Salat. But the Prophet (saas) did not change his decision even though he was requested three times.

Accession to the Caliphate: The Prophet (saas) died while he did not nominate his successor and left the choice of his deputy or viceroy (khalifah) to his Ummah (followers). There were two groups of Muslims in Medina (Muhajirin and Ansar). After the death of the Prophet (saas), the Ansar gathered in a big Hall of to discuss the appointment of a Khalifah. Abu Bakr and Umar with other prominent Muhajirin were in the masjid. When they were informed about the gathering of Ansar, Abu Bakr and Umar also went there accompanied by a number of eminent Muhajirin like Abu 'Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah. The Ansars were likely to declare someone as the Khalifah. Abu Bakr and Umar reached the place and asked them about the gathering. The informed them to which Abu Bakr said that they could not do so as there was a clear statement form the Prophet in that regard to the effect that the khalifs are to be from among the Quraysh. Hearing Abu Bakr another Ansari, Khabab bin Mundhar stood up and said, "Let there be two Amirs then, one from amongst Quraish and another from amongst Ansar." On this Umar stood up and said, "This is not at all possible. There would be great confusion because of two Amirs." At this moment, Abu bakr (r) stood up and said, "I propose the name of Umar and Abu'Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah for this post. Select anyone of these two men as your Khalifah." But both of them refused and Umar said, "Abu Bakr is the best of all of us because Allah has mentioned him in the Qur'an saying: "The one amongst two in the cave" (9:40). He further said, Abu Bakr excelled at every occasion during the life of the Prophet (saas). He deputized the Prophet (saas) in leading Salats, he was appointed the Chief of Hajj caravan. As such he is the fittest person to be the Khalifah." Saying this Umar (r) and Zaid bin Thabit Ansari held his hand and took pledge of loyalty (bai'ah) and was followed by Abu 'Ubaidah bin al-Jarrah and others in the gathering. Thus he became the first successor of the Prophet (saas). Abu Bakr then made a maiden speech for the people: "0 people! I have been selected as your Trustee although I am no better than anyone of you. If I am right, obey me. If I am misguided, set me right. Of course truth is honesty and a lie is dishonesty. The weakest among you is powerful in my eyes until I do not get him his due, Insha-Allah (If it should please Allah). The most powerful among you is the weakest in my eyes until I do not make him pay due rights to others Insha Allah. Allah sends down disgrace on those people who give up Jihad in the path of Allah. Allah surely sends down calamities on such people who indulge in evils. "I ask you to obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger (saas). If I disobey Allah and His Messenger you are free to disobey me. Now come and offer Salah." In his short address, Abu Bakr showed the role of an exemplary Khalifah of Islamic Government. No doubt Islamic Government means: "Government of Allah and His Prophet, by His obedient servants for the benefit of the people in this world and in the Hereafter." About thirty three thousand people took bai'ah at the hand of Abu Bakr in the mosque. The selection of Abu Bakr is a pointer towards Islamic Democracy and furnishes example for selection of a Leader for Muslim Community till the Day of Judgment. Services towards Islam after accession to khilafah: 1) Saving Islam and the Muslims from falling apart and disintegration: The greatest challenges faced by Abu Bakr immediately after his accession to the khilafah were the rebellions throughout the Muslim world. He faced three menaces: a. General Recantation: b. Rejection by some to pay Zakat: c. False prophets:

Abu Bakr fought gallantly against all. He sent armies in different corners and the people recanting Islam came back to Islam, the people thought of not paying Zakat paid back, and the false prophets were totally roused, some were killed and some others apologized and came back to Islam. 2) Expansion of Islam:

Islam was hugely spread under Abu Bakr. Abu Bakr ruled for two years but during this time major improvements were made. During his time the Arabs managed to conquer the Sassanians in Persia and the Byzantines in Syria, Palestine, and Egypt. People living under these regimes were much oppressed. Muslims continued to be pluralistic, coexisting with Jews, Christians and Zoroastrians. Muslims left existing political administrative systems in these conquered lands. 3) Collection of the Holy Qur'an: One of the greatest services rendered to Islam by Abu Bakr (r) was the collection of the Qur'an. There were hundreds of huffaz among the Companions during the life-time of the Prophet (saas) but it had not been compiled in book form though its memorization continued even after the death of the Prophet (saas). In various battles which took place against rebels and false prophets, a number of huffaz Companions were martyred. In the battle against Musailimah (the Liar) about seventy huffaz had died.

It then occurred to Umar (r) that necessary steps should be taken to preserve the Qur'an intact in its original form against every kind of danger and it was not wise to depend exclusively upon those who had learnt it by heart. Therefore, he urged Abu Bakr (r) to put it in black and white in the form of a book. Other Companions also agreed with Umar’s opinion but Abu Bakr hesitated in the beginning because it was not done by the Prophet (saas). However after some discussion he agreed to it and appointed Zaid bin Thabit (r) for this work who was hesitant at first but later, he changed his mind and started the work. Zaid bin Thabit was the best qualified person for this work because he had acted as an amanuensis to the Prophet (saas), and was one of the Companions who had learnt the Qur'an directly from him. Moreover, he was also present on the occasion when the Prophet recited the whole of the completed Holy Qur'an to angel Gabriel. Zaid bin Thabit adopted the same order of the various chapters of the Holy Book as was revealed to the Prophet (saas). In the compilation of the Book a number of prominent Companions assisted him. The compiled copy of the Qur'an was kept in the house of Umm ul-Mu'minin, Hafsah (r) who was one of the wives of the Holy Prophet and daughter of Umar. It was proclaimed that anyone, who desired, might make a copy of it or compare with it the copy one already possessed. During his caliphate 'Uthman sent copies of the same compilation of the Holy Qur'an, collected during the period of Abu Bakr (r), to various places of his caliphate. In this way we see that Abu Bakr (r) kept doing the great work of his Master (saas). With unshakeable faith and full courage he had struggled to the utmost. Islam is for ever grateful to its greatest hero, the next to prophets, for the great services he rendered to it. Abu Bakr's caliphate lasted for only two years, three months and ten days (according to Islamic calendar). 4) The Savior of Islam: As-Siddiq al-Akbar took the office of khilafah at the most crucial and critical moment of Islamic history. He gave Islam a new life after the death of the Prophet (saas). Islam, in its infant stage, when he was entrusted with the responsibility to khilafah, was threatened by rebellions, rise of false prophets and apostasy movements. He crushed all the futile powers because of his unshakeable faith. No amount of difficulties could make him deviate from the Sunnah (Path) of the Holy Master. He brought unity among the Muslims and crushed all the rebellions. In view of his great service for the cause of Islam at that critical moment when there was a lot of confusion, Abu Bakr (r) may rightly be called the Saviour of Islam.

It was in the time of Abu Bakr that Islam started to cross the Arabian borders. A major part of Iraq came under his rule and Muslim armies had captured many important cities of Syria. Thus Islam, the religion of whole mankind, started to be a world religion in his period. Wives and Children Wives: His first wife was Qatilah bint 'Abdul 'Aziz who bore to him 'Abdullah and Asma (r). His second wife, Umm-i-Ruman gave birth to ‘A’ isha (r), the most beloved wife of the Prophet (saas), and 'Abdur Rahman (r). Besides these two he also married Asma' and Habibah (r). Children Daughters: (i) Ummul-Mu'minin 'A'isha (r) (ii) Asma, and (iii) Umm-i-Kulthum, born to Habibah after his death. Sons: (i) 'Abdullah, (ii),'Abdur Rahman and (iii) Muhammad. Conclusion: After a fortnight's illness, As-Siddiq al-Akbar passed away at the age of 61 on Tuesday, the 22nd Jamadal-Akhira, 13 A.H. (23rd August 634 A.D.). Before his death he said to his daughter ‘A’isha (r), "Do not use new cloth for my shroud. Wash the sheet in my use and wrap my corpse in it". His wish was acted upon. His next wish was to pay all the money he got as salary for Caliph from "Baitul Mal" (The Public Treasury) after selling his garden. He said, 'I did not like to take anything from the Baitul Mal but Umar pressed me to accept some allowance so that I would be relieved of my occupation and devote my full time to the duties of the Khilafat. I was left no choice but to accept the offer'. After his death 'A'isha asked Umar to take over that garden as desired by her father. Umar remarked: "May Allah bless him. He left no chance for any body to open his lips against him".