Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) was a close friend and companion of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). His full name was Abdullah bin Abu Quhafah Uthman bin Aamer Al Qurashi Al Taymi. He was born in the year 573 (CE) in Makkah. He accepted Islam before his parents and once he accepted Islam; his sole objective was to tell people about the beauty of Islam and to bring them towards the religion Islam.

ABU BAKAR (RA)’S EARLY LIFE:

Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA)’s childhood was very simple just like every child. He was fond of animals and used to play with different animals like goats, calves, camels, etc. He had specially had so much love for camels and because of his love and fondness towards camels he was given the title of ABU BAKAR by the people of Arab which means that “father of the camel’s calf”.

After reaching the age of 18, Abu Bakar started his business as a cloth merchant which was also his family business. He traveled to different countries for his business and after some time he gained so much respect and became the chief of the tribe.

ROLE OF ABU BAKAR (RA) IN BRINGING PEOPLE TOWARDS ISLAM:

Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) was never satisfied with worshipping idols and did not believe in them. He studied and researched different religions as he was looking for a true religion. When the Holy Prophet (PBUH) declared his prophethood, Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) immediately believed him and accepted Islam. He not only accepted Islam but also taught people about Islam and its meaning so that more and more people accept Islam.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) said:

”Abu Bakr was the only person who accepted Islam immediately, without suspicion”.

SERMON OF HAZRAT ABU BAKAR (RA):

As Hazrat Abu Bakar had so much love for Islam and believed in the teachings of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) he wanted to convert the people of Makkah towards Islam, for this purpose he asked the permission of the Holy Prophet (PBUH) openly inviting people towards Islam and the Holy Prophet (PBUH) accepted his request.

Soon after that, he delivered the sermon in Kaaba to bring people towards Islam. The sermon is regarded as the first ever sermon in the history of Islam which turned the nonbelievers of Quraish against him and the Muslims but he did not stop his struggle and continued to preach Islam till his last breath.

KIND AND GENEROUS MAN:

Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) was also known as Al –Siddiq due to his generous and kind nature. He was a financially strong person but he always used his money for the sake of pleasing ALLAH (SWT) by helping needy people. He never kept his money for himself or his family. He used his money only for good deeds.

It was Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) who saved many slaves from polytheists including Hazrat Bilal (RA) by paying huge amounts of money. Also, he was always there to support his close friend Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH) financially. The Holy Prophet’s final voyage was to Tabuk.

He invited folks to lend a hand with everything they could because he wanted to make the excursion a huge success. This brought out the best in Abu Bakr (RA), who broke all previous records by piling up all of his belongings and money at the Prophet’s feet.

To which the Holy Prophet (PBUH) asked him

“Have you left anything for your children?”

Abu Bakar (RA) replied

“Allah and his Messenger are enough for them.”

HELPING THE HOLY PROPHET DURING MIGRATION:

Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) always supported and helped the Holy Prophet (PBUH) during his tough times. When the nonbelievers of Makkah turned against The Holy Prophet (PBUH) and was after his life. Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) helped him on the journey and protected him from his enemies. He spent 3 days and nights with him in the cave of Thur and guarded him like a true friend.

HIS ROLE IN THE BATTLES:

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) actively participated in the battles Of Islam. He with his bravery and enthusiasm stood like a rock against the enemies of Islam during wars and was not scared of anyone. The battles of Badar and Uhud are proof of his bravery and devotion to Islam.

The battle of Badar took place on 17 Ramadan (AH) in which his son Abdul Rahman who was a non-believer at that time fought from the enemies’ side. Hazrat Abu Bakar still participated in that battle knowing that his son is fighting against him in the battle. This shows the loyalty and faithfulness of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) towards his religion and The Holy Prophet (PBUH).

DEATH OF HAZRAT ABU BAKAR (RA):

Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) left this world on 22 Jammad Us Sani due to a high fever which he had for 15 days but even during his illness the only thing he thought and worried about was Islam and its stability.

Just like in his lifetime, he was always with the Holy Prophet he wished to get buried next to the holy prophet (PBUH) after his death. The grave of Hazrat Abu Bakar (RA) is next to the Holy Prophet’s grave in Masjid e Nabwi which is also a gift to him From ALLAH (SWT) for spending his whole life for the sake of Islam.