Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was born in a highly respected family of Banu Tamim of the tribe of Quraish in

Makah in 573 A.D. He (RA) was the son of Uthman commonly known as Abu Quhafa; Hazrat Abu
Bakr (RA) lived his life as a Merchant in Makah. Abu Bakr (RA) was first of the men who accepted
Islam when Prophet (SAW) started preaching Islam. He (RA) was also known as the closest and
best companion of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) from his youth. He was indeed the first adult male to
accept Islam.

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was almost two years younger than Prophet (SAW). He (RA) was quite
different from the rest, and was more or less similar in his behavior with that of the Prophet (PBUH)
of Allah, having qualities of truthfulness and honesty. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was kind-hearted and
used to help in resolving problems of others. Regarding his compassionate behavior towards others,
the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) is narrated by Anas ibn Malik (RA) to have said: “The most merciful
of my Ummah towards my Ummah is Abu Bakr.” (Tirmidhi)
He (RA) had adopted the profession of trade and was well known for his integrity in dealings, due to
which people used to keep their belongings with him as trusts. He earned a considerable amount of
wealth through this commerce which was made possible with the help of his great character. It is
said that Abu Bakr (RA) gave more material support to Muhammad (SAW) than anyone else.
Some of the most significant instances from Abu Bakr (RA) life, which shows his great position in the
history of Islam, are discussed below:

o First Adult to Accept Islam: Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) used to live close to Prophet Muhammad
(SAW) even before accepting Islam. When Prophet (SAW) told Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) about His
Prophethood and First Revelation of Allah SWT, he (RA) gladly embraced Islam. Due to the
close companionship of both, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) knew about His great personality that He
(SAW) could never think about lying. He (RA) did not stop thinking about it and became Muslim.
o Earn the Title of As Siddiq: The incidents of Journey of Prophet (SAW) of Isra (Moving from
Kaaba in Makah to Bait-al Maqdas in Jerusalem) and Miraj (Visiting the seven Heavens and
Paradise) no one believed him. But Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) did believe on our beloved Prophet
(SAW), He (RA) also mentioned to those who came to him asking about these incidents that he
truly believed on what Messenger (SAW) said about these events. Another incident was one He
(RA) submitted to Islam with such determination that once the Holy Prophet (SAW) himself
remarked, “I called people to Islam, everybody thought over it, at least for a while, but this was not
the case with Abu Bakr, the moment I put Islam before him, he accepted it without any
hesitation.” He was titled As-Siddiq by the Prophet because his faith was too strong to be
shaken by anything.
o Earliest Person to Invite Others to Embrace Islam: As soon as He (RA) entered in Islam, he
started actively participating in the cause of calling others towards it. In this way, he became the
very first individual after the Holy Prophet (SAW) to preach Islam. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) also
used his social influence to bring many people to Islam. He presented Islam in such a way that
impelled many of his close friends to embrace Islam. First, he went to ‘Uthman, Talha, Zubair
and Said, who accepted his message and embraced Islam. Then, he encouraged other
prominent figures of Qureysh including ‘Uthman bin Maz’un, Abu’Ubaidah, Abdur Rahman bin
‘Auf, who also responded positively.
o First Caliph in the History of Islam: Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) was ever the closest friend of the
Holy Prophet (SAW) throughout His Islamic caravan. After the death of Hazrat Muhammad
(SAW), all the companions of Prophet (PBUH) were in a state of great grief. Nobody knew that
who would lead them. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was rated so highly among the believers that He
was given authority to lead the Muslims after passing of the Holy Prophet (PBUH). Although at
first, there was some confusion over whether Chief should be from Ansaar or Muhajireen, but
eventually Abu Bakr (RA) was given the power to have this great honor as no one was as close
to the Messenger (PBUH) of Allah as he was.
o Being Imam of Mosque in Absence of Prophet (SAW): The Prophet (SAW) led the prayers
himself ever since he arrived in Madinah. During his last illness, the Prophet (SAW) could no
longer lead the prayers, he was too weak to go to the mosque, and he, therefore, had to choose
someone to fill such high position after him. Abu Bakr (RA) was also the one who was honored
to be chosen by the Prophet (SAW) for such a task. In Hadith, it is mentioned that: “Tell Abu
Bakr from my side to offer Salat to people (Muslims). [In absence of Prophet Muhammad
(PBUH)]” (Bukhari and Muslim). Hadith clearly indicates the great position of Hazrat Abu Bakr
(RA) in the eyes of Prophet (SAW) that He made him the Imam of Muslims to lead the Salah.
o He (RA) started compilation of Quran for the first time: Due to increased number of Muslims,
and passing away of those who remembered the Holy Quran During his Khilaafat (reign),
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), by the advice of Hazrat Umar (RA) accumulated Holy Quran in one
single form to preserve it for the future generations. So that the future generation of Muslims
could read Holy Quran in the right way.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was the man of great faith, truthfulness, and integrity and did true service of
Islam. He spent his entire life always tried to be a better Muslim. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) died at the
age of 63, exactly the age the Holy Prophet (PBHU) died at. He is buried very next to the Apostle
(PBUH) of Allah.