Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) – The First Caliph of Islam
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) is a unique figure in the history of Islam. He was the first Caliph of Islam and the first male companion and closest companion of the Prophet (PBUH).
Birth and Family
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)'s full name was Abdullah ibn Abu Quhafa. He was born in 573 AD in the Tayyim tribe of the Quraysh tribe. Before embracing Islam, his name was Abdul Kaaba, but later the Prophet (PBUH) changed his name to Abdullah. He was awarded the title of "As-Siddiq", which means "The Truthful".
Conversion to Islam
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was one of the earliest followers of Islam. He accepted the Prophethood of the Prophet (PBUH) as true upon first hearing it and converted to Islam. He made an outstanding contribution to the propagation and spread of Islam. He freed many slaves, among whom was Hazrat Bilal (RA).
The closest companion of the Prophet (SAW)
He was the closest companion of the Prophet (SAW). He was the companion of the Prophet (SAW) during the migration from Mecca to Medina and stayed with him in the cave of Thor. His music is mentioned in verse 40 of Surah At-Tawbah of the Quran.
Taking charge as the first Caliph
When the Prophet (SAW) passed away in 632 AD, a crisis arose among the Muslims regarding leadership. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was elected the first Caliph on the advice of the companions. He suppressed the rebellion against Islam and maintained the discipline of Islam.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)'s contribution to Islam
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was the first Caliph of Islam and the closest companion of the Prophet (SAW). His contribution to the propagation, preservation and expansion of Islam is immense. He played an important role in maintaining the correct direction of Islam not only during the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him), but also after his death. His contribution is discussed in detail below:
1. Providing leadership as the first Caliph of Islam
After the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him) in 632 AD, a crisis arose among the Muslims regarding leadership. Then, on the advice of the companions, Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was elected as the first Caliph. With his becoming the Caliph, the leadership of Islam gained a well-organized structure.
2. Fighting against apostates and maintaining the unity of Islam
After the death of the Prophet (peace be upon him), some tribes of Arabia refused to accept the provisions of Islam and refused to pay zakat. At this time, many false prophets also emerged, such as Musaylima Ka'b. Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) took strict action against these rebels and maintained the unity of Islam by sending a strong army.
3. Suppression of False Prophets
Two men named Musaylima Ka'b and Aswad Ansi claimed false prophethood. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) took strict action against them and defeated them by sending an army. As a result, the basic foundation of Islam remained intact.
4. Beginning of the compilation of the Quran
During the lifetime of the Prophet (SAW), the Quran was preserved in the memories of various companions and on leather, stone, and date leaves. However, when many Hafiz were martyred in the Battle of Yamama, the need to preserve the Quran arose. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) on the advice of the companions started the work of compiling the Quran under the leadership of Hazrat Zaid ibn Thabit (RA). This was one of the most important works in the history of Islam.
5. Expansion of the Islamic Empire
During the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), the Islamic army advanced towards the Persian and Byzantine Empires. He sent Hazrat Khalid bin Walid (RA) to lead an expedition against the Persian and Roman Empires. As a result, the Muslim empire began to expand.
6. Strict implementation of the Zakat system
After the death of the Prophet (SAW), some tribes stopped paying Zakat. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) strictly declared,
"I will fight those who want to differentiate between prayer and Zakat."
As a result, the importance of the Zakat system in Islam was permanently established.
7. Organizing Islamic administration
He organized the administration and laid the foundation for the establishment of the Islamic judiciary. He gave Umar ibn Khattab (RA) the responsibility of administering the judiciary and ensured the strict implementation of Islamic law.
8. Providing psychological support to the companions after the death of the Prophet (SAW)
After the death of the Prophet (SAW), a kind of despair and confusion arose among the companions. At that time, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) said:
"Whoever considered Muhammad (SAW) as a god, let him know that he has passed away. And whoever considered Allah as a god, let him know that Allah is Ever-Living."
This statement restored stability and confidence among the companions.
9. Sending Usama's army as ordered by the Prophet (SAW)
Before his death, the Prophet (SAW) ordered an army to be sent to Syria, led by Usama ibn Zayd (RA). Some companions then suggested that the decision to send the army should be reconsidered. But Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) said, "I cannot turn back the army that the Prophet (SAW) sent."
This army returned victorious and the status of Islam increased.
10. Modesty and justice in personal life
He lived a very simple life and did not use state resources for himself. He continued to trade with his own hands even after becoming the Caliph, and later, on the advice of his companions, he accepted a small allowance.
Death
During his reign of only two years (632-634 AD), he strengthened the foundations of Islam. In 634 AD, he fell ill and died the same year. He was buried next to the Prophet (PBUH) in the Prophet's Mosque.
Conclusion:
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was a unique leader in the history of Islam. His wise leadership, strict justice and outstanding sacrifice for Islam strengthened the foundation of Islamic civilization. Although his reign was short-lived, it was an important era in the progress of Islam.
