Articles. Saad bin Abada the Ansar leader suggested that the Caliph should be from amongst them. History at your fingertips What lesson can you learn from U.S. Presidential line of succession. Muhammad gave his blessing to future leadership of Islam to Ali ibn Abi Talib in a... See full answer below. However, Abu Bakr got himself elected by a Shoura in contravention to the Prophet's Will. It is said that Abu Bakr gave more material support to Muhammad than anyone else. During his last illness, the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) could no longer lead the prayers, he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was too weak to go to the mosque, he (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) therefore had to choose someone to fill such high position after him. Bilal became afterwards the Mu’azzin at the Prophet’s mosque.

The Ansar gathered at the Thaqifa Bani Saida their meeting place. Abu Bakr’s faith and determination to raise the banner of Islam were so great that at Badr, one of his sons, who had not yet embraced Islam was fighting among the enemies, Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was so eager to find his son in the battle that he was searching for him amongst the enemies in order to slay him. He was one of the first men to convert to Islam and was chosen by the Prophet as his companion on the "Our abode in this world is transitory, our life therein is but a loan, our breaths are numbered and our indolence is manifest." Another faction preferred Muhammad's son-in-law Ali as caliph, but Ali eventually submitted, and Abu Bakr took over governance of all Muslim Arabs.As Caliph, Abu Bakr brought all of central Arabia under Muslim control and was successful in spreading Islam further through conquest. Although many refused saying that the Muhajirun in right have a better claim to Khilafah. At the Battle of Badr, his son, Abdur Rahman, was fighting on the side of the Kuffar.
Get exclusive access to content from our 1768 First Edition with your subscription. Abu Bakr (c.573–634) First Muslim caliph (632–34). Having shrugged off the shocking news of the Prophet’s death, Muslims realized that they need someone to fill the position of leadership amongst them. Before his death he named a successor, establishing a tradition of government by chosen successors. Abu Bakr’s great love of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) was demonstrated when peace talks at Hudaibiya were held. He ruled over the Rashidun Caliphate from 632-634 CE when he became the first Muslim Caliph following Muhammad's death. He did not put himself forward as the caliph. Be on the lookout for your Britannica newsletter to get trusted stories delivered right to your inbox.Articles from Britannica Encyclopedias for elementary and high school students. Abu Bakr, Hz. When the news of the Prophet’s death came out, many Muslims were confused and stunned.

This brought the best out of Abu Bakr who beat all records as he took all his money and household articles and heaped them at the Prophet’s feet. Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was also the one who was honored to be chosen by the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) for such a task. Thereafter all the Ansars assembled there offered their allegiance to Abu Bakr turn by turn.

The heartless monsters tried all kinds of torture: they made them lie all naked on the burning desert sand, putting big stones on their chest, as well as other kinds of torture. At Uhud and Hunain, some members of the Muslim army showed signs of weakness, however, Abu Bakr’s faith never wavered, he always stood like a rock by the side of the Holy Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Why?

This article was most recently revised and updated by This article was most recently revised and updated by This was taken as a sign that the Prophet had chosen Abu Bakr to succeed him. Abu Bakr’s father, `Uthman, (better known as Abu Qahafah) and his mother, Salma, had named him Abdul Ka`bah, meaning “the servant of the Ka`bah”. History at your fingertips The Prophet sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam was too busy at Madinah to lead the Hajj, so he sent Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) as his agent, he was to lead the Hajj in place of the Prophet (sallallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). Melissa Snell is a historical researcher and writer specializing in the Middle Ages and the Renaissance. He accepted Islam without second thoughts. This is why he was called “As-Siddiq (the upright)” by the Prophet (Peace and blessings be upon him).