23rd Jamadul Akhir (sixth month of Islamic year) marks death anniversary of the closest companion of Holy Prophet PBUH, Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddiq. He was born In Mecca in 573 Common Era. His father Usman famously known as Abu Quhafa and his mother was called as Umm al Khair. Hazrat Abu Bakar was three years younger than the Holy Prophet PBUH. He was a respected and trusted member of the Arab society. Before the emergence of Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakr was given representation of Quraish in cases of ransom and punishments. He was called as the scholar of Quraish as he was the most knowledgeable. He became head of his tribe Banu Taym when he was 38. Like our Holy Prophet PBUH he never showed inclination towards worshipping idols. He was Hanif which means he followed the religion of Abraham aleh salam.
Hazrat Abu Bkar was a businessman and used to visit other countries for business purpose. On one such visit to Yemen an old man foretold him the coming of last prophet. On his return to Makkah many members of Quraish told him about the claim of the Holy Prophet as the last Prophet of Allah. Hazrat Abu Bakar went to the house of Holy Prophet and embraced Islam which makes him one of the earliest Muslims.
Holy Prophet PBUH showed his love and respect for Hazrat Abu Bakar on several occasions. . In praising him, the Holy Prophet said,
“Whomever I invited to Islam at first hesitated except Abu Bakr” (al-Tirmidhi, Al-Jami al-Sahih, al-Manaqib ).
After embracing Islam, Hazrat Abu Bakar spent his wealth in supporting Holy Prophet PBUH. In the battle of Tabook he brought his whole wealth and when Holy Prophet asked what he left for his family his reply set a standard for all the Muslims. He answered that I have left Allah and his Holy Prophet for my family. Hazrat Abu Bakar convinced many others to embrace Islam, the list includes Usman bin Affan too, who was later the third caliph of Muslims. Holy Prophet gave him the title of Siddiq when he affirmed Miraj (exalted journey of the Holy Prophet to heavens)

Hazrat Abu Bakar set standard of companionship too, he is called yaar e ghaar of the Holy Prophet and today every sincere and honest friend is called yaar- e -ghaar. He accompanied Holy Prophet in migrating towards Madina when Holy Prophet faced serious threats by Quraish. They spent a night in one of the caves in Jabal e Thawr. This journey of Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddiq with Holy Prophet PBUH is mentioned in the Holy Quran too where he is referred to as “second of the two in cave”.

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Jabal e Thawr where Holy Prophet and Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddiq stayed for a night
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After the Holy Prophet departed from this world, Hazrat Abu Bakar had a vital responsibility in leading the Muslim community. He accepted to be the first caliph in 632 on strong urge of the majority companions of the Holy Prophet PBUH. Few lines from his first speech as first caliph are: “I am elected not because I am the best of you. . . If I do my job thoroughly, follow me and help me. If I deviate from the right path to corruption, bring me back to the right path.” He passed away in 634 in Medina and is buried next to the Holy Prophet. Holy Prophet once said, “ I have returned the favors of all except Abu Bakar. Allah will reward him for the favors done to me.”
If you liked reading this blog then recite Sura Fateha and sura Ikhlaas for Hazrat Abu Bakar.