Basics of Religious Education — Page 235
235 235 235 235 235 B ASICS OF R ELIGIOUS E DUCATION - F IFTH E DITION The personal name of Hadrat Abu Bakr ra was Abdullah, but in respect of his fatherhood he was known as Abu Bakr. His father was known as Abu Qahaafah and his mother as Ummul Khair Salma. His lineage can be traced back to the Holy Prophet sa in the sixth generation before him. He was born in 572 A. D. in Mecca and was raised there. When he came of age, he became a cloth merchant. He was the closest friend of the Holy Prophet sa. He was the first man to confirm the truth of the claim of the Holy Prophet sa , and thus he earned the title Siddeeq. Throughout his life, he was fully devoted to the service of Islam. Hadrat Abu Bakr ra was the closest companion of the Holy Prophet sa and al- ways remained by his side whether it was peace or war. The Holy Prophet sa sought his wise counsel in almost every matter where advice was needed. He was in the company of the Holy Prophet sa during his migratory journey (Hijrah) from Mecca to Medina. He was the only companion of the Holy Prophet sa in the Cave of Thaur , where they both took refuge during this journey. Hadrat Abu Bakr ra was a highly dedicated companion of the Holy Prophet sa and gave his daughter, `Aa'ishah ra , in marriage to him. He would always strive to surpass others in financial sacrifices. Once, for the Battle of Mautaa, the Holy Prophet sa was in urgent need of finance. Hadrat `Umar ra presented half of all his belongings, while Hadrat Abu Bakr ra brought all that he had in his house, to the Holy Prophet sa. The Holy Prophet sa always held him in high esteem. Following the Hajjatul Widaa` (the Last Pilgrimage), when the Holy Prophet sa fell seriously ill, he instructed Hadrat Abu Bakr ra to lead the daily prayers. After the sad demise of the Holy Prophet sa , Hadrat Abu Bakr ra was elected as the first Khalifa. He had to deal with an extremely difficult situation caused by to the sudden demise of the Holy Prophet sa : Early Life His Khilafat 6. 3 6. 3 6. 3 6. 3 6. 3 H H H H H O L O L O L O L O LY Y Y Y Y P P P P P ROPHET ROPHET ROPHET ROPHET ROPHET SA SA SA SA SA A N D A N D A N D A N D A N D S S S S S UCCESSORS UCCESSORS UCCESSORS UCCESSORS UCCESSORS — H — H — H — H — H A D R A A D R A A D R A A D R A A D R AT T T T T A A A A A B U B U B U B U B U B B B B B A K R A K R A K R A K R A K R RA RA RA RA RA Hadr Hadr Hadr Hadr Hadra a a a at t t t t Ab Ab Ab Ab Abu Bakr u Bakr u Bakr u Bakr u Bakr r r r r ra a a a a The First Khalifa Period of Khilafat: 632 A. D. to 634 A. D.