Virtues of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq رضي الله عنه — In the Light of Hadith

It is narrated from Abu Sa‘id al-Khudri رضي الله عنه from the Prophet ﷺ that he said: “Indeed, among all people, the one who has shown me the greatest favor in companionship and wealth is Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. If I were to take anyone as a Khalil (intimate friend), I would have taken Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه as a Khalil; however, there is Islamic brotherhood and affection between us. No window opening into the mosque should remain except the window of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه.” In another narration: “If I were to take a Khalil other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه as a Khalil.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Explanation: The Prophet ﷺ not ordering the closure of Abu Bakr’s رضي الله عنه window indicates his worthiness for the Caliphate, especially since this instruction was given during the Prophet’s final illness.

It is narrated from ‘Abdullah ibn Mas‘ud رضي الله عنه from the Prophet ﷺ that he said: “If I were to take someone as a Khalil, I would have taken Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه as a Khalil; however, he is my brother and my companion, and Allah has taken your companion as His Khalil.” (Sahih Muslim)

It is narrated from Jubayr ibn Mut‘im رضي الله عنه that a woman came to the Prophet ﷺ and spoke to him regarding a matter. The Prophet ﷺ told her to return later. She asked: “O Messenger of Allah ﷺ! What if I come and do not find you?”—as if she was referring to his passing. The Prophet ﷺ said: “If you do not find me, then go to Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

It is narrated from ‘Amr ibn al-‘As رضي الله عنه that the Prophet ﷺ appointed him as the commander of the expedition of Dhat al-Salasil. He said: I came to the Prophet ﷺ and asked, “Who among people is most beloved to you?” He ﷺ replied: “‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها.” I asked, “Among men?” He ﷺ said: “Her father.” I asked, “Then who?” He ﷺ replied: “‘Umar رضي الله عنه.” (Sahih Bukhari, Sahih Muslim)

Ibn ‘Umar رضي الله عنهما said: During the time of the Prophet ﷺ, we did not consider anyone equal to Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه; then (came) ‘Umar رضي الله عنه, then ‘Uthman رضي الله عنه. After that, we would leave the Companions of the Prophet ﷺ and would not give preference to one over another. (Sahih Bukhari)

‘Umar رضي الله عنه said: “Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was our leader; he was better than us and more beloved to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ than we were.” (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi)

‘Umar رضي الله عنه narrated: The Messenger of Allah ﷺ commanded us to give charity. At that time, I had some wealth. I thought to myself that if there was ever a day I could surpass Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه (in charity), it would be today. I brought half of my wealth. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ asked me: “What have you left for your family?” I replied: “The same amount.” Then Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه brought all his wealth. The Prophet ﷺ asked: “O Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه! What have you left for your family?” He replied: “I have left for them Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.” ‘Umar رضي الله عنه said: I said to myself that I would never be able to surpass Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi, Abu Dawud)

‘A’ishah رضي الله عنها narrated that Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه came to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said to him: “You have been freed from the Fire by Allah.” From that day onward, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه became known by the title ‘Atiq. (Jami‘ al-Tirmidhi)