Companions
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq
Abū Bakr aṣ-Ṣiddīq
The closest friend of the Prophet ﷺ, first adult man to embrace Islam, his companion in the Hijra cave, and the first Rightly-Guided Caliph.
Who is Abu Bakr al-Siddiq?
Abu Bakr al-Siddiq is the closest companion of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and the first caliph of Islam. He was the first adult free man to embrace Islam, the Prophet's companion in the cave during the Hijra, and his father-in-law through Aisha. He is regarded by Sunni Muslims as the greatest of the companions and the best of people after the prophets.
The First Believer and Companion of the Cave
Abu Bakr believed in the Prophet ﷺ without hesitation and devoted his wealth and life to the cause, freeing tortured slaves such as Bilal. When the Prophet ﷺ migrated to Medina, Abu Bakr was his sole companion in the cave of Thawr, an event honoured in the Quran: "...the second of two, when they were in the cave, when he said to his companion: Do not grieve; indeed Allah is with us" (9:40).
The First Caliph
After the Prophet's death, Abu Bakr was chosen as the first caliph. In his short but pivotal rule (632-634 CE) he held the community together, confronted the Ridda (apostasy) rebellions, and initiated the first compilation of the Quran into a single volume — a service of immense importance.
His Virtues in the Hadith
- The Prophet ﷺ said: "If I were to take a Khalil (intimate friend) other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr" (Bukhari 3656)
- He ordered that, in his final illness, Abu Bakr lead the people in prayer
- "The sun has not risen over anyone better than Abu Bakr" (Tirmidhi)
- He is one of the ten promised Paradise (al-Ashara al-Mubashshara)
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is he called al-Siddiq?
Because he instantly affirmed the truth of the Prophet's ﷺ Night Journey when others doubted, saying: "If he said it, then he has spoken the truth." The title means "the one who always affirms the truth."
What was his greatest contribution as caliph?
Holding the Muslim community together after the Prophet's death, suppressing the apostasy wars, and ordering the first collection of the Quran into one written volume.
Etymology & origin
Abu Bakr (أبو بكر) is a kunyah (honorific by-name) meaning "father of the young camel," reflecting the Arab custom of such names. His given name was Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafah. He is most famous by the title al-Siddiq ("the Truthful, the One who Affirms"), given for his immediate, unwavering belief in the Prophet ﷺ, especially regarding the Night Journey.
References
- Quran:
- 9:40, 24:22, 92:5, 92:17
- Hadith:
- Bukhari 3656 (if I were to take a Khalil, it would be Abu Bakr); Bukhari 3668 (he led the prayer in the Prophet's final illness); Bukhari 3661 (the people of the cave); Tirmidhi 3656 (virtues of Abu Bakr)
Related terms
Aisha bint Abi Bakr
A wife of the Prophet ﷺ and daughter of Abu Bakr. One of the greatest scholars among the companions, she narrated over 2,000 hadith and taught many students.
Ali ibn Abi Talib
The fourth Rightly-Guided Caliph, cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet ﷺ, first youth to embrace Islam. Renowned for his knowledge, courage, and eloquence.
Cave of Thawr
The cave south of Mecca where the Prophet and Abu Bakr hid for three days during the Hijra while the Quraysh searched for them.
Khilafah (Caliphate)
The institution of the caliphate — leadership of the Muslim community as successor to the Prophet in worldly governance, headed by a caliph.
Muhammad ﷺ
The final Prophet and Messenger of Allah, sent as a mercy to all worlds. He received the Quran, established Islam, and is the seal of the prophets — none comes after him.
Rashidun Caliphate
The era of the four "Rightly Guided" caliphs — Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman, and Ali (632-661 CE) — regarded by Sunnis as a model of Islamic governance.