Ghulam Yaseen Nizami
He (R.A) was born in a highly respected family of Quraish in Makah, lived his life as a Merchant. He was first of the men who accepted Islam when Holy Prophet (P.B.U.H) started preaching Islam and also known as the closest and best companion of Holy Prophet from his childhood. He was almost two years younger than Holy Prophet. He was quite different from the rest and was more or less similar in his behavior with that of Holy Prophet, having qualities of truthfulness and honesty. He (R.A) was kind-hearted and used to help in resolving problems of others. Regarding his compassionate behavior towards others, the Holy Prophet said: The most merciful of my nation towards my nation is Abu Bakr. The Holy Prophet said in his last sermon: No one has been a better companion to me than Abu Bakr. A great reward indeed! He had earned it. All his life he stood by the side of the Holy Prophet. He did not care for his life and He did not care for what others said about him. His only ambition was to serve the Holy Prophet more than anyone else. The cost did not matter, the ambition was fulfilled. He got his reward in full. The Holy Prophet was well pleased with him. He gave him the first place among the Companions. From early years, He was known for good and upright nature. These things won him respect among the people. His goodness also won him the friendship of the Holy Prophet. This friendship was to prove lifelong and history-making. He had adopted the profession of trade and was well known for his integrity in dealings, due to which people used to keep their belongings with him as trusts. He earned a considerable amount of wealth through this commerce which was made possible with the help of his great character. He gave more material support to Holy Prophet than anyone else. The Holy Prophet said: I called people to Islam, everybody thought over it, at least for a while, but this was not the case with Abu Bakr, the moment I put Islam before him, he accepted it without any hesitation. He was titled “As-Siddiq” by Allah because his faith was too strong to be shaken by anything. As soon as He entered in Islam, he started actively participating in the cause of calling others towards it. In this way, he became the very first individual after the Holy Prophet to preach Islam. He also used his social influence to bring many people to Islam. He presented Islam in such a way that impelled many of his close friends to embrace Islam. He was ever the closest friend of the Holy Prophet throughout His Islamic caravan. After the death of Holy Prophet, all the companions of Holy Prophet were in a state of great grief. Nobody knew that who would lead them and rated so highly among the believers that He was given authority to lead the Muslims after passing of the Holy Prophet. Although at first, there was some confusion over whether Chief should be from Ansaar or Muhajireen but eventually, He was given the power to have this great honor as no one was as close to the Holy Prophet as he was. He took part in all the battles that the Holy Prophet had to fight. All his life, he fought bravely under the banner of the Holy Prophet. He always stood like a rock by the side of the Holy Prophet. The Holy Prophet led the prayers himself ever since he arrived in Medina. During his last illness, the Holy Prophet could no longer lead the prayers, he was too weak to go to the mosque, and he, therefore, had to choose someone to fill such high position after him. Hazrat Abu Bakr was also the one who was honored to be chosen by the Holy Prophet for such a task. In Hadith, it is mentioned that: Tell Abu Bakr from my side to offer Pray to Muslims. Hadith clearly indicates the great position of Hazrat Abu Bakr in the eyes of Holy Prophet that He made him the Imam of Muslims to lead the Salah.After an illness of two weeks, He passed away. He was sixty-three at the time. He was buried by the side of the Holy Prophet. Before his death he said, do not use new cloth to cover my dead body. The sheet of cloth I have on will do for me. Wash it clean. Said his daughter Aisha, But this is too old and worn, father. This old and worn sheet will do for me, he replied.This parting wish was acted upon. The second wish of the dying Caliphs was, Sell my land and pay back in the public treasury all the money I got as my salary. This was also done. Before he became the Caliph, Abu Bakr was a well-to-day merchant. The affairs of the Caliphate left him no time to look after his own business. The matter was put before the Companions. Thus Hazrat Abu Bakr, the first Caliph, left behind a noble example of selfless service. He lived and worked for Islam to the last breath. And for his tireless labors, he sought no worldly reward.
