Abu Bakar Ash-Shiddiq

Abu Bakr Abdullah bin Abi Quhafah At-Taimi Al-Qurasyi, was born in Mecca two years and a few months after the Year of the Elephant. He was an honest and respected merchant, an expert on the Quraysh lineage, had gentle morals, and never worshiped idols during the period of ignorance. His closeness to the Prophet ﷺ existed since he was young before his prophethood.

When the Prophet ﷺ preached Islam, Abu Bakr immediately confirmed it without hesitation - that's why he was nicknamed Ash-Siddiq. Rasulullah ﷺ said, "I have not invited anyone to Islam unless he has time to think, except Abu Bakr." With his wealth he freed slaves who were tortured for their faith, among them Bilal bin Rabah.

Abu Bakr accompanied the Prophet ﷺ in emigrating and hiding in Tsur Cave. When the pursuers' feet were right on top of them, he was worried, but the Prophet ﷺ reassured him, "Don't be sad, indeed Allah is with us." The Qur'an immortalizes this event and calls Abu Bakr "the second of two people" (tsani itsnain).

Before his death, the Prophet ﷺ ordered Abu Bakr to lead the Muslims' prayers - a gesture of leadership. After the death of Rasulullah ﷺ, the Muslims pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr in Saqifah. He firmly said, "Whoever worships Muhammad, Muhammad is truly dead; whoever worships Allah, truly Allah is Alive and does not die," then read the word of Allah.

After the death of the Prophet ﷺ, many tribes apostatized, false prophets (Musailamah) emerged, and some refused to pay zakat. Abu Bakr was firm, "By Allah, if they had retained a piece of camel rope that they had given to the Messenger of Allah, I would have fought them." The Riddah War saved the unity of the Ummah.

After many memorizers of the Qur'an died in the Yamamah War, at Umar's suggestion, Abu Bakr ordered Zaid bin Thabit to compile the Qur'an from memorization and writing into one mushaf. This is the first official collection that preserves the integrity of the Koran to this day.

Abu Bakr ruled for about two years and three months, lived in asceticism despite his power, then died at the age of 63 and was buried next to the Prophet ﷺ. The Prophet ﷺ said, "If I could take a khalil (lover) other than my Lord, surely Abu Bakr would be my khalil." He is the best human being in this people after the prophets.