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|+<big>'''Abu Bakr''' <BR></big>
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| align=center colspan=2 |[[Image:Caliph Abu Bakr's empire at its peak 634-mohammad adil rais.PNG|center|200px]]
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| align=center colspan=2 |''The caliphate under Abu Bakr at its greatest extent''
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| '''Born''' || [[573]], [[Mecca]], [[Saudi Arabia]]
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| '''Died''' || [[23 August]] [[634]], [[Medina]], [[Saudi Arabia]]
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| '''Reign''' || [[8 June]] [[632]]–[[23 August]] [[634]]
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| '''Title(s)''' || ''Al-Sadiq", ''Sadiq al Akber'', ''Khalifa Rasul''
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| '''Buried''' || [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi]]
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| '''Predecessor''' || -
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| '''Successor''' || [[Umar]]
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| colspan=2 align=right style="padding: 0 5px 0 5px" | <small class="editlink noprint plainlinksneverexpand">[{{SERVER}}{{localurl:Template:Islamic Empire|action=edit}} edit ]</small>
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{{dablink|For other people named Abu Bakr, see [[Abu Bakr (name)]].}}
'''Abū Bakr''' ({{lang-ar|''' ابو بكر الصديق, Abu Bakr as-Sâdiq'''}}) (c. [[573]]–[[August 23]] [[634]]/[[13 AH]])<ref>{{cite web | title=Abu Bakr Siddiq | work=anwary-islam.com | url=http://www.anwary-islam.com/companion/abu_bakr_siddiq.htm | accessdate=2007-01-12}}</ref> was an early convert to [[Islam]] and a senior companion (''[[Sahaba]]'') of the [[Prophets of Islam|Islamic prophet]] [[Muhammad]]. Throughout his life, Abu Bakr remained the closest friend and confidant of Muhammad. Upon Muhammad's death he became the first [[Muslim]] ruler (632–634), regarded in [[Sunni Islam]] as the first of the ''[[Rashidun]]'' (righteously guided [[Caliph]]s).<ref>sources
*{{cite web | title=The Rightly-Guided Caliphs | work=[[University of Southern California]] | url=http://www.usc.edu/dept/MSA/politics/firstfourcaliphs.html | accessdate=2007-01-12}}
*{{cite web | url=http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/caliphate/abuBakr.html | title=The Islamic World to 1600 | work=[[University of Calgary]] | accessdate=2007-01-12}}
*{{cite web | url=http://www.wsu.edu/~dee/ISLAM/CALIPH.HTM | title=The Caliphate | work=[[Washington State University]] | accessdate=2007-01-12}}
*{{cite web | url=http://www.princeton.edu/~batke/itl/denise/abubakr.htm | title=Abu Bakr | work=[[Princeton University]] | accessdate=2007-01-12}}
*{{cite web | url=http://www.encyclopedia.com/doc/1E1-AbuBakr.html | title=Abu Bakr | work=[[Columbia Encyclopedia]], Sixth Edition 2006 | accessdate=2007-01-12}}
*{{cite web | url=http://www.britannica.com/eb/article-9003420/Abu-Bakr | title=Abu Bakr | work=[[Encyclopædia Britannica]] | accessdate=2007-01-12}}
*{{cite web | url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/religion/religions/islam/history/earlyrise_2.shtml | title=Religion & Ethics - Islam | work=[[BBC]] | accessdate=2007-01-12}}
*{{cite web | url=http://www.upenn.edu/pennnews/researchatpenn/article.php?116&soc | title=Through a Glass Darkly: On the Misunderstanding of Islam and America and 9/11 | work=[[University of Pennsylvania]] | accessdate=2007-01-12}}</ref>
His caliphate lasted two years and three months, during which time he consolidated the Muslim state. Upon the death of the Prophet, some tribes rebelled, and in return he fought the ''[[Apostasy in Islam|Ridda]]'' wars against these [[Tribes of Arabia|Arab tribes]] to establish the rule of law and peace over all of Arabia. He also conquered the lands of [[Syria]] and [[Iraq]].<ref>[http://www.sunnah.org/publication/khulafa_rashideen/caliph1.htm Abu Bakr al-Siddiq]</ref>
==Early life==
Abu Bakr was born at [[Mecca]] some time in the year 573 [[Anno Domini|CE]], in the [[Banu Taym]] branch of the [[Quraysh]] tribe. Abu Bakr's father's name was [[Uthman Abu Qahafa]] nicknamed ''Abu Qahafa'', and his mother was [[Salma Umm-ul-Khair]] nicknamed ''Umm-ul-Khair''. The birth name of Abu Bakr was ''Abdul Kaaba'' (servant of [[Kaaba]]) and when he converted to [[Islam]] in 610 he was named ''Abdullah'' (servant of [[Allah]]) by Muhammad. [[Suyuti]] relates through [[Ibn Sa'd al-Baghdadi]]'s report from [[Aisha]] her description of Abu Bakr:
<blockquote>He was a man with fair skin, thin, emaciated, with a sparse beard, a slightly hunched frame, sunken eyes and protruding forehead, and the bases of his fingers were hairless.</blockquote>
By all standards he was beautiful, and for his beauty he earned the nickname of '''Atiq'''. He was born in a rich family. He spent his early childhood like other [[Arab]] children of the time among the [[Bedouin]]s who called themselves ''Ahl-i-Ba'eer''- the people of the [[camel]], he developed a particular fondness for camels.
[[Image:Wazir Khan Mosque Hadith.jpg|thumb|right|[[Wazir Khan Mosque]], (16th century) sayings of the companions of Muhammad on the northern wall of the arched gateway of the central prayer chamber.]]
In his early years he played with the camel foals and goats, and his love for camels earned him the nickname of '''Abu Bakr''', the father of the [[foal]] of the camel.<ref>''War and Peace in the Law of Islam'' by [[Majid Khadduri]]. Translated by Muhammad Yaqub Khan Published 1951 Ahmadiyyah Anjuman Ishaat Islam. Original from the [[University of Michigan]]. Digitized [[23 October]] [[2006]]</ref> It is said that he didn't worship idols since his youth. When Abu Bakr was 10 years old he went to Syria along with his father with the merchants' [[Camel train|caravan]]. Muhammad who was 12 years old at the time, was also with the caravan. Like other Arab children of the time he was illiterate but developed a fondness for [[Arabic poetry|poetry]]. He used to attend the annual fair at ''Ukaz'', and participate in poetical symposia. He had a very good memory. In 591 at the age of 18, Abu Bakr went into trade and adopted the profession of a cloth merchant which was the family's business. In the coming years Abu Bakr traveled extensively with caravans. Business trips took him to [[Yemen]], Syria, and elsewhere. These travels brought him wealth and added to his experience. His business flourished and he rose in the scale of social importance. Though his father Uthman Abu Qahafa was still alive, he become to be recognized as chief of his tribe. Abu Bakr was assigned the office of awarding [[Blood money (term)|blood money]] in cases of murder. His office was something like the office of an honorary [[magistrate]].<ref>The ''[[Middle East Journal]]'' by the [[Middle East Institute]], [[Washington, D.C.]], published 1991</ref> Abu Bakr was an expert in [[Genealogy|genealogical]] lore and he knew intimately who was who in Mecca, and what his [[Ancestor|ancestry]] was.
==During Muhammad's times==
When Muhammad married [[Khadijah bint Khuwaylid]] and moved to her house, he became a neighbor of Abu Bakr who lived in the same locality. That was the quarter of Meccan [[aristocracy]]. Like the house of Khadija, the house of Abu Bakr was double storied and palatial in structure.
As neighbors, Muhammad and Abu Bakr came in contact with each other. Both of them were of the same age, traders and good managers.
===Conversion to Islam===
{{main|Identity of first male Muslim}}
On his return from a business trip from [[Yemen]], he was informed by some of his friends that in his absence Muhammad had declared himself as the Messenger of God, and proclaimed a new religion. Abu Bakr converted to Islam.<ref>M. Th. Houtsma et al., eds., ''E.J. Brill's first [[Encyclopaedia of Islam]]'', 1913-1936,'' Leiden: E. J. Brill, 8 vols. with Supplement (vol. 9), 1991. ISBN 90-04-09796-1</ref> He was the fourth person to accept Islam, and was the first person outside the family of Muhammad to become a [[Muslim]]. Abu Bakr was a rich merchant, and
<blockquote> Whenever I offered Islam to any one, he always showed some reluctance and hesitation and tried to enter into an argument.<ref>Sirah ibn Hasham vol:1 page 98</ref> Abu Bakr was one of the few persons who accepted Islam without any reluctance or hesitation, and without any argument.</blockquote>
===After conversion to Islam===
His birth name ''Abdul Kaaba'' was changed to ''Abdullah'', because the former was indicative of paganism. His wife [[Qutaylah bint Abd-al-Uzza]] did not accept Islam and he divorced her. His other wife, [[Um Ruman]], became a Muslim at his insistence. All his children except [[‘Abd ar-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr]] accepted Islam, and Abu Bakr separated from his son Abdur Rahman.
Abu Bakr's [[missionary]] efforts brought many people to Islam. He persuaded his intimate friends to convert to Islam.
<ref>[[Merriam-Webster]]'s ''Encyclopedia of World Religions'' by Wendy Doniger ISBN 978-0877790440</ref> He presented Islam to others in such a way that many of his friends opted for Islam. Those who converted to Islam at the instance of Abu Bakr were:
*[[Uthman Ibn Affan]] (who would became the 3rd Caliph)
*[[Al-Zubayr]] (part of the [[Muslim conquest of Egypt]])
*[[Talhah]]
*[[Abdur Rahman bin Awf]] (who would remain an important part of the [[Rashidun Empire]])
*[[Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas]] (part of the [[Islamic conquest of Persia]])
*Umar ibb Masoan
*[[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]] (who remained commander in chief of the [[Rashidun army]] in Syria )
*Abdullah bin Abdul Asad
*Abu Salma
*[[Khalid ibn Sa`id]]
*[[Abu Hudhaifah ibn al-Mughirah]]
Abu Bakr's conversion proved to be a milestone in Muhammad's mission. [[Slavery]] was common in Mecca, and many slaves converted to Islam. When an ordinary free man converted to Islam, despite opposition, he would enjoy the protection of his tribe. For slaves however, there was no such protection, and the converts were subjected to persecution. Abu Bakr felt for these slaves, so he purchased them and set them free. Abu Bakr purchased the freedom of eight slaves, four men and four women.
The men were:
*[[Bilal ibn Ribah]]
*[[Abu Fakih]]
*[[Ammar ibn Yasir]]
*[[Abu Fuhayra]]
The women were:
*[[Lubaynah]]
*[[Al-Nahdiah]]
*[[Umm Ubays]]
*[[Harithah bint al-Muammil]]
Most of the slaves liberated by Abu Bakr were either women or old and frail men.<ref>''The Mohammedan Dynasties: Chronological and Genealogical Tables with Historical Introductions (1894)'' by [[Stanley Lane-Poole]], published by Adamant Media Corporation ISBN 978-1402166662</ref> The father of Abu Bakr asked him to for why doesn't he liberate strong and young slaves who could be a source of strength for him, Abu Bakr replied that he was freeing the slaves for the sake of God, and not for his own sake.
According to Sunni tradition the following verses of the [[Qur'an]] were revealed due to this:
<blockquote>He who gives in charity and fears Allah And in all sincerity testifies to the Truth; We shall indeed make smooth for him the path of Bliss {92:5-7}.</blockquote>
<blockquote>Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification; And have in their minds no favor from any one For which a reward is expected in return, But only the desire to seek the Countenance, Of their Lord, Most High; And soon they shall attain complete satisfaction {92:8-21}.</blockquote>
===Persecution of the Quraysh===
{{main|Persecution of Muslims by the Meccans}}
For three years after the advent of Islam, Muslims kept secret their faith, and prayed in secret. In 613 Muhammad received a revelation to call people to Islam openly. The first public address inviting people to offer allegiance to Muhammad was delivered by Abu Bakr. In a fit of fury the young men of the [[Quraysh]] tribe rushed at Abu Bakr, and beat him mercilessly till he lost consciousness.<ref>''Abu Bakr'' by Atta Mohy-ud-Din, published 1968 S. Chand Original from the University of Michigan, digitized 6 Jan 2006, [[Amazon Standard Identification Number|ASIN]] B0006FFA0O.</ref> Following this incident Abu Bakr's mother converted to Islam. Abu Bakr was persecuted many times by the Quraysh.
===Last years in Mecca===
In 617, the Quraysh enforced a boycott against the [[Banu Hashim]]. Muhammad along with his supporters from Banu Hashim, were shut up in a pass away from [[Mecca]]. All social relations with the Banu Hashim were cut off and their state was that of imprisonment. Before it many [[Muslim]]s migrated to [[Ethiopia|Abyssinia]] (now Ethiopia). Abu Bakr, feeling distress, set out for Yemen and then to Abyssinia from there. He met a friend of his named Ad-Dughna (chief of the [[Qarah]] tribe) outside Mecca, who invited Abu Bakr to seek his protection against the Quraysh. Abu Bakr went back to Mecca, it was a relief for him, but soon due to the pressure of Quraysh, Ad-Dughna was forced to renounce his protection. Once again the Quraysh were free to persecute Abu Bakr. In the year 620 Muhammad's wife and uncle died. Abu Bakr's daughter [[Aisha]] was engaged to Muhammad, however it was decided that the actual marriage ceremony would be held later. In the year 620 Abu Bakr was the first person to testify to Muhammad's [[Isra and Mi'raj]] (night Journey).<ref>''Islam (Exploring Religions)'' by Anne Geldart, published by [[Heinemann (book publisher)|Heinemann Library]], [[September 28]], [[2000]]. ISBN 978-0431093017</ref> According to Sunni traditions, he was given title ''al-Siddîq'', meaning "the truthful," "the upright," or "the one who counts true," due to his immediate belief of the journey. During the [[Roman-Persian Wars]], the sympathies of the Quraysh of Mecca was with the [[Persian Empire|Persian]]s who were [[Polytheism|polytheist]]s. The Muslims on the other hand had their sympathies for the [[Byzantine Empire|Byzantine]]s who were [[Christian]]s and were the [[People of the Book]] with a belief in [[God]]. After the Persian victories over Byzantine, verses of the [[Qur'an]] revealed of ''[[Hadith of the prediction in Sura al-Rum|Surah rum]]'' with the prophesy that Byzantine (Romans) will regain what they lost and the Persians will be defeated within few years. Over this Abu Bakr had a wager with [[Ubaiy bin Khalf]], it was decided that one who lost the wager will pay one hundred camels. With a decisive Byzantine victory in 627 against the Persians, Abu Bakr won the wager, though Ubaiy bin Khalf was not alive but his heirs honored the agreement and gave Abu Bakr one hundred camels. Abu Bakr gave away all the camels as charity.
==Migration to Medina==
{{Main|Hijra (Islam)}}
In 622 on the invitation of the Muslims of [[Medina]], Muhammad ordered Muslims to migrate to Medina. The migration began in batches. [[Hadith of Abu Bakr and Muhammad in the cave|Abu Bakr accompanied Muhammad in his migration for Medina]]. Due to the danger of the Quraysh, they did not take the road to Medina. They moved in the opposite direction, and took refuge in a cave in [[Mount Thaur]] some five miles south of Mecca. [[`Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr]] the son of Abu Bakr would listen to the plans and talks of the Quraysh, and at night he would carry the news to the fugitives in the cave. [[Asma bint Abi Bakr]] the daughter of Abu Bakr brought them meals every day.<ref>''Islamic Culture'' by the Islamic Cultural Board Published 1927 [s.n. Original from the University of Michigan, digitized 27 Mar 2006.</ref> Aamir a servant of Abu Bakr would bring a flock of goats to the mouth of the cave every night where they were milked. The Quraysh sent search parties in all directions. One party came close to the entrance to the cave, but was unable to sight them. Due to this the following verse of the [[Qur'an]] was revealed:
<blockquote>If ye help not (your Leader) (it is no matter): for Allah did indeed help him; when the unbelievers drove him out: he had no more than one companion: they two were in the cave, and he said to his companion "Have no Fear, for Allah is with us": then Allah sent down His peace upon him, and strengthened him with forces which ye saw not, and humbled to the depths the word of the Unbelievers. But the word of Allah is exalted to the heights: for Allah is Exalted in might, Wise. {{cite quran|9|40}}</blockquote>
After staying at the cave for three days and three nights, Abu Bakr and Muhammad proceed to [[Medina]], staying for some time at Quba, a suburb of Medina.
===Life in Medina===
In Medina, Muhammad decided to construct a [[mosque]]. A piece of land was chosen and the price of the land was paid for by Abu Bakr. Muslims constructed a mosque named [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi]] at the site and Abu Bakr also took part in construction. Abu Bakr was paired with Khaarij ah bin Zaid Ansari as a [[Brotherhood among the Sahaba|brother in faith]]. Abu Bakr's relationship with his brother-in-Islam was most cordial, which was further strengthened when Abu Bakr married Habiba, a daughter of Khaarijah.
Khaarij ah bin Zaid Ansari used to live at Sukh, a suburb of Medina, and Abu Bakr also settled there. After Abu Bakr's family arrived in Medina he bought another house near Muhammad's.<ref>[[Hazrat]] ''Abu Bakr, the First Caliph of Islam'' by Muhammad Habibur Rahman Khan Sherwani, published 1963 Sh. Muhammad Ashraf. Original from the University of Michigan. Digitized 14 Nov 2006.</ref>
The climate of Mecca was dry, but the climate of Medina was damp and this adversely affected the health of the immigrants, so that on arrival most of them fell sick. Abu Bakr also suffered from fever for several days and during this time he was attended to by Khaarijah and his family. At Mecca, Abu Bakr was a trader in cloth and he started the same business in Medina. He was a wholesaler, and had his store at Sukh, and from there cloth was supplied to the market at Medina. Soon his business flourished at Medina. Early in 623, Abu Bakr's daughter Aisha, who was already engaged to Muhammad, was handed over to Muhammad in a simple marriage ceremony, and this further strengthen the relation between Abu Bakr and Muhammad.
In 624 Abu Bakr participated in the first battle between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Mecca known as the [[Battle of Badr]]. In 625 he participated in the [[Battle of Uhud]]. Before the battle begun, Abu Bakr's son [[‘Abd ar-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr]] who was still non-Muslim and was fighting from the side of the Quraysh, came forward and threw down a challenge for a duel. Abu Bakr accepted the challenge but was stopped by Muhammad. His son later converted to [[Islam]] and gained fame during the [[Muslim conquest of Syria]] as a fierce warrior. In the second phase of the battle when [[Khalid ibn al-Walid]]’s cavalry attacked the Muslims from behind, changing a Muslim victory to defeat. Many Muslim warriors were routed from the battle field but Abu Bakr remained, guarding Muhammad from the attacks of the Quraysh soldiers. During one such attack two discs from Muhammad’s shield penetrated into [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]]'s cheeks. Abu Bakr went forward with the intention of extracting these discs but Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah requested he leave the matter to him, losing his two [[incisor]]s during the process. Abu Bakr, along with other companions, led Muhammad to a place of safety. Later in the year Abu Bakr was a part of campaign again the [[Jew]]ish tribe of [[Banu Nadir]].
Later, in 627 he participated in the [[Battle of the Trench]] and also in the [[Banu Qurayza|Battle of Banu Qurayza]].<ref name="Maghazi">Tabqat ibn al-Saad book of Maghazi, page no:62 </ref>.In 628 he participated in [[Treaty of Hudaybiyyah]] and was made one of the witness over the pact.<ref name="Maghazi"/>
In the year 628 he was a part of the Muslim [[Battle of Khaybar|campaign to Khaybar]]. In 629 Muhammad sent [['Amr ibn al-'As]] to Zaat-ul-Sallasal from where he called for reinforcements and Muhammad sent [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]]. Commanding an army under him were Abu Bakr and [[Umar]] and they attacked and defeated the enemy.<ref>Sahih-al-Bhukari book of Maghazi ,Ghazwa Saif-al-Jara</ref>.
In 630 when Muslim armies rushed for the [[Conquest of Mecca]], Abu Bakr was a part of the army. Before the conquest of Mecca his father Uthman Abu Qahafa converted to Islam. In 630 he was part of [[Battle of Hunayn]] and [[Siege of Ta'if]]. He was part of the Muslim army in the campaign of [[Tabuk]] under Muhammad's command and he was reported to have given all his wealth for the preparation of this expedition.
In 631, Muhammad sent from Medina a delegation of three hundred Muslims to perform the [[Hajj]] according to the new Islamic way. Abu Bakr was appointed as the leader of the delegates. Abu Bakr had thus the honor of being the first Amir-ul-Haj in the history of Islam. In the year 632 Abu Bakr followed Muhammad to Mecca for the farewell Hajj.
==Death of Muhammad==
A short time after returning from the farewell pilgrimage, Muhammad fell sick. When the fever became violent, Muhammad directed Abu Bakr to lead the prayers in the [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi]] during his illness. On [[8 June]] [[632]] Muhammad died. The news reached Abu Bakr while he was in his home at Sukh. Muslims gathered in Al-Masjid al-Nabawi and there were suppressed sobs and sighs. Many Sahaba were in a state of disbelief that Muhammad was dead. Abu Bakr came to the mosque and addressed the people, saying:
<blockquote>Whoever amongst you worshipped Muhammad — Muhammad is dead. But whoever worshipped Allah — Allah is alive and will never die.</blockquote>
Abu Bakr then recited the following verses of the Qur'an:
<blockquote>Muhammad is nothing but a messenger of Allah, Messengers of God have passed away before him; What, if he dies or is killed? Will you turn back upon your heels? And whosoever turns back upon his heels will by no means do harm to Allah, and Allah will reward the thankful.</blockquote>
==Election of Abu Bakr as a Caliph==
{{main|Succession to Muhammad|Hadith of the pond of Khumm}}
After Muhammad's death, previously dormant tensions between the Meccan [[Immigration|immigrant]]s, the [[Muhajirun]], and the Medinan converts, the [[Ansar (Islam)|Ansar]], threatened to break out and split the [[Ummah]]. The Ansar, the leaders of the tribes of Medina, met in a hall or house called [[saqifah]], to discuss whom they would support as their new leader. When Abu Bakr was informed of the meeting, he, [[Umar]], [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]] and a few others rushed to prevent the Ansar from making a premature decision. Accounts of this meeting vary greatly. All agree that during the meeting Umar declared that Abu Bakr should be the new leader, and declared his allegiance to Abu Bakr, followed by Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah and Abu Bakr became the first Muslim [[caliph]] with the title '''Khalifa-tul-Rasool''' (''Successor of messenger of Allah'').
After the meeting at saqifah, the Muslims who were not present were asked to submit to Abu Bakr, to give their pledge of allegiance. Most accounts agree that [[Ali]] and his supporters initially refused to submit. After a period of time, whose duration is disputed, the dissidents gave their [[bay'ah]]. Whether or not the process involved violence and intimidation, and whether or not Ali willingly swore allegiance to Abu Bakr have remained enduring controversies.</br>
The [[Shia Islam|Shi'a]] believe that Muhammad divinely ordained his cousin and son-in-law, Ali, in accordance with God's command, making Ali and his descendants Muhammad's true successors. The largest denomination in Islam, the [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]]s, hold that Abu Bakr and all caliphs should be chosen by community consensus, that this method of choosing or electing leaders ''([[Shura]])'' is endorsed by the [[Qur'an]].
==Reign as a Caliph==
After assuming the office of [[Caliphate]] Abu Bakr's first address was as follow:
<blockquote>I have been given the authority over you, and I am not the best of you. If I do well, help me; and if I do wrong, set me right. Sincere regard for truth is loyalty and disregard for truth is treachery. The weak amongst you shall be strong with me until I have secured his rights, if God will; and the strong amongst you shall be weak with me until I have wrested from him the rights of others, if God will. Obey me so long as I obey God and His Messenger. But if I disobey God and His Messenger, ye owe me no obedience. Arise for your prayer, God have mercy upon you.</blockquote>
Abu Bakr's Caliphate lasted for 27 months, during which he crushed the rebellion of the Arab tribes throughout [[Arabian Peninsula|Arabia]] in the successful [[Ridda Wars|campaign against Apostasy]]. He launched campaigns against the [[Sassanid Empire]] and the [[Byzantine Empire|Eastern Roman Empire]] (Byzantine Empire) and thus set in motion a historical trajectory that in just a few short decades would lead to one of the [[List of largest empires|largest empires in history]]. He had little time to pay attention to the administration of state, though state affairs remained stable during his Caliphate. On the advise of Umar and Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah he agreed to have a salary from state treasury and abolish his cloth trade.
===Ridda Wars===
{{main|Ridda wars}}
Troubles emerged soon after Abu Bakr's succession, threatening the unity and stability of the new community and state. The chief cause of the apostasy was lack of true faith. Most of the tribes, converted in the ninth and tenth years of the [[Islamic calendar|Hijri calendar]], had taken to Islam for political reasons. The [[apostasy]] had become so general that it affected every [[tribe]] in Arabia with the exception of the people in Mecca and Medina and the tribe of Thaqeef at [[Ta’if]]. In some cases the entire tribe apostatised. In other cases part of the tribe apostatised while parts continued to follow the true faith; and among those who remained Muslims, many had to pay with their lives for their faith. Some withheld the ''[[zakat]]'' (almsgiving), though they did not otherwise challenge Islam. Many tribal leaders made claims to prophethood, most prominent was [[Musaylimah]]. The tribes claimed that they had submitted to Muhammad, and that with Muhammad's death, their allegiance was ended. Abu Bakr insisted that they had not just submitted to a leader but joined the Muslim religious community, of which he was the new head. Apostasy is a [[Capital punishment|capital offense]] under traditional interpretations of [[Sharia]] (Islamic law), and Abu Bakr declared war on the rebels. This was the start of the ''Ridda wars'' ([[Arabic language|Arabic]] for the Wars of Apostasy). The apostasy of central Arabia was led by self-proclaimed prophet Musaylimah of in [[al-Yamama]], while the other centers were to the south and east in [[Bahrain]], [[Oman]], [[Mahra]] region and [[Yemen]]. Abu Bakr planned his strategy accordingly and formed the Muslim army into 11 [[corps]]. The strongest corps, and this was the main punch of the Muslim army, was that of [[Khalid ibn al-Walid]] and was used to fight the most powerful of the rebel forces. Other corps were given areas of secondary importance in which to bring the less dangerous apostate tribes. Abu Bakr's plan was first to clear the area of west and central Arabia (the area nearest Medina), then tackle [[Malik ibn Nuwayrah]], and finally concentrate against the most dangerous enemy Musaylimah. After series of successful campaigns, Khalid ibn al-Walid finally defeated Musaylimah and his tribe, the [[Banu Hanifa]], in the [[Battle of Yamama]]<ref>Tabari: Vol. 2, p. 518</ref>. The Campaign of the Apostasy was fought and completed during the eleventh year of the Hijri. The year 12 Hijri dawned, on [[March 18]], [[633]], with Arabia united under the central authority of the Caliph at Medina.
====Shia view====
The [[Shia Islam|Shi'a Muslim]]s believe that, although there were some people that took the opportunity to proclaim themselves as prophets, the majority of people who battled against Abu Bakr were people who expected [[Ali]] to be the next Caliph,{{Fact|date=August 2007}} since they claimed to have heard Muhammad express this wish at the [[Hadith of the two weighty things]]. According to Shi'a views Abu Bakr sent Khalid ibn al-Walid to kill, loot and slaughter the partisans of Ali.<ref>[[Mahdi Puya]] [[tafsir]] of verse 4:94 at [http://www.al-islam.org/quran/process.asp?tAliCommentary=on&Sura=4&SavedSura=1&fAya=1&tAya=176&searchText=&arabicdisplay=windows al-Islam.org ]</ref>. and thus claim that Abu Bakr violated Muhammad's direct orders and orchestrated a [[coup d'état]].
===The ''Qur'an'' - Preservation===
{{main|Origin and development of the Qur'an}}
Abu Bakr was instrumental in preserving the Qur'an in written form. It is said that after the hard-won victory over Musaylimah in the Battle of Yamama fought in 632, Umar (the later ''Caliph'' Umar), saw that many of the Muslims who had memorized the ''Qur'an'' had died in battle. Fearing that the Qur'an may be lost or corrupted, Umar requested the Caliph Abu Bakr to authorize the compilation and preservation of the Book in written format. After initial hesitation, Abu Bakr made a committee headed by [[Zayd ibn Thabit]] which included the memorizers of the Qur'an and Umar and to collect all verses of the Book. After collecting all Qur'anic verses from texts in the possession of various [[sahaba]], [[Zayd ibn Thabit]] and members of his committee verfied the reading by comparing with those who had memorized the Qur'an. After they were satisfied that they had not missed out any verse or made any mistakes in reading or writing it down, the text was written down as one single manuscript and presented in a book form to the Caliph Abu Bakr. This process happened within one year of the death of Muhammad when most of his [[sahaba]] (companions) were still alive, ensuring that the text would not be corrupted in any form.
Prior to his death, Abu Bakr gave this authorized copy of the Qur'an to Umar - his successor. It remained with him throughout his tenure as Caliph (10 years). Prior to his death, Umar gave this Book to his daughter [[Hafsa bint Umar]], who was one of the wives of Muhammad. Umar did not nominate his successor on his deathbed, and thus preferred to leave this copy with Hafsa so as not to indicate his personal preference of who would be the next caliph. Later on, it became the basis of [[Uthman Ibn Affan]]'s definitive text of the ''Qur'an'' which was published far and wide merely 18 years after the death of the Prophet. Later historians give Uthman Ibn Affan the principal credit for re-verification and publishing the ''Qur'an''. Shi'as reject the idea that Abu Bakr or Umar were instrumental in the collection or preservation of the ''Qur'an''. <ref>{{cite web | title=The Quran compiled by Imam Ali (AS) | work=Al-Islam.org | url=http://al-islam.org/encyclopedia/chapter8/4.html | accessdate=2007-01-12}}</ref>
===Military expansion===
Once the rebellions had been put down, Abu Bakr began a war of conquest. Whether or not he intended a full-out imperial conquest is hard to say; he did, however, set in motion a historical trajectory that in just a few short decades would lead to one of the [[List of largest empires|largest empires in history]]. Abu Bakr began with [[Iraq]], the richest province of Persian Empire. He sent his most brilliant general Khalid ibn al-Walid to invade the [[Sassanid Empire]].
===Invasion of Sassanid Persian Empire===
{{see|Islamic conquest of Persia}}
After the Ridda Wars, a tribal chief of north eastern Arabia, Misnah ibn Haris, raided the Persian towns in Iraq. With the success of the raids, a considerable amount of booty was collected. Misnah ibn Haris went to Medina to inform Caliph Abu Bakr about his success and was appointed commander of his people, after which he begun to raid deeper into Iraq. Using the mobility of his [[light cavalry]] he could easy raid any town near the [[desert]] and within moments could disappear again in to the desert, into which the [[Sassanid army]] was unable to chase them. Misnah’s acts made Abu Bakr think about the expansion of the [[Rashidun Empire]].<ref name="Tabari">Tabari: Vol. 2, p. 554.</ref>
Abu Bakr started with the invasion of Iraq. The problems faced by Abu Bakr were that the [[Arab]]s feared the Persians with a deep, unreasoning fear which ran in the tribal consciousness as a racial complex and was the result of centuries of Persian power and glory. In return the Persian regarded the Arab with contempt. It was important not to suffer a defeat, for that would confirm and strengthen this instinctive fear. To make certain of victory, Abu Bakr decided on two measures; that the invading army would consist entirely of volunteers; and he put in command of the army his best general Khalid ibn al-Walid. After defeating the self-proclaimed prophet Musaylimah in the Battle of Yamama, Khalid was still at [[Al-Yamama]] when Abu Bakr sent him orders to invade the Sassanid Empire. Making [[Al-Hirah]] the objective of Khalid, Abu Bakr sent reinforcements and ordered the tribal chiefs of north eastern Arabia, Misnah ibn Haris, Mazhur bin Adi, Harmala and Sulma to operate under the command of Khalid along with there men. In about third week of March 633 (first week of [[Muharram]] 12th Hijrah) Khalid set out from Al-Yamama with an army of 10,000.<ref name="Tabari"/> The tribal chiefs, with 2,000 warriors each, joined Khalid; Thus Khalid entered the Persian Empire with 18,000 troops.
After entering Iraq ([[Mesopotamia]]) with his army of 18,000, Khalid won decisive victories in four consecutive battles: the [[Battle of Chains]], fought in April 633 CE; the [[Battle of River]], fought in the 3rd week of April 633 CE; the [[Battle of Walaja]], fought in May 633 CE (where he successfully used a [[Pincer movement|double envelopment]] maneuver), and the [[Battle of Ullais]], fought in the mid of May, 633 CE. By now the Persian Empire was struggling and in the last week of May 633 CE, the capital city of Iraq, Al-Hirah, fell to the Muslims after resistance in the [[Battle of Hira]]. Thereafter the [[Battle of Al-Anbar|Siege of Al-Anbar]] during June-July 633 resulted in surrender of the city after strong resistance. Khalid then moved towards the south, and conquered the city of Ein ul Tamr after the [[Battle of ein-ul-tamr]] in the last week of July, 633 CE.
By now, almost the whole of Iraq was under Islamic control. Khalid got a call of help from northern Arabia at daumat-ul-jandal, where another Muslim Arab general, Ayaz bin Ghanam, was trapped among the rebel tribes. Khalid went to Daumat-ul-jandal and defeated the rebels in the [[Battle of Daumat-ul-jandal]] in the last week of August, 633 CE. Returning from Arabia, he got news of the assembling of a large Persian army. Within a few weeks, he decided to defeat them all separately to avoid the risk of defeat to a large unified Persian army. Four divisions of Persian and [[Christian]] Arab auxiliaries were present at Hanafiz, Zumiel, Sanni and Muzieh. Khalid divided his army in three units, and decided to attack these auxiliaries one by one from three different sides at night, starting from the [[Battle of Muzayyah]], then the [[Battle of Saniyy]], and finally the [[Battle of Zumail]] In November 633 CE, Khalid defeated those armies in his series of three sided attacks at night. These devastating defeats ended Persian control over Iraq. In December 633 CE, Khalid reached the border city of Firaz, where he defeated the combined forces of the [[Sassanid army|Sassanid Persians]], [[Byzantine army|Byzantine]] [[Roman army|Romans]] and [[Arab Christians|Christian Arabs]] in the [[Battle of Firaz]].
[[Image:Caliph Abu Bakr's empire at its peak2-mohammad adil rais.PNG|thumb|right|Caliph Abu Bakr's empire at its peak in August 634.]]
This was the last battle in his conquest of Iraq.
===Invasion of Eastern Roman (Byzantine) Empire===
{{see|Byzantine-Arab Wars}}
Caliph Abu Bakr congratulated Khalid ibn al-Walid over his victories and gave him a new task, to enter the Byzantine province of [[Syria]] and command Islamic armies there. The Byzantine province of Syria in those days consisted of modern day Syria, [[Jordan]], [[Israel]], the [[Palestinian territories]], [[Lebanon]] and southern [[Turkey]]. Passing through the [[Syrian Desert]], Khalid with his half of the army of 9,000 warriors entered Syria in June 634 and commanded the 23,000 strong Muslim army present there under the command of four generals, [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]], [[Yazid ibn Abu Sufyan]], Sharjeel bin Hosanna and [['Amr ibn al-'As]].
After only one day, Khalid set out for the conquest of Syria.
He reached the town of Sawa, and defiant forces present there resisted but later in the evening surrendered the city and agreed to pay tribute. He moved to the city of Aarak in the same day, and this city too surrendered and agreed to pay tribute. The next day Khalid moved to the city of Tarmad, which surrendered as well. He moved further and cities of Sakhna and Qadma also surrendered and agree to pay tribute. The next day the cities of Qarteen and Hawwareen were captured after the [[Battle of Qarteen]] and the [[Battle of Hawareen]]. After dealing with all these cities, Khalid moved towards [[Damascus]], after three days journey he reached a mountain pass, 20 miles from Damascus which is now known as '''Sanita-al-Uqab''' (Uqab pass) after the name of Khalid's army standard. From here he moved away from Damascus towards the rest of the Islamic armies which were still near the Syrian-Arabia border. At Maraj-al-Rahab, Khalid defeated a [[Ghassanids|Ghassanid]] army of Christian Arabs in a short [[Battle of Marj-al-Rahit]]. By now he was moving away from Damascus, the stronghold of Byzantines, and towards the city of [[Basra]]. Khalid reached Basra after three days at a time when Sharjeel bin Hassana's 4,000 army was fighting the 12,000 Roman army.
As soon as Khalid reached there with his 9,000 warriors, the Roman army retreated and fortified themselves in the castle. After few days they came out and were defeated in the [[Battle of Bassorah]] and again retreated to castle and surrendered the city. 130 Muslims died, and by now it was almost mid of July 634. The Muslims soon heard of the gathering of a Roman army at Ajnadayn said to be 90,000 strong, after which all the divisions of the Muslim army joined Khalid at Ajnadayn on [[24 July]] 634, and the Muslim army became 32,000 in number. Khalid defeated the Romans on 30 July 634 at the [[Battle of Ajnadayn]]. After one week Khalid moved to Damascus, and on his way there he defeated another Roman army in the [[Battle of Yakosa]] in mid-August 634. Tomur, the son-in-law of Emperor [[Heraclius]], sent another army to stop Khalid but they too were defeated in the [[battle of Maraj-al-Safar]] on [[19 August]] [[634]]. The next day Khalid finally reached Damascus and besieged the city for 30 days, having defeated the reinforcements sent by the [[Roman Emperor]] [[Heraclius]] at the [[Battle of Sanita-al-Uqab]] 20 miles from Damascus. Khalid's forces withstood three Roman attacks that tried to break the siege, and finally attacked and conquered the city on [[18 September]] [[634]] after [[Conquest of Damascus]].
The [[Byzantine army]] was given a deadline of three days to go as far as they could, with their families and treasure, or simply agree to stay in Damascus and pay tribute. After the three days deadline was over, the Muslim cavalry under Khalid's command attacked the Roman army, catching up to them using an unknown shortcut, at the [[Battle of Maraj-al-Debaj]]. Abu Bakr died during the [[Conquest of Damascus|siege of Damascus]] and Umar became the new Caliph. He dismissed his cousin Khalid ibn al-Walid from the command and appointed [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]] the new commander in chief of Islamic army in Syria. Abu Ubaidah got the letter of his appointment and Khalid's disposal during the siege, but he delayed the announcement until the city was conquered.
==Death==
On [[8 August]] [[634]], Abu Bakr fell sick, and never recovered. There are two accounts about the sickness of Abu Bakr. One account is that the [[8 August]] 634 was a cold day and when Abu Bakr took a bath, he caught a chill. Another account is that about a year before, along with some other companions, Harith bin Kaladah, and Attab bin Usaid, he had eaten some food which was poisoned, and which was not to affect him for a year.
Abu Bakr developed high [[fever]], and was confined to bed. His illness was prolonged, and when his condition worsened, he felt that his end was near.
Realizing that his end was drawing near, Abu Bakr felt that he should nominate his successor so that the issue should not be a cause of dissension among the Muslims after his death.<ref>''Sidiq-i-Akbar Hazrat Abu Bakr'' by Masudul Hasan. Publisher: Lahore: Ferozsons, 1976.OCLC: 3478821</ref>
[[Image:Tomb in masjid al nabvi-mohammad adil rais.JPG|thumb|right|The hole, second from the right, gives a view of Abu Bakr's grave.]]
He appointed Umar as his successor after discussing with some companions. Some of them favored the nomination and others disliked it, due to the tough nature of Umar.
Abu Bakr thus dictated the testament to [[Uthman Ibn Affan]] in the following terms:
<blockquote>In the name of Most Merciful God. This is the last will and testament of Abu Bakr bin Abu Qahafa, when he is in the last hour of the world, and the first of the next; an hour in which the infidel must believe, the wicked be convinced of their evil ways, I nominate Umar bin al Khattab as my successor. Therefore, hear to him and obey him. If he acts right, confirm his actions. My intentions are good, but I cannot see the future results. However, those who do ill shall render themselves liable to severe account hereafter. Fare you well. May you be ever attended by the Divine favor of blessing.</blockquote>
Abu Bakr next asked [[Aisha]] as to how many pieces of cloth were used for Muhammad's shroud. Aisha said that three pieces had been used. Abu Bakr thereupon desired the same number for his own shroud. On Monday [[23 August]] [[634]] Abu Bakr died. The funeral prayer was led by Umar. He was buried the same night by the side of Muhammad's grave in [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi]].
===Family===
{{main|Family tree of Abu Bakr}}
Abu Bakr's father's name was '''Uthman Abu Qahafa''' aka ''Abu Quafah'', his mother's name '''Salma Umm-ul-Khair''' and his grandfather's name was Amir ibn Amr.
In history name of his only one brother is mention which is Quafah ibn Uthman.
*From his wife [[Qutaylah bint Abd-al-Uzza]] he had a daughter, [[Asma bint Abi Bakr]] the wife of [[Al-Zubayr]], and a son [[`Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr]]
*From his wife [[Um Ruman]] he had a daughter, [[Aisha]] and a son, [[‘Abd ar-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr]]
*From his wife [[Asma bint Umays]] he had a daughter, [[Umm Kulthum bint Abi Bakr]] and a son, [[Muhammad ibn Abi Bakr]] -after the death of Abu Bakr, Asma bint Umais married [[Ali]] and moved to his household with her son and daughter.
*From his wife '''Habeebah bint Khaarijah''', He also had a son named '''Qasim ibn Abu Bakr'''.
Today, there are so many families which are believed to be descents of [[Abu Bakr]]. Most of them are known by the name [[Siddiqi]] which was a title given to Abu Bakr by Muhammad. But they are also known by some other names in different localities. For example, In East [[Ethiopia]], [[Siddiqis]] are usually called [[Qallu]] which is to mean ''people of the religion'', as they are the first to bring Islam to this area. In [[Somalia]], they are commonly known as [[Sheekhaal]] and they are highly celebrated by other Somali clans.
==Legacy==
Abu Bakr became the Caliph on the [[8 June]] [[632]] C.E. and he died on [[23 August]] [[634]] C.E. Though the period of his caliphate covers two years, two months and fifteen days only, his achievements were remarkable. His glorious triumph in [[Ridda Wars]] and successful invasions of the two most powerful empires of the time the [[Sassanid Empire]] and [[Byzantine Empire]].
Abu Bakr had the distinction of being the first Caliph in the history of Islam. He was the first Caliph to nominate a successor. He was the only Caliph in the history of Islam who refunded to the state treasury at the time of his death the entire amount of the allowance that he had drawn during the period of his caliphate.
He was the first Muslim ruler to establish [[Bayt al-mal]]. He was the first Muslim ruler to establish crown pasture. He was the first Muslim ruler to establish '[[Ijtihad]]'.
He has the distinction of purchasing the land for [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi]]. According to Sunni Muslims, in the matter of virtue, Abu Bakr excelled all other [[Sahaba]].
Both Abu Bakr and [[Uthman ibn Affan]] had relinquished drinking [[wine]] even in the time before [[Islam]].
He was the foremost [[genealogist]] of the [[Quraysh]] and the best of them at interpreting [[dream]]s after Muhammad according to Ibn Sirin.
===Sunni view===
Sunni Muslims also consider Abu Bakr as one of [[hadith of the ten promised paradise|the ten Sahaba (companions)]] for whom Muhammad had testified that they were destined for Paradise. He is regarded as '''Khalifa Rasulullah''' ''The successor of Messenger of Allah'', and first of the Rightly Guided Caliphs - i.e. [[Rashidun]] and being the rightful successor to Muhammad. Abu Bakr had always been the closest friend and confidant of Muhammad throughout his life. He was always there beside the Prophet at every major event. It was Abu Bakr's wisdom that the Prophet always honored and would always consult him before anyone else. During the last few weeks of his life, the Prophet preferred Abu Bakr to lead the Muslims in prayer while he was ill. Upon the Prophet's death, it was Abu Bakr who demonstrated sagacity to keep the ranks of the Muslims together. Muhammad had not left behind a clear will on who would succeed him. There was dissension between the two original tribes of Madinah, namely [[Aws]] and [[Khazraj]] regarding who would become the ruler over the Muslims after the Prophet. This even led to drawing of swords between them. Abu Bakr, [[Umar]] and [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]] rushed to the spot where the dispute almost turned bloody, and delivered his famous speech to show the path of unity between the Muslims and declared that Umar should become the first caliph. In turn, Umar declared his allegiance to Abu Bakr saying that there is no better man amongst the Muslims after the Prophet. Majority of the [[sahaba]] (companions of the Prophet) assembled there followed suit and pledged their allegiance to Abu Bakr. Sunnis point out this fact of avoiding bloodshed between Muslims and preserving the unity of the state as of paramount importance, or it would have led to self-destruction of the new state.
The famous scholar Imam Ahmad Ibn Hanbal stated that he is the best of all companions ([[sahaba]]) of [[the Prophet]].
He is also best remembered by Ahlus-Sunnah Wal Jama'ah and the world history, for his famous speech upon the death of the Prophet which he delivered at the Mosque of the Prophet:
<blockquote>O' men, if anyone worships Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. And if anyone worships God, God is Alive, Immortal. He then recited the verse from the Qur'an:
"Muhammad is no more than an Apostle. Many were the Apostles that passed away before him. If he died or were slain, will ye then turn back on your heels ? If any did turn back on his heels, not the least harm will he do to God. But God (on the other hand) will swiftly reward those who (serve him) with gratitude." {{cite quran|3|144}}<ref>See "The Life of Muhammad - A translation of Ibn Ishaq's Sirat Rasul Allah" by A. Guillaume, Oxford University Press, 1955, 1974, page 683. The translation of the verse of the Qur'an is taken from "The Holy Qur'an - Text, Translation and Commentary" by A. Yusuf Ali</ref></blockquote>
Sunnis also consider the narrations about Abu Bakr and his family by the [[Shia Islam|Shi'a]] to be spurious.
===Shia view===
{{main|Shi'a view of Abu Bakr}}
The Shia have a very unfavorable view of Abu Bakr. They believe that he was a usurper who snatched the Caliphate when it, according to their beliefs, should have gone to Ali, who was part of Banu Hashim and Mohammad's bloodline. They also believe he and Umar conspired to take over power in the Muslim nation after Muhammad's death, in a [[coup d'état]] against Ali. The Shia do not view Abu Bakr's being with Muhammad in the cave as a meritorious act.
The Shi'a criticize Abu Bakr for an apparent dispute between him and Muhammad's daughter [[Fatimah]] that ended with her becoming angry with Abu Bakr and refusing to talk with him for the rest of her life, she died six months later. Abu Bakr had refused to grant her a claim to property, saying that:
<blockquote>I heared Prophet saying that: "what the messangers of Allah have no heir, what they left is charity"</blockquote>
The Shi'a believe that Abu Bakr sent [[Khalid ibn Walid]] to crush those who were in favour of [[Ali]]'s caliphate. The Shi'a strongly refute the idea that Abu Bakr or Umar were instrumental in the collection or preservation of the ''Qur'an'', claiming that they should have accepted the copy of the holy book in the possession of Ali<ref>[http://al-islam.org/encyclopedia/chapter8/4.html The Quran Compiled by Imam Ali (AS)]</ref>
===Non-Muslims view===
[[Edward Gibbon]] wrote about Abu Bakr as:
<blockquote>The moderation, and the veracity of Abu Bakr confirmed the new religion,<ref>Decline and Fall of the Roman Empire</ref> and furnished an example for invitation.</blockquote>
[[William Muir]] states that:
<blockquote>Abu Bakr's judgment was sound and impartial; his conversation agreeable and his demeanor affable and much sought after by the Quraysh and he was popular throughout the city.... The faith of Abu Bakr was the greatest guarantee of Muhammad's sincerity in the beginning of his career, and indeed, in a modified sense, throughout his life.<ref>Life of Muhammad</ref> To have such a person as a staunch adherent of his claim, was for Muhammad a most important step.</blockquote>
[[William Montgomery Watt]] writes:
<blockquote>From 622 to 632 he (Abu Bakr) was Mohammed's chief adviser, but had no prominent public functions except that he conducted the pilgrimage to Mecca in 631, and led the public prayers in Medina during Mohammed's last illness." <ref>Encyclopedia Britannia, Vol. I, page 54, 1973</ref></blockquote>
==References==
{{Reflist|3}}
==See also==
*[[Rashidun Caliphate]]
*[[Qallu]]
==External links==
{{wikiquote}}
*Sunni:
**[http://www.sunnah.org/publication/khulafa_rashideen/caliph1.htm Detailed Life of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq]
**[http://www.anwary-islam.com/companion/abu_bakr_siddiq.htm Abu Bakr's life]
**[http://naqshbandi.org/chain/2.htm Naqshbandi-Haqqani Sufi Order biography of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq]
**[http://www.quransunnah.com/modules.php?name=Lectures&d_op=savelink2&lid=812 Greatness of Abu Bakr] Urdu Audio
**[http://www.quransunnah.com/modules.php?name=Lectures&d_op=savelink2&lid=112 Virtues of Abu Bakr] Urdu Audio
**[http://www.searchtruth.com/searchHadith.php?keyword=abu+bakr&translator=2&search=1&book=&start=0&records_display=100&search_word=exact Abu Bakr appearing in Narrations/Hadith recorded by Imam Bukhari] - www.SearchTruth.com
*Shia:
**[http://www.abubakr.org Abu Bakr]
*Non-Muslim:
**[http://www.brainyquote.com/quotes/quotes/a/abubakr219687.html quotes]
**[http://www.ucalgary.ca/applied_history/tutor/islam/caliphate/abuBakr.html Abu Bakr]
*Unclassified:
**[http://www.ymofmd.com/books/abas/chapter2.htm Abu Bakr]
**[http://www.islamonline.net/English/NewHijriYear/HijrahHeroes/1426/04.shtml Abu Bakr from Islamonline]
**[http://www.lailahailallah.net/Khutbahs/Khutbah17.asf Sirah of Abu Bakr (Radia'Allahuanhu) Part 1] by Shaykh Sayyed Muhammad bin Yahya Al-Husayni Al-Ninowy.
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{{s-hou|[[Banu Taim]]| 573||August 23|634|[[Banu Quraish]]}}
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{{s-bef|before=[[Muhammad]]}}
{{s-ttl|title=[[Caliphate|Rashidun Caliph]]|years=[[632]] – [[634]]}}
{{s-aft|after=[[Umar ibn al-Khattab|Umar]]}}
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[[Category:573 births]]
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