1. What was the title of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه ?
As-Siddiq (one who testifies to the truth) was the title of Abu Bakr. He was also called as Saniyasnain (second of the two)
2. What was Abu Bakr’s birth name? Why did Allah’s Messenger change it?
His birth name was Abdul Kabah and the Messenger of Allah changed it to Abdullah as it is shirk to call someone as Abdul Kabah which means slave of Kabah.
3. Why was he called Atiq?
Abu Bakr was called as Atiq because of his handsome personality.
4. Who was the father of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه ?
Uthman, with the surname of Abu Quhafah, was his father.
5. Who was his mother?
His mother was Salma bint Sakhar Ummul Khair of the clan of Taym.
6. When did Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه accept Islam? What was his effect on the Makkans?
He was the first among the adult males to embrace Islam in the early days of the Prophet’s career. As he was very popular in Makkah, the town of Makkah was indeed shaken with wonderment at the news of his acceptance of Islam.
7. What first crisis appeared in Islam?
The news of death of the Prophet had sent shocking waves across Madinah. Shaken with sorrow and confusion, the companions ran to the Masjidun Nabwi where a pointless debate ensued and threatened to a take serious turn. The love and affection had made some to think that the Prophet could not die. Emotions were running high as there was the fear of a possibility of creating discord among Muslims by the hypocrites.
This was the first crisis that appeared immediately after the demise of the Prophet.
8. What part did Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه play in dissolving it?
The role played by Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه in dissolving the first crisis is remarkable indeed. The passionate speech that he delivered settled the matter one and for all. He said, “O men! Whoever has worshipped Muhammad let him know that Muhammad has died. But whoever worshipped Allah, let him know that Allah is Ever-Living and never dies.” He then recited the relevant verse from the Qur’an. After that, all confusion about the Prophet’s death was over. Abu Bakr’s memorable words had dissolved the crisis.
9. What speech did he deliver after his election as Caliph?
Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said, “I have been given authority over you, although I am not the best of you. If I act well, help me; and if I do wrong, set me right. Sincere regard for truth is faithfulness, and disregard for truth is treachery. The weak among you shall be strong in my eyes until I have secured his rights, if Allah will; and the strong among you shall be weak in my eyes, until I have secured from him the rights of others, if Allah will. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Messenger.”
10. Name some of the slaves set free by Abu Bakr?
Bilal ibn Rabah, Amir ibn Fuhayrah, Abu Fukayhah, Zanira al Rumiyyah, Lubaynah and Umm Ubais were some of the slaves whom Abu Bakr set free.
11. Why did Umayyah bin Khalaf treat Bilal so cruelly?
Umayyah bin Khalaf treated Bilal so cruelly because Bilal had abandoned idol-worship and embraced Islam.
12. How did Bilal become free?
When Bilal was being mercilessly treated by his master, Umayyah bin Khalaf, Abu Bakr took pity on him, paid his master a huge amount, released him and set him free.
13. What did he contribute at the time of the Battle of Tabuk?
He contributed all his wealth at the time of the Battle of Tabuk.
14. What did Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه say to his son after the Battle of Badr?
During the time of the Battle of Badr, Abu Bakr’s son Abdur Rahman was in the opposite camp. But sometime after the Battle his son embraced and during a talk he remarked, “Father, you had once come within my striking range in the Battle of Badr but my love for you paralysed my mind and action”. To this Abu Bakr replied, “If I had that chance, I would not have spared the unbeliever”.
15. Who were the false prophets against whom Abu Bakr fought?
Tulainah, Musaylamah, Malik bin Nuwairah, Aswad Ansi and a woman called Sajah.
16. How long did Abu Bakr’s رضي الله عنه Caliphate last?
Abu Bakr’s رضي الله عنه caliphate lasted for two years, three months and ten days.
