The Rightly Guided Caliphs

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique

Hazrat Abu Bakr was born in Makkah in 573 AD after the year of elephant.
His name was Abdul Kabah in the age of ignorant.
The Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬changed his name to Abdullah after embracing Islam.
Hazrat Abu Bakr was an expert in rearing camels, which earned him his famous title
‘Abu Bakr’ the father of young camels and it also refers to a very large Arab tribe.
His father’s name is Uthman ibn Aamir, famously know by Abu Quhaafah.
His Mother was Salmah bin Sakhr and her kunyah was Umm Al-Khair.
His family was respectable and prosperous family, as he was cloth merchant and quite
wealthy.
He belonged to a respectable tribe Banu Tamim, a branch of the Quraish.
His lineage met up with that of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬at the level of their forebear Murrah ibn
Kaab.
He learnt reading and writing at an early age.
He was the pre-eminent arab genealogist of his time possessing expert knowledge of
history of Quraish and other tribes.

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A during the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬lifetime:

He was two years younger than the Prophet Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬and they were close friends
since their childhood.
He led a pure and pious life before Islam and ranked very high among noble members of
Quraish.
He did not indulge in sinful activities of ignorant period such as idol worshiping, wine,
adultery and gambling etc.
He was a quiet and sincere man. He was very honest and truthful in dealings and friendly
and kindhearted in conduct.
He was first free male adult to embrace Islam and became his Companion.
He was on trade journey to Yemen, when the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬announced his
prophethood. After returning from journey, he accepted Islam without any reluctance and
hesitation.
The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬said: When I invited people towards Allah, everybody thought over it
and hesitated, at least for a while, except Abu Bakr R.A who accepted my call, the
moment I put it before him, and he did not hesitate even for a moment. (Dalail Al-
Nabuwa)
He was first to accept Islam without any question and always supported the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬
and stood by his side.
The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬overjoyed when Abu Bakr R.A embraced Islam

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 The Rightly Guided Caliphs

He endured the persecutions and opposition of the Quraish and remained steadfast and
bore all the sufferings.
He always intervened to protect the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬as once he was preventing the polytheist
from persecuting the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, uqbah bin abi muait threw a mantle around his neck
started twisting it till it began to strangle the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. Abu Bakr R.A rescued him and
he was dragged by his beard and beaten by them severely that he lost his consciousness
but his faith did not waver.
After accepting Islam, He started preaching Islam and invited people towards Allah in a
very successful way.
He was the dynamic missionary of Islam and devoted his whole life to the service of
Islam.
His eminent personality and remarkable attributes helped in escalating Islam and made
prominent figures accepted it on his call, such as Hazrat Usman, Talha, Zubair Abdur
Rehman bin Auf R.A.
He also accompanied the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬a number of times on his missionary visits to
different tribes.
He was extremely kindhearted and sympathetic and serving to the oppressed, poor, weak
and helpless Muslim slaves.
He bought them and helped them in gaining freedom from their cruel masters such as
Hazrat Bilal, Hazrat Yasir R.A, Lubaina, Amir, Zunaira and Umm-i-Ubais R.A
In the Tenth year of Holy Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬Mission, he had the Miraj to the sublime throne of
Allah Almighty. Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A was the first one to testify this incident
without any allegation and for this, the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬awarded him with the title, ‘As-
Siddique’, the most truthful (sincere in faith).
His closeness to the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬was sealed by the marriage to his daughter, Hazrat Ayesha
R.A after the demise of Hazrat Khadija R.A.
He accompanied the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬in the migration from Makkah to Madinah and he eluded
with the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬in the Cave of Thawr for three days and nights
Allah referred him with the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬in the Cave of Thawr: When those who
disbelieved had driven him out [of Makkah] as one of two, when they were in the cave
and he said to his companion, "Do not grieve; indeed, Allah is with us." [9:40]
He proved to be the most devoted and generous on all occasions and became the first
Muslim to spend most of the money for the cause of Islam.
As, He bought the land for constructing the Masjid-e-Nabawi ‫ﷺ‬.
He donated all his wealth at the Tabuk expedition by replying to the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬when He
asked him, “What did you leave for your family? He said, I have left for them Allah
and His Prophet ‫”ﷺ‬.
He participated in all the battles and expeditions along with the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬such as Badr,
Uhad, Trench, Tabuk expedition, Battle of Hunain, al-Taif and to Syria.

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 The Rightly Guided Caliphs

He was the first one to show his ungrudging support in accepting the peace plan of the
Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬at Hudaibiya.
He played a leading role in the lifetime of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬as,
In the 9th year of Hijra, he was deputy (Ameer-e-Hajj) to lead the caravan of Hajj to
Makkah by the will and permission of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬.
He led the congregational Prayer during the illness of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬by his order.
He received the glad tidings of Paradise by the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬in his lifetime for the services
he rendered for the establishment and expansion of Islam.
He showed remarkable self-control and consoled the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬Ummah at the demise
of their beloved Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬and delivered his most effective and historical address.
When he came out of the Masjid after looking the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, he found Hazrat Umar R.A
in rage so he asked him to sit down.
Then He stood up to address the Ummah and brought them in sense in their uncertain
sorrowful condition: O People! If anyone of you worshipped Muhammad ‫ﷺ‬, he
should bear in mind that Muhammad ‫ ﷺ‬is dead. But those who worship Allah
should know that He is Alive and will never die”.
He then recited this verse of the Quran: Muhammad (‫ )ﷺ‬is not but a messenger.
[Other] messengers have passed on before him. So if he was to die or be killed,
would you turn back on your heels [to unbelief]? And he who turns back on his
heels will never harm Allah at all; but Allah will reward the grateful. (3:144)
He participated in digging the grave, bathing and lowering the blessed body of the Holy
Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬in the grave.
He was elected as first Caliph of the Prophet of Allah ‫ ﷺ‬and supported the Ummah in that
climacteric and uplifted their status in the world among the powerful nations.
He expanded and established Islam in the corners of the world.

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 The Rightly Guided Caliphs

Past Papers: (Paper-1)

Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A in Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬lifetime:
Question # 1 (a)

 Write an account of the life of the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬Companion Abu Bakr, during
the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬lifetime. [10] (May/June 2020 11)
 Write an account of the main events in the life of Abu Bakr during the life of
the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. (May/June 2018 11)
 Write about the role played by Abu Bakr during the period between the first
revelation and the death of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. (Oct/Nov 2014 11)
 Write an account of the following figures during the lifetime of the Prophet
‫ﷺ‬: Hamza, Abu Bakr and ‘Ali. (May/June 2011 01)
 Write about the major contributions made to Islam by Abu Bakr during the
Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬lifetime. (Oct/Nov 2010 01)

For this answer, candidates should give a detailed account of the main events in Abu
Bakr’s life with the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬.

His name, family, profession, life before Islam (religious and moral life), relationship
with the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬.

Acceptance of Islam, first Muslim, faced persecutions and opposition, supportive to the
Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, Preaching of Islam, acceptance of Islam by prominent companions, freed
slaves, testifier to the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬words (incident of Mairaj), Title Al-Siddique,
Marriage of his daughter with the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, migration to Madinah, Stay at the cave of
Thawr, addressed in Quran, contribution by wealth (Land of Masjid, Tabuk),
participation in battles, expeditions and treaties, led Prayer and Hajj, glad tidings of
Paradise, consoled and supported the Ummah at the demise of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬.

(b) Abu Bakr used his wealth to help others. How can Muslims follow his example
today? [4] (May/June 2020 11)

Candidates can use various examples to show how they can help others with their wealth.
Some could be, paying for water well for those who do not have access to water, donating
money to someone needing medicine/hospital treatment, giving money to look after
orphans. Relevant answers should be credited and better answers will be able to say why
it would be beneficial to use their wealth for that reason.

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 The Rightly Guided Caliphs

(b) How can Muslims use the example of Abu Bakr in showing loyalty to their
friends and colleagues? [4] (May/June 2018 11)

Candidates can offer various examples, some of which could be:

Offering help and support to your friends when they need it, even if you do not get
something back in return, rather doing it just to make them happy.
Be honest with them, and do not try to hide things from them.
Help them when they need help with a project or work.
Being there to support them when they are in a time of difficulty.
Supporting them when others are hurting/making fun of them, and not remaining
silent. If you see them going astray you can guide them back.

(b) What lessons can Muslims learn from Abu Bakr’s conduct in this period, and
how are these lessons relevant now? [4] (Oct/Nov 2014 11)

Candidates could write about stories of friendship and loyalty, or about belief and strong
faith, or other points mentioned about his life, but as well as mentioning them they should
give concrete examples of how these could be applied in people’s lives, so e.g. showing
how Muslims can be loyal to their friends, or how Muslims could give their wealth to
benefit the Muslim community in times of need.

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 The Rightly Guided Caliphs

Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddique

(11-13 AH/CE 632-634, 2.5 Years)

Election as a Caliph:
The Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬did not nominate his successor during his lifetime and there was no clear
and explicit guidance from the Quran and the Sunnah about it.
Therefore, the first challenge before the Ummah after the demise of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬was to
elect the new leader.
However, the closeness to the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬, eminent excellency and significance in the
Quran and Hadith were declaring Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A as a most suitable
person to be elected Khalifa after the demise of the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬and the issue was
successfully and amicably resolved by the Ijma of all companions.
When the companions knew for certain that the Messenger of Allah ‫ ﷺ‬had indeed passed
away, the Ansaar gathered at the Saqifa-e-Banu Saida on the same day to elect the first
Caliph of the Muslim nation.
The people of Ansaar gathered around the leader of the Khazraj tribe, Saad ibn Ubaadah
R.A.
Meanwhile, the people of Muhajireen assembled in Masjid-e-Nabawi ‫ ﷺ‬with Hazrat Abu
Bakr Siddique R.A because the majority of Muhajireen lived in the vicinity of Masjid.
Some of the leading Ansar wanted a Caliph from amongst the Ansaar. They had
difference of opinion for selection of Caliph.
Mughira bin Shubah R.A reached Masjid-e-Nabawi ‫ ﷺ‬and informed to the Muhajireen
about the discussion of Ansaar.
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A left the funeral procession by handing over to Hazrat Ali
R.A and took Hazrat Umar and Abu Ubaidah R.A with him to the Ansaar to bring the
situation under control.
The Ansaar had almost declare the leader of the Khazraj tribe, Saad bin Ubaadah R.A.
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A made a persuasive speech with confidence and firmness,
“The first among the chiefs will be from the Quraish, and the Ansaar will be their
advisors”.
Thereupon, Hubab bin Al-Mundhir R.A put forward the proposal for a two-state solution
and said: “It seems reasonable that there should be one Amir (Chief) from us and
another from you”.
Hazrat Umar R.A showed his disagreement with suggestion of Hazrat Hubab R.A.
On hearing this argument, Hazrat Ubaydah ibn Al-Jarrah R.A said, O Ansaar! You were
the first to uphold the Islam. Do not be the first to sow the seeds of dissension in it.

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 The Rightly Guided Caliphs

In the meanwhile, Bashir bin Nauman Ansari R.A got up and expressed his feelings,
“The Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬belonged to Quraish tribe. Quraishites have preference over
others. All Arabs would agree on them. Therefore, a Caliph must be from amongst
them. We do not want any dispute with Muhajireen in the matter of Caliphate. We,
the Madinites are Ansar and we would prefer to remain helpers of Allah and His
Holy Prophet ‫ﷺ‬.” (Al Bidaya wan-Nihaya)
These utterances of Bashir R.A received support from a number of Ansaar and there was
a general satisfaction in the council over the selection of a Caliph from Quraish.
Now the entire congregation plunged in deep silence and the growing conflict between
Muhajireen and Ansaar over the issue of the Caliphate disappeared.
In this state of perfect peace, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A said, “Umar R.A and Abu
Ubaydah R.A are here, choose anyone of them”.
But both of them refused and Hazrat Umar R.A said, “Abu Bakr R.A is the most
excellent among the Muhajireen. Because Allah has mentioned him in the Holy
Quran, ‘The one amongst two in the Cave’ (9:40). He excelled at every occasion
during the life of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. He deputized for the Holy Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬in leading
prayers when he was sick, he was appointed the chief of Hajj caravan. Therefore,
none is entitled to assume the duties of the Caliphate in the presence of Abu Bakr
R.A’’.
Hazrat Umar and Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit R.A took the oath of loyalty (pledge) followed
by Abu Ubaidah and Bashir Ansari R.A.
After that the people on all sides of Abu Bakr R.A rushed to pledge. As, the news spread,
all the believers arrived Madinah to pledge their allegiance to the first Caliph.
Thus, a general pledge of loyalty was taken in Masjid-e-Nabawi ‫ ﷺ‬and the greatest
Caliphate was established.
After becoming the Caliph, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique R.A titled with Khalifat-Ur-
Rasul-Allah ‫ ﷺ‬i.e., ‘Vicegerent of the Messenger of Allah’ and gave a memorable
speech.
‘’I have been given authority over you and I am not best of you. If I do well, help
me, and if I do wrong, set me right. Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His
Prophet ‫ﷺ‬. But if I disobey Allah and His Messenger ‫ﷺ‬, you owe me no obedience’’.
Caliph Abu Bakr Siddique’s short caliphate lasted a little over two years.
He has two main concerns: The first was to maintain the unity and solidarity of the
Ummah by putting down the uprisings that began after the Prophet’s ‫ ﷺ‬demise and,
Secondly, He had to continue with the expedition to Syria, which the Prophet ‫ ﷺ‬had
planned.

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 The Rightly Guided Caliphs

Election: (Paper-2)
Question # 2:
(a) Write a detailed account of the election of Abu Bakr as the first caliph and the
action he took against any two of the false prophets. [10] (Oct/Nov 2019 22)
 Write about the election of Abu Bakr as caliph and how he dealt with the false
prophets during his reign. (Oct/Nov 2012 21)
 Write a detailed account about the election and administration of Abu Bakr.
(Oct/Nov 2017 22)
(Note: false prophets and administration will be discussed separately)

This is a two-part answer; in the first part candidates need to give a detailed account of
the election of Abu Bakr which should include the key points like

how ‘Umar took Abu Bakr to the Saqifa of Bani Saida where the Ansars and other
eminent muhajireen had gathered to elect a caliph;
Ali was not present at this meeting as he was busy with the preparations of the final
rites of the Prophet ‫ﷺ‬.
Whether the caliph was to be from the ansar or the Quraish could be discussed
here, Abu Bakr's nomination of 'Ubaidah bin Jarra could also be mentioned.
The ansars wanted a caliph from amongst them in view of their sacrifices for Islam,
but Abu Bakr argued that the Arabs would not agree on any Ameer other than a
person from the Quraysh, at which point the ansars suggested the option of electing
two Ameers, one from the Quraysh and one from the ansars, to which ‘Umar
objected saying it would cause confusion in the umma.
‘Ubaidah bin Jarra addressed the ansars at this point and said, ‘O Ansar! You
were the first to uphold Islam do not be the first to sow the seeds of dissension in
it.’ The ansars immediately withdrew their claim.
Abu Bakr suggested the name of ‘Ubaidah bin Jarrah' and Umar took bait at the
hand of Abu Bakr and the people from all sides rushed to pledge their loyalty to
him and a general pledge was taken the next day.
Candidates could also mention the speech made by him upon his election and that
will be seen as development of the answer.

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