This is topic is about why was Hazrat Abu Bakr chosen the first caliph of Islam.When the Last Messenger Muhammad ﷺ passed away, the most important matter was to nominate the successor to the prophet Muhammad ﷺ. That was a valid reason to choose Hazrat Abu Bakr as the first caliph. There were many lawful reasons to select Hazrat Abu Bakr as a first caliph. Allah has chosen him as a caliph, but not only Hazrat Abu Bakr was eligible for this job, but also the second, third, and fourth caliphs. This topic covers that why Hazrat Abu Bakr was chosen the first caliph:
The Almighty has nominated all the caliphs of Islam for their valid and particular eligibility and qualities.
Allah has selected Hazrat Abu Bakr the First Caliph
Hazrat Abu Bakar is our first caliph and Allah has selected him the first Islamic Caliph and it’s a proof in The Holy book Quran:
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First caliph from Quran
There are several Quranic Verses and Hadiths that prove Hazrat Abu Bakar as superior to all Humans, Jinns, and Angels after all the Prophets and Messengers. Hence eligible to become the first successor to the Last Prophet.
In Quran, Allah the Almighty says,
“Allah has promised those amongst you who believed and did good deeds that He will certainly give them the Caliphate in the earth, the way He gave to those before them. And that He will certainly establish for them their religion which He has chosen for them and will definitely turn their prior (condition of) fear into peace. They must worship Me and not ascribe anyone, as a partner to Me; and whoever is ungrateful after this, it is they who are disobedient.”
It has been mentioned in Tafseer ibn
Katheer that the above verse is true for the Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique.
In another verse of the Quran, Allah says,
“And those who brought this truth and those who testify for it – these are pious.”
Regarding the above verse it is mentioned in Tafseer e Kabeer that Hazrat Ali said, “In this verse, those who brought the truth means Prophet Muhammad ﷺ and those who testify means Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique.”
(Tafseer Kabeer, Vol.9, pg.452)
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First cliph from Hadiths
Hazrat Abu Bakr had already been entitled with the minor Imamate of Muslims during the life of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. It is narrated by the mother of the Believers, Hazrat Aisha that The Noble Messenger ﷺ said,
“In the group of people, among whom there is Abu Bakar Siddique, no one else has the right to lead the Imamate.”
(Sunan al-Tirmizi, Hadith: 3673)
It is narrated by Hazrat Anas bin Malik that the Last Prophet ﷺ wrapped in a garment, offered his last prayer (Salah) with people behind Hazrat Abu Bakar Siddique.”
(Sunan al-Nisai, Hadith: 785)
There are authentic Hadiths that mention the eligibility of Hazrat Abu Bakr to become the first caliph of Muslims. The Last Messenger or Allah ﷺ said,
“Stick to the two after me, Abu Bakr and Umar.”
(Sunan al-Tirmizi, Hadith: 3662)
Therefore when the Noble Prophet Muhammad ﷺ passed away, all the closest senior companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ from different tribes of Medina became agreed to nominate Hazrat Abu Bakr as the first Caliph of Muslims. This decision was accepted by all tribes of Arab as well. Hazrat Abdullah narrates that when the Messenger of Allah passed away, the Ansaar (natives of Medina) said,
“Let there be an Ameer (leader) from among us and an Ameer from among you.”
Then Hazrat Umar Farooq came to them and said,
“Do you not know that the Messenger of Allah commanded Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer? Who among you could accept to put himself ahead of Abu Bakr?”
They said, “We seek refuge with Allah from putting ourselves ahead of Abu Bakr.”
(Sunan al-Nisai, Hadith: 777)
Reinforcement of Senior Companions for Caliphate of Abu Bakr:
The closes and senior companions of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ reinforced the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr after his nomination.
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What did Hazrat Umar Farooq say about the Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr?
Hazrat Umar bin Al-Khattab said,
“Abu Bakr is our chief and the best of us and the most beloved of us to the Messenger of Allah ﷺ.”
(Sunan al-Tirmizi, Hadith: 3656)
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What did Hazrat Ali say about the Caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr?
Hazrat Ali Murtaza said,
“Listen carefully! We have considered only Abu Bakr as eligible for the Caliphate.”
(Mustadrak ala sahiheen, Hadith: 4519)
What were the qualities of the first caliph’s Leadership?
The Noble Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said, “The most compassionate one towards my Ummah is Abu Bakr.”
(Sunan al-Tirmizi, Hadith: 3815)
Hazrat Abu Bakr was the composite of all the virtues of leadership. He held an honest, trustworthy, truthful social and ethical character. Hazrat Abu Bakr had a vast vision for Muslims’ prosperity and dared to set and achieve the goals sincerely. He was humble yet brave, strong, polite, and kind but not weak. After becoming the Caliph, initially, his pension was two and a half hundred Dinars and some parts of a goat per year. Later on, with the consent of Hazrat Umar, Hazrat Ali, and other Muslims, his pension was fixed at three hundred Dinar and a whole goat per year.
Being a wise and prudent decision-maker, he has dedicated in maintaining the dominance of Islam all over the world. His reign was an exclusive era in respect of the ways of leadership by the Last Prophet ﷺ.
Hazrat Abu Bakr saved Muslims from several types of persecution during his caliphate through his wisdom and knowledge. He fought against the tribes that became apostate after Prophet Muhammad ﷺ. He protected the belief of the end of prophet hood by eradicating the false claimants of prophethood. Also, he compiled all the Surahs of the Holy Quran in the form of a book. His reign lasted for two years and seven months.
Who was the second caliph after Hazrat Abu Bakr?
During the last days of his life, Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique nominated Hazrat Umar Farooq as the second caliph with the consent of senior companions. He has chosen his successor in his life to avoid all kinds of discord or chaos among the Muslims. In a conversation with other companions, Hazrat Abu Bakr said, “I will say in the court of Allah, (on the day of judgment) O Allah! I have made the best of all Your creatures on earth as caliph. Convey my message to other people.”
Whereas Allah’s most beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said about Hazrat Umar Farooq, “If there were to be a prophet after me, it would be Umar bin al-Khattab.”
(Sunan al-Tirmizi, Hadith: 3686)
When did the first caliph Hazrat Abu Bakar pass away?
Hazrat Abu Bakar passed away after setting a marvelous example of excellent leadership. The first caliph of Islam leave this world on 22 Jamad al ukhra on 13 Hijri. At the time of death, his age was the same as that of Prophet Muhammad ﷺ at the time he passed away i.e. 63 years. The best companion of the greatest Prophet ﷺ is resting beside his blessed grave. The Holy grave of Allah’s most beloved Prophet Muhammad ﷺ is in Medina.
Hazrat Abu Hurairah narrated that Allah’s Messenger ﷺ said,
“There is no favor due on me from anyone that I have not repaid except Abu Bakar that Allah will repay him on the Day of Judgement. No one’s wealth has benefited me as Abu Bakar’s wealth. And if I were to take a Khalil (companion), then I would have taken Abu Bakar as a companion and indeed your companion is Allah’s companion.”
(Sunan al-Tirmizi, Hadees: 3661)
May Allah shower His countless blessings and mercy on him and forgive us all. Aameen
