Photo: Collected
When Almighty Allah bestowed prophethood on the beloved Prophet Hazrat Muhammad (PBUH), the environment across the whole of Arabia was entirely opposed to tawhid, or monotheism.
For a long time after Hazrat Isa (AS), no prophet had come to the world. As a result, people had drifted far from heavenly teachings and the right path, forgetting Allah and indulging in the worship of various gods and goddesses. It was in such a dark and hostile environment that Allah sent the last Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) with the great responsibility of prophethood.
Receiving the responsibility of prophethood in a completely contrary and difficult environment, the beloved Prophet (PBUH) became somewhat apprehensive and worried. Deep thoughts arose in his mind about how, and whom, he should call to the noble message of Islam.
At that critical moment, it was his affectionate wife, Ummul Mu’minin Hazrat Khadija (RA), who gave the beloved Prophet (PBUH) great comfort and courage. Without any disagreement, she was the very first to believe in the prophethood of the Messenger (PBUH) and embrace Islam. After that, the young Ali (RA) came under the cool shade of Islam.
After his family, the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) decided to call his close friends and people near to him to the path of Islam. Among his friends, he first chose Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), his selfless, devoted and sincere friend. As soon as the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) invited him, Abu Bakr (RA) embraced Islam at the very first call, without the slightest deliberation, hesitation or doubt.
Referring to this unique event of Abu Bakr (RA) embracing Islam, the beloved Prophet (PBUH) said in a hadith:
‘Everyone I invited to Islam showed some hesitation at first in accepting it. But Abu Bakr did not delay even for a moment in embracing Islam.’
Historical accounts of the background to Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)’s acceptance of Islam say that some time before the prophethood, he had gone to Yemen on some business or personal need. Immediately on returning to Makkah from Yemen, he heard that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) had received prophethood.
On hearing the news, he went straight to the Prophet and asked, ‘Have you abandoned the religion of your forefathers?’
In reply, the beloved Prophet (PBUH) told him, ‘O Abu Bakr! I have been sent by Allah as a prophet for all of mankind. So believe in the One Allah and in my prophethood.’
As soon as he heard this, Abu Bakr (RA) exclaimed with great joy:
‘Then why delay any longer? Extend your hand. I bear witness that there is no god but the One Allah, and that you are the Messenger of Allah.’
History records that the Messenger of Allah (PBUH) was greatly pleased by the acceptance of Islam by Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), his intimate friend and most trusted companion. (Usd al-Ghabah: 3/208-209)
Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) was born two and a half years after the incident of the Companions of the Elephant. He was the first among adult men to embrace Islam. He received the title ‘Siddique’ for affirming the truth of the Mi’raj. He took part in all the battles alongside the Messenger of Allah (PBUH), and after the Prophet (PBUH)’s death he was appointed caliph of the Muslim Ummah. He died in 13 AH at the age of 63.
Sources
Original report: Ajker Patrika
