Siege of Damascus From Busra, Khalid bin Waleed رضي الله عنه marched northward to Damascus. The Byzantine emperor Hercalius garrisoned all forts in Syria and ordered a huge concentration of forces in the south at Ajnadein. The situation was critical for Muslims. If they pressed the siege of Damascus, the danger was that the Byzantine army from Ajnadein might attack the Muslim army from the rear. The Muslims accordingly raised the siege of Damascus and marched to Ajnadein.
The Battle of Ajnadein The total strength of the Muslim forces assembled at Ajnadein was about 40,000 while the strength of the Byzantine forces was over one hundred thousand. It was hardly contested battle in which the Muslims won an astounding victory. As many as 50,000 Byzantine soldiers were killed while only 450 Muslims were martyred.
Damascus Again After winning the battle of Ajnadein, the Muslims marched to Damascus in August 634 CE. The Byzantines tried to intercept the advance of the Muslims. There was a confrontation at Yaqusa on the Yermuk in which the Byzantines were defeated and Muslims pushed forward to Damascus. There was another confrontation at Marjus Saffar, 12 miles from Damascus. Here again the Byzantines were defeated and the Muslims pushed forward to Damascus. The siege of Damascus began on 21st August 634 CE, and on 23rd August, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه nominated 'Umar رضي الله عنه as his successor.
Assessment Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه became the Caliph on the 6th of June 632 CE, and he died on 23rd August 634 CE. His period of caliphate extended over two years and two months. Judged by the usual standards this was certainty too short a period to make an impact on history. Surprisingly enough, the caliphate of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه not only made the impact on history, it changed the very course of history. The suppression of apostasy, the unification of Arabia and the conquests of Iraq and Syria within the short space of two years are the extraordinary marvels of history. The speed, the magnitude, the extent and the permanence of these operations excite wonder and evoke admiration. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه commands a unique position in the history of the world in general and the history of Islam in particular.
Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه came to power in the midst of crises-loaded situation. The crises which he was called upon to encounter were multidimensional, being physiological, political, religious and international in charter. At the time of his accession, Islam stood at the brink of precipice and any wrong step on the part of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه would have led the disintegration of Islam. That he not only averted the process of disintegration, but made Islam a world force that could successfully contend against the giant empires of Byzantium and Persia, speaks for the dynamics of his leadership.
According to the assessment of Muir (The Caliphate - Its Rise, Decline and Fall):
"But for Abu Bakr, Islam would have melted away in compromise with the Bedouin tribes or likelier still would have perished in the throes of birth."
Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه proved to be the savior of Islam and he launched Islam on the course of its destiny.
A look into the life and virtues of the best of mankind after the Prophets (عليهم الصلاة والسلام) of Allah Ta'ala.
About Maulana Sulaiman:
Maulana is a world renowned scholar who delivers excellent speeches in various languages covering many aspects of Deen. Allah has truly blessed him with vast knowledge.
Having memorized the Qur'aan by the age of 14, Maulana embarked on studying Islam in depth under the supervision of great Ulama. Since graduating he has travelled to all corners of the world, delivering inspirational speeches in front of large audiences and convincing many to change their lives for the better.
It is part of the belief of Ahlus Sunnah that the most deserving of the people to succeed the Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq (may Allaah be pleased with him). The evidence for the leadership of Abu Bakr (may Allaah be pleased with him) is as follows:
1 - It was narrated from Muhammad ibn Jubayr ibn Mut'im that his father said: "A woman came to the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) and he told her to come back later. She said, 'What if I come back and do not find you?' as if she was referring to death. He (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said, 'If you do not find me, then go to Abu Bakr.'" (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3659).
2 - It was narrated that Ibn Mas'ood said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'Take as your leaders those who come after me, Abu Bakr and 'Umar.'" (Narrated by al-Tirmidhi, 3805; classed as saheeh by al-Albaani).
3- It was narrated that Ibn 'Umar (may Allaah be pleased with them both) said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said: 'Whilst I was standing by a well, drawing water from it, Abu Bakr and 'Umar came. Abu Bakr took the bucket and drew one or two buckets, but there was some weakness in his drawing. May Allah forgive him. Then 'Umar bin Al-Khattaab came and the bucket turned into a very large one in his hands. I had never seen such a mighty person as he in doing such hard work till all the people drank to their satisfaction and watered their camels that knelt down there.'" (Narrated by al-Bukhaari, 3676).
Ibn Hajar (may Allaah have mercy on him) said in his commentary on this hadeeth:
"Whilst I was standing by a well" means, in a dream. "Drawing water from it" means, filling a bucket with water. "He drew one or two buckets (dhanooban aw dhanoobayn)": dhanoob refers to a large bucket when it is full of water. It seems to me that this refers to the major conquests which took place during his reign (as khaleefah), which numbered three. Hence the hadeeth does not refer to the number of buckets in the case of 'Umar, rather it describes his drawing of water as 'mighty', referring to the many conquests that would occur during his reign as khaleefah. And Allaah knows best.
Imam ash-Shaafi'ee (may Allaah have mercy on him) mentioned the interpretation of this hadeeth in al-Umm, where after quoting it he said: The meaning of the phrase "but there was some weakness in his drawing" is that his time of leadership was short, because of his untimely death and the fact that the war against the apostates (ahl al-riddah) kept him from reaching the level of conquests attained by 'Umar during his lengthy reign as khaleefah.
With regard to the phrase "May Allaah forgive him," Imam an-Nawawi (may Allaah have mercy on him) said: This is a du'aa' on the part of the one who is speaking, i.e., there can be no other interpretation. Others said that it was an indication that the death of Abu Bakr was close. A similar case is to be seen in the aayah in which Allaah says to His Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him):
"So glorify the Praises of your Lord, and ask His forgiveness. Verily, He is the One Who accepts the repentance and Who forgives"
[al-Nasr 110:3]
This aayah was an indication that the death of the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) was close. I say: it may be that it was an indication that the small number of conquests during his time was not his fault, because the reason for that was the brevity of his rule, and the meaning of forgiveness is to remove any blame from him.
"And the bucket turned into a very large one in his hands" means, it became a huge bucket. "I had never seen such a mighty person as he" means that he achieved the ultimate.
4 - It was narrated that Ummul Mu'mineen 'Aa'ishah (may Allaah be pleased with her) said: "The Messenger of Allaah (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) said to me when he was sick, 'Call Abu Bakr for me, your father and your brother, so that I may dictate a letter. For I am worried lest someone who is ambitious says that he is more entitled to the position of leadership, but Allaah and the believers will not accept anyone other than Abu Bakr.'" (Narrated by Muslim, 2387).
5 - During his final illness, the Prophet (peace and blessings of Allaah be upon him) appointed Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq to lead the Muslims in prayer and he did not accept anyone else to take his place. The fact that he was appointed to take his place in the case of minor leadership (leading the prayers) indicates that he would succeed him in the case of major leadership (as imaam or khaleefah).
Hadrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه Honours Hadrat 'Ali رضي الله عنه and Vacates his Place for him
Hadhrat Anas رضي الله عنه narrates that the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم was once sitting in the masjid with the Sahabah رضي الله عنهم around him. Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه then arrived, greeted with salaam and then stood there to look for a place to sit. The Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم looked at the faces of the Sahabah رضي الله عنهم to see which of them would make place for him. Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, who was sitting to the right of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم shifted from his place and said, "Come here, O Abul Hasan."
Hadhrat 'Ali رضي الله عنه then sat between the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم and Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. The Sahabah رضي الله عنهم could actually see the happiness on the face of the Messenger of Allah صلى الله عليه وسلم as he said to Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, "O Abu Bakr! It is only the people of virtue who recognise others of virtue."
[Ibnul A'raabi, as quoted in al-Bidaayah wan-Nihaayah, vol 7, p359; Hayatus Sahabah رضي الله عنهم (The Lives of the Sahabah رضي الله عنهم), vol 2, p464]
Al-Irbili narrated in Kash al-Ghummah fi Ma'rifat al-A'immah from 'Urwah Ibn 'Abdullah that he said: "I asked Imam Abu Ja'far Muhammad Ibn 'Ali رحمه الله about adorning swords, and he said: 'There is nothing wrong with it; Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه adorned his sword.'
I said: 'Do you say "as-Siddeeq"?'
He jumped up, turned to face the Qiblah and said: 'Yes, as-Siddeeq. Whoever does not call him as-Siddeeq, may Allah never accept from him anything he says in this world or in the hereafter as true.'"
[Quoted in: Dr. 'Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi: 'Ali Ibn Abi Talib رضي الله عنه, IIPH, vol. 2, p. 511]
The scholars have said: With the exception of the family of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه, there is no other known example of a family whose four generations accompanied the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم. These family members were: 'Abdullaah Ibn az-Zubayr, his mother Asmaa' bint Abi Bakr, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr, and his father Abi Quhaafah رضي الله عنهم. These four accompanied the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and were descended from one another. The same may also be said of Muhammad Ibn 'Abdur Rahmaan Ibn Abi Bakr Ibn Abi Quhaafah رضي الله عنهم.
There is no one else, man or woman, among the Companions رضي الله عنهم whose parents and children embraced Islaam and met the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, and whose grandchildren also met him. This was the honour that belonged solely to Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. All of them believed in the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and accompanied him. This is the family of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه, a family of believers among whom there was no hypocrite. The Companions رضي الله عنهم had never known any family like that of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. It was said: There are families of faith and families of hypocrisy. The family of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه is one of the families of faith among the Muhaajireen, and the family of Banu an-Najjaar is one of the families of faith among the Ansaar.
[Dr. 'Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi: Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه, His Life & Times, IIPH, p. 56]
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه was one of the most knowledgeable people about Allaah سبحانه و تعالى and was one of those who feared Him the most. Ahlus Sunnah unanimously agreed that Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was the most knowledgeable of this Ummah, and more than one scholar has narrated that there was a consensus on this point.
The reason for his pre-eminence among all of the Companions رضي الله عنهم in terms of knowledge and virtue was his staying close to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He spent the most time with him by night and day, while travelling and at hpme in Madinah. He would stay up with the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم after the evening prayer, talking to him about the affairs of the Ummah, unlike anyone else among the Companions رضي الله عنهم.
Whenever the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would consult his Companions رضي الله عنهم, the first one to speak would be Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. Then sometimes, someone else would speak, and sometimes no one else would do so. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم would follow Abu Bakr's رضي الله عنه opinion alone, and if someone else differed with Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, he would prefer Abu Bakr's رضي الله عنه opinion.
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم appointed Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه to lead the first Hajj that was performed from Madinah. Knowledge of the Hajj rituals is more complex than other acts of worship; were it not for his vast knowledge, he would not have been appointed. Similarly, the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم appointed him to lead the prayers, and were it not for his knowledge, he would not have appointed to do that. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم did not appoint anyone else to lead the Hajj or the prayers.
The document on Zakah as enjoined by the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم was taken by Anas رضي الله عنه from Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. It is the soundest reports concerning this matter, as per a hadeeth recorded by Imam al-Bukhari رحمه الله. Legal scholars and others relied on it to know what was abrogated with regard to the issue of Zakah, which indicates that Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was the most knowledgeable about the Sunnah and abrogation of previous rulings.
There is no view recorded from Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه that contradicts any legal text. This is indicative of Abu Bakr's رضي الله عنه high level of knowledge. In conclusion, we may note that there is no known view of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه concerning any issue of Islamic jurisprudence in which he is known to have made a mistake, unlike the case of others.
He used to pass judgement and issue verdicts in the presence of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم, who would approve of them. This status was not enjoyed by anyone else. I have highlighted this in the story of the booty claimed by Abu Qatadah at Hunayn.
The superiority of his knowledge over others becomes clear after the death of the Messenger of Allaah; صلى الله عليه وسلم whenever the Ummah differed concerning any issue during his rule, he explained it to them on the basis of knowledge and proof from the Qur'an and Sunnah. It was Abu Bakr's رضي الله عنه complete knowledge and justice, and his knowledge of the evidence, that ended disputes.
If he told people to do something, they obeyed him. This became evident after the death of the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم. He urged them to be steadfast and have faith. He explained to them where the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم should be buried and what should be done with his legacy. He also explained to them why they should fight those who withheld Zakah, when even Sayyiduna 'Umar رضي الله عنه hesitated. He explained to them that the Caliphate belonged to the Quraysh; he sent out the army of Sayyiduna Usamah رضي الله عنه, and he explained to them that the slave who had been given the choice between this world and the hereafter was the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم.
Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه believed that dreams were true, and he excelled interpreting them. He would say in the morning, "Whoever has seen a good dream, let him tell us about it." He also used to say, "If a Muslim who does ablution well sees a good dream, that is dearer to me than such-and-such."
One of the dreams interpreted by Sayyiduna Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was the following:
"It was narrated from Sayyiduna Ibn 'Abbas رضي الله عنهما that a man came to the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم and said: 'Last night, I saw in a dream a cloud giving shade, from which drops of butter and honey were falling. I saw people collecting them in the palms of their hands, some gathering a lot and some a little. I saw a rope reaching from the earth to the heaven, and I saw you take hold of it and rise with it. Then another man took hold of it and rose with it, followed by another. When a fourth man took hold of it, it broke, but later it was reconnected.'
Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said: 'O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, may my father be sacrificed for you, let me interpret it.'
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: 'Interpret it.'
He explained: 'The cloud giving shade is Islam. Drops of honey and butter that fall from it represent the Qur'an; its sweetness drops, and some learn a lot of the Qur'an while some learn a little. The rope stretching from the heaven to the earth is the truth that you are following; you took hold of it, and Allaah سبحانه و تعالى caused you to rise with it. Another man will hold it after you and rise with it; another man will hold it after him and rise with it. When a fourth man holds it, it will break. Later, it will be reconnected and he will rise with it. Tell me, O Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم, may my father be sacrificed for you, did I get it right or wrong?'
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: 'You have got some of it right and some of it wrong.'
Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said: 'I ask you by Allaah: tell me, what did I get wrong?'
The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said: 'Do not swear an oath.'" [Saheeh al-Bukhari]
It was narrated from Ummul Mu'mineen 'Aa'isha رضي الله عنها that she dreamt that three moons fell into her house. She told Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه about that, as he was one of the most skilled people in dream interpretation; he said: "If your dream is true, three of the best of the people of the earth will be buried in your house."
When the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم died, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه said: "O 'Aa'isha, this is the best of your moons."
Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was the most skilled of this Ummah in dream interpretation after the Messenger of Allaah صلى الله عليه وسلم.
Even though he was the most knowledge of the Companions رضي الله عنهم, he never spoke about something of which he was uncertain. It is reported by Shu'bah رحمه الله from Sulayman رحمه الله from 'Abdullaah Ibn Murrah رحمه الله, who related from Abu Ma'mar رحمه الله that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه said, 'Which earth will hold me and which sky will shadow me if I speak about the Book of Allaah without knowledge.' [1]
It is also reported from Abu 'Ubayd al-Qasim Ibn Salam رحمه الله who narrated from Muhammad Ibn Yazeed رحمه الله from al'Awwam Ibn Hawshab رحمه الله, who related from Ibraheem at-Taymi رحمه الله that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه was asked concerning the verse,
"And fruits and Abba (herbage, etc.)." (Soorah 'Abasa, 80:31)
He responded, 'Which sky will shadow me and which earth will hold me if I speak about the Book of Allaah سبحانه و تعالى without knowledge.' [2] [3]
Notes:
[1] Ibn Abi Shaybah, 6/136
[2] Muqaddimah fee Usool at-Tafseer
[3] Dr. 'Ali Muhammad as-Sallabi: Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq رضي الله عنه, His Life & Times, IIPH, pp. 181-185
The Comment of Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه Concerning the Courage of Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه to Deliver a Sermon
While addressing the people, Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه once asked, "O people! Who is the most courageous person?" "You are, O Ameerul Mu'mineen," the people submitted. Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه then said, "Although I have defeated everyone who has confronted me, the most courageous person is Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. We had constructed a shed for Rasulullaah (during the Battle of Badr) and then asked who would remain with Rasulullaah so that the Mushrikeen do not attack him. By Allaah! Whenever a Mushrik even drew close to us Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه was there with his sword drawn near the head side of Rasulullaah . He attacked anyone who dared attack Rasulullaah . He was certainly the bravest of people."
Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه continues, "I have seen the Quraysh grab hold of Rasulullaah with one person treating him angrily and another shaking him while they said to him, "Do you make all the gods into one?!" By Allaah! None of us dared go close to Rasulullaah (for fear of being beaten) besides Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه. He would hit one person, wrestle with another and shake someone else as he said, "Shame on you people! Will you kill a man for saying, "Allaah is my Rabb"?" Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه then lifted the shawl he was wearing and wept until his beard became wet. He then said, "I ask you to swear by Allaah whether the Mu'min from the court of Fir'oun was better or Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه." When everyone remained silent, Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه said, "By Allaah! A moment of the life of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه is better than the earth full of people like the Mu'min from the court of Fir'oun. While the Mu'min from the court of Fir'oun concealed his Imaan, Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه made his Imaan public." (Hayatus Sahabah Vol-1)
Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه Marches for Jihaad by Himself and the statement of Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه in this Regard
Hadhrat Aa'isha رضى الله عنها narrates that Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه once drew his sword and rode his animal towards Dhu Qassah. Hadhrat Ali رضي الله عنه took hold of the animal's reins and said, "Where are you off to, O Khalifah of Rasulullaah? Today I shall say to you what Rasulullaah said to you during the Battle of Uhud; 'Sheath your sword and do not cause me grief (by getting yourself injured or martyred)'. I swear by Allaah that if we suffer any grief through you (coming to harm), Islaam shall never regain its form." Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه then returned and dispatched an army instead. (Hayatus Sahabah Vol-2)
The Lecture of Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه Concerning the Khilaafah and his statement that he Never Desired it for a Single Day or Night
Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه once said, "O people! You may think that I assumed the post as Khalifah because I had aspirations for it and because I desired to gain superiority over you. This is not true! I swear by the Being Who controls my life that I have never assumed the post because of any aspirations and neither to attain superiority over you people or over any Muslim. I have never desired the position for a single night or day and I have never prayed to Allaah for it either secretly or in public. However, I have been burdened with this extremely formidable task which I have no strength to carry out without the assistance of Allaah. I do wish that it be handed over to any other companion of Rasulullaah provided that he exercises justice. I am therefore returning the portfolio to you and acknowledge no pledge of allegiance from you. You may hand the post over to whoever you please for I am just an ordinary man amongst you." (Hayatus Sahabah Vol-2)
The Response of the Sahabah رضي الله عنهم to Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and their statement Confirming that he was the Best Amongst them
Hadhrat Isa bin Atiyya reports that the day after the Sahabah رضي الله عنهم had pledged their allegiance to Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه, he stood up to deliver a lecture. He said, "O people! I am cancelling your decision (to appoint me as Khalifah) for I am not the best of you. You should therefore pledge your allegiance to the person who is best amongst you." The Sahabah رضي الله عنهم stood up and replied, "O Khalifah of Rasulullaah ! We swear by Allaah that you are the best amongst us."
Hadhrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه then said, "O people! There are people who entered into Islaam willingly and those who entered unwillingly. However, they are now all in Allaah's protection and His neighbours. Therefore, if it is possible that Allaah does hot find you guilty of wronging anyone in His protection, then make sure that you do so. I also have a Shaytaan with me so when you see me angry, stay away from me so that I may not harm even your hair or your skin. O people! Keep watch over the income of your slaves because flesh nourished with Haraam cannot enter Jannah. Hear this well! Inspect me with your eyes and assist me when I do good. However should I deviate, then do correct me. Obey me as long as I obey Allaah and disobey me if I disobey Allaah." (Hayatus Sahabah Vol-2)
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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(during the Battle of Badr) and then asked who would remain with Rasulullaah 
