Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was the first caliph of Islam who efficiently ran the Islamic empire after the departure of the Holy Prophet (SAWW) from this world. He (RA) was a great companion or friend of the Holy Prophet (SAWW). Also, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was father-in-law of the last prophet of Allah.
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) was a quiet and honest person since he was a boy. Also, he was sincere, truthful and kind man who used to feel the pain of others deeply. Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) due to his soft heart always helped the poor and distressed people. Even before Islam, he never liked the ill practices of Arabs in the days of darkness like drinking and never drank any liquor.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was very close friend of the Prophet (SAWW) and knew him closely. When the Holy Prophet (SAWW) told him about the revelation of Allah secretly, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) accepted it promptly without any doubt.
The Prophet (SAWW) once said, “When I invited people towards Allah, everybody thought over it and hesitated, at least for a while, except Abu Bakr (RA) who accepted my call the moment I put it before him, and he didn’t hesitate for a moment.”
The last prophet of Allah (SWT) in his life didn’t nominate anyone to be the leaders of Muslims after his death and left this choice to his people or ummat. So, after the departure of Holy Prophet (SAWW) from this world, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was chosen as the first caliph of Islam by the Muslims or shura.
Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) remained caliph for a short period of little more than two years and served greatly as a caliph of Muslims. Following are his achievements as first khalifah of Islam;
It was in the rule of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) that Quran was compiled properly in the order as it was revealed to the Holy Prophet (SAWW). This work was done in the supervision of Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (RA) and the compiled copy of Holy Quran was kept in the house of Hazrat Hafsa (RA). It was a great achievement of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) as Muslims got their Holy book in complied form.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) declared war against those who refused to pay zakat in his time and this showed the importance of zakat for the Muslim government. Also, he ordered to fight the false prophets who arose in his time with false claims and saved Muslims from their controversies.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) decided all the matters with consultation and thus, worked with democratic norms in his rule. Also, he was elected by Muslims so his government had democratic foundations as well.
The first caliph of Islam served as a true leader of Muslims and passed away at the age of 61 years. He worked and lived for Islam selflessly. Before his death he said to his daughter, Hazrat Ayesha (RA), “Do not use new cloth for my shroud. Wash the sheet in my use and wrap my corpse in it.”
