Abu Bakr, renowned by some and maligned by others, found that his significant claim to fame stemmed from his relationship with Mohammad, the founder of the Islamic religion. This relationship earned him the position of being the first Muslim caliph, or religious leader, following the death of Mohammad. Abu Bakr was originally called Abd-el-Ka’ba (“servant of the temple”) or some say Abdul Ka’bah (“slave of the Ka’aba”) until Mohammad changed his name to Abdullah (“slave of Allah.’) Some authorities state that the name Abu-Bakr (“father of the virgin”) was given to him after he gave his 7 year old daughter, Aisha, to Mohammad as a wife.

Many disputes surround both Abu Bakr’s name and its meaning. As previously stated, “Some think that his name means ‘the father of the maiden, and that he received this title because he was the father of ‘Aisha, whom Mohammad married at the age ‘when she was still playing with dolls.’” (http://answering-islam.org.uk/Index/B/abu_bakr.html) It is believed that one of the many ways Abu Bakr gained power was through allowing his daughter to officially marry Mohammad at age seven, even though the marriage was not consummated until the child was nine years of age. Regarding this marriage arrangement, Pakistani Islamic authority, Daniel Scott * stated the following: “When Mohammad expressed the desire to have Abu Bakr’s young daughter as his wife, Abu Bakr reportedly said, ‘Oh no, she is but a child.’” However, Mohammad replied, “’Allah had said it should be so.’” Consequently, Abu Bakr conceded to this arrangement – which today would be considered no less appalling than child molestation.

Abu Bakr was born in Mecca about 573 A.D. He was a Koreishite of the tribe of Beni-Taim. Little is known about his childhood. However, it is stated that in his adulthood, he became exceptionally successful in commerce and acquired immense wealth. Also, supposedly he was “held in high esteem as a judge, an interpreter of dreams, and a depositary of the traditions of his race.” (http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Bakr). His legendary devotion to Mohammad earned him the esteemed position of becoming Mohammad’s close friend and trusted advisor (http://i-cias.com/e.o/abubakr.htm). Another way Abu Bakr promoted his power, was via both his great wealth and knowledge of the genealogies and histories of the Arab tribes. He remained with Mohammad until the day of his prophet’s death, at which time he became the first caliph.

Following Mohammad’s death on June 8, 632 A.D, Abu Bakr began his reign as the first Muslim caliph. During Mohammad’s last illness he indicated that Abu Bakr would be his successor by asking him to offer up prayers for the people. The prophet’s choice was endorsed by the chiefs of the army and later confirmed. Ali, Mohammad’s son-in-law, disagreed, as he thought this should be his position. That division between Ali and Abu Bakr caused the Sunni, Sufi, and Shi’i sects of Islam to form. The Shi’is were opposed to any other caliph other than Ali, while the other sects of Islam agreed that Abu Bakr should become the next caliph. His reign lasted only from 632-634 A.D due to his death on August 23, 634 A.D. (“Abu Bakr,” Encyclopedia Americana). Having ruled for only two years, he is still honored among certain Muslim followers, because he was considered to be “a central religious personage, and a spiritual authority.” (http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Bakr)

During his reign, it was said that Abu Bakr tolerated Christians and Jews as long as they submitted to the political power of Islam. However, he did fight with those who refused submit and pay the tax forced on the non-Muslim people groups. Consequently, most of the time during his short reign, he was either crushing revolts or conquering new lands in the name of Islam. Shortly thereafter, when the internal disputes in Arabia had been taken care of, his army went out and conquered Iraq and certain parts of Syria. However, he did not live long after conquering these countries. He died on August 23, 634 A.D at the age of sixty-one. (http://answering-islam.org.uk/Index/B/abu_bakr.html)

Despite the fact of his renowned position with Mohammad, it is interesting to note, however, that Mohammad was uncertain whether or not his good friend would go to Paradise. Mohammad stated in the Qur’an (Sura 46: 8-9) that, “I do not know what will happen to me or anyone else.” Additionally, Mohammad said in the Qur’an (Sura 72: 20-22) that, “Allah commands Mohammad and he has no power to either hurt or benefit anyone.” Abu Bakr was also unsure if he would go to Paradise or not. (Qur’an) Here, Abu Bakr stated, “O God, how can I be saved? There is no goodness in me. I am overwhelmed with sins and lacking in goodness.” (The True Guidance (Part 1) The Infallibility of Revelation And the Sins of the Prophets, page 117)

Of course, there is no goodness in any human being. Jesus, Himself, stated this to the rich young ruler in Matthew 19:16-17 which says: “. . . ‘Good Teacher, what good thing shall I do that I may have eternal life?’ So He said to him ‘Why do you call Me good? No one is good but One, that is, God . . .’”. How different Islam and Christianity are! First of all, salvation is not attained through one’s goodness, but only through the blood of Jesus. Unlike Islam, because of the blood sacrifice that Jesus made for all, believers do not have to wonder whether or not they will be saved. In many places in God’s Word, the assurance of salvation is given to believers. Such as in Romans 8:16 which states, “The Spirit himself testifies with our spirit that we are God’s children.“ How sad for those trapped in the web of Islam, who do not know that they can be saved and be certain of that salvation. (Holy Bible New International Version)

In conclusion, Abu Bakr was considered a great leader among certain sects of Islam. As Mohammad's “right hand man”, Abu became the first Muslim caliph after Mohammad’s death. Additionally, after the marriage of his daughter, Aisha, to Mohammad, he joined a group of what would become several father-in-laws. From the world’s point of view, he attained much in his life and held significant status and power. Sadly, however, his life ended just as misguided as the “prophet” he followed.

Controversial*
The following Email was recieved on 12/25/04 and is reprinted here with permission from the author:

Dear Mr. Rit Nosotro,
The complete history about ABU KAER is fabricated by him and his successors. He was never friend of MUHAMMAD (PBUH&HP). Please read SURA 59 of QURAN it says so. We can find out a friend on the time of hardship. Muhammad (PBUH&HP) got hardship too. On the Battle of UHAD and KHANDAK. Please read about these two battles. ABU BAKER OMER ran away instead of supporting Muhammad (PBUH&HP). ABU BAKER never attended the funeral of MUHAMMAD (PBUH&HP) and instead of condolence's, three days after the death of MUHAMMAD (PBUH&HP) ABU BAKER burned the house of FATIMA (AS), the only daughter of Muhammad (PBUH&HP) because she refused to accept his illegal rule. If Abu Baker was friend of Muhammad (PBUH&HP) then he does not need enemy. It is obligatory for all MUSLIMS to send BLESSINGS to FATIMA (AS) in their prayers otherwise their prayers are invalid. Plus Muhammad (PBUH&HP) said that who hurts FATIMA (AS) hurts him.
NOTE-- I am Descendant of MUHAMMAD (PBUH&HP) and FATIMA (AS)
Best regards.
Manzoor Jaffery
m_0668877_m (at) hotmail.com

Works Cited:
Books:

Holy Bible New International Version, 1820 Jet Stream Drive, Colorado Springs, CO, International Bible Society (C) 1984

Mohammad, The Qur’an, Elmhurst, New York, Tahrike Tarsile Qur’an Inc. Sixth U.S. Edition 1997

Unknown, The True Guidance (Part 1) The infallibility of Revelation And the Sins of the Prophets, Villach, Austria, Light of Light, 1st English Edition 1991

A Personal Interview:

Scott, Daniel. Personal Interview, July 12, 2000. (An alias is necessary for security)

Websites:

Unknown, “Abu Bakr” http://en2.wikipedia.org/wiki/Abu_Bakr , Unknown, Unknown, December 8, 2003

Unknown, “Abu Bakr,” http://answering-islam.org.uk/Index/B/abu_bakr.html, Unknown, Unknown, December 8, 2003

Unknown, “Abu Bakr,” http://i-cias.com/e.o/abubakr.htm, Unknown, Unknown, December 8, 2003