The correct answer is Hazrat Abu Bakar (R.A). (Note: Among the prominent senior companions and the Rightly Guided Caliphs, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was the first to pass away, departing shortly after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 13 AH).
The passing...
Read More
The correct answer is Hazrat Abu Bakar (R.A). (Note: Among the prominent senior companions and the Rightly Guided Caliphs, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) was the first to pass away, departing shortly after the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in 13 AH).
The passing of the early companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) marks a profound chapter in Islamic history, symbolizing the transition of the early Muslim community (Ummah) from a localized society led directly by the Prophet to a global commonwealth guided by his successors.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), whose given name was Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafa and who earned the title As-Siddiq (The Truthful), held a unique and peerless position among the Sahabah (companions). He was the very first adult male outside the Prophet’s household to accept Islam, dedicating his entire life, wealth, and influence to the nascent Muslim community in Makkah.
When the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) passed away in 632 AD (11 AH), the Muslim community faced an existential crisis. It was Hazrat Abu Bakr who was unanimously chosen as the first Caliph at the critical juncture of Saqifah Bani Sa'idah. His brief but immensely consequential caliphate—lasting just over two years—stabilized the fractured Arabian Peninsula during the Ridda Wars and initiated the expansion of the Islamic state into the neighboring superpower territories.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) fell ill in Jumada al-Thani in the 13th year after Hijrah. Before his passing, sensing the gravity of the political climate and wishing to prevent civil discord (Fitna), he engaged in deep consultation (Shura) with senior companions and designated Hazrat Umar ibn al-Khattab (RA) as his successor.
He passed away at the age of 63—the exact same age at which the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) had passed away. In accordance with his final wishes, he was buried in the sacred chamber next to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in Madina, with his head resting near the shoulder of the Prophet, symbolizing in death the inseparable bond they shared in life.
Discussion
Leave a Comment