Men of Excellence: Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra)
After reciting Tashahhud, Ta’awwuz and Surah al-Fatihah, His Holiness, Hazrat Mirza Masroor Ahmad(aba) said that he would continue highlighting incidents from the life of Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra).
The Battle of Banu Quraizah
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) also took part in the Battle of Banu Quraizah. Whilst setting out towards Banu Quraizah, Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) and Hazrat Umar(ra) suggested to the Holy Prophet(sa) that if he donned a cloak given to him which was considered beautiful by worldly standards, then people would be more inclined towards accepting Islam. The Holy Prophet(sa) accepted their suggestion, saying that he would not refuse a matter which they both agreed upon. The Holy Prophet(sa) said that God had likened the two of them to the angels Gabriel and Michael, and from the prophets like Noah(as) and Abraham(as).
His Holiness(aba) said that during this time, all the Muslims had to eat were dates that were sent for them. It was seen that the Holy Prophet(sa), Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) and Hazrat Umar(ra) were also eating dates, and the Holy Prophet(sa) said that dates are an excellent thing to eat.
His Holiness(aba) said that based on a dream in which he saw himself walking around the Ka’bah, the Holy Prophet(sa) set out along with 1,400 companions towards the Ka’bah. However, the Holy Prophet(sa) learned that the Makkans planned to stop the Muslims from entering. When the Holy Prophet(sa) consulted with the companions, Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) said that they should continue as their intention was not to fight, and if anyone tried to stop them, then they would defend themselves.
The Treaty of Hudaibiyah
His Holiness(aba) said that at the time of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, Urwah went to the Holy Prophet(sa) to negotiate terms. He said to the Holy Prophet(sa) that if the Quraish were victorious, then the companions would abandon the Holy Prophet(sa). Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) could not bear to hear this and said that he should leave and return back to his idols, meaning that while the idolaters were devoted to their false idols, how could the Muslims who were rooted in truth and believed in God and His Messenger (sa) abandon him? Urwah said that he would not respond to this, as Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) had a previous favour over him which he had not yet recompensed.
His Holiness(aba) said that upon the stipulation of the terms in the Treaty of Hudaibiyah, Hazrat Umar(ra) asked the Holy Prophet(sa) that if he was truthful, then why were the Muslims conceding to such conditions when the Holy Prophet(sa) had said that the Muslims would go to the Ka’bah? The Holy Prophet(sa) said that based on his dream, he had not said that they would certainly reach the Ka’bah that same year, and said that surely he would follow God’s will. Later, when Hazrat Umar(ra) expressed the same to Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra), he too gave a similar response as the Holy Prophet(sa) and said that he would never go against the will of God. Later, Hazrat Umar(ra) said that he regretted raising such questions and took it upon himself to do good deeds in expiation.
His Holiness(aba) said that there were two copies made of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah; one for each side. There were also witnesses who signed the treaty, among whom were Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra).
Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) Leads the Expedition to Banu Fuzarah
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) took part in the Expedition of Banu Fuzarah, who were plotting against the Muslims. According to some narrations, the Holy Prophet(sa) appointed Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) as the leader of this expedition. A battle with the disbelievers ensued in which the Muslims proved victorious.
Participation in the Battle of Khaibar
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) also took part in the Battle of Khaibar. The Muslims lay siege to their fortresses for more than ten nights and eventually overtook them. During this time, the Holy Prophet(sa) was enduring migraines and would not come out for some days. The Holy Prophet(sa) sent Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) towards one of the fortresses where a severe battle ensued, but the army was victorious under the command of Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra).
Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) Leads the Expedition to Banu Kilaab
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) also took part in the Expedition of Najd, where Banu Kilaab stood against the Muslims. The Holy Prophet(sa) appointed Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) as the leader of this expedition.
The Conquest of Makkah
His Holiness(aba) said that Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) also took part in the Conquest of Makkah. One of the affiliate tribes of the Quraish had acted in defiance of the Treaty of Hudaibiyah. After this, one day Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) went to see his daughter Hazrat A’ishah(ra) and saw her preparing the Holy Prophet’s (sa) belongings. At the time, Hazrat A’ishah(ra) did not know where the Holy Prophet(sa) intended to go. In the meantime, the Holy Prophet(sa) arrived, and informed Hazrat Abu Bakr(ra) about his intention of going to Makkah, but instructed him not to disclose this to anyone. Later, the Holy Prophet(sa) announced to the Muslims that they should prepare for a journey, but did not yet tell them where they would be going. The Holy Prophet(sa) also ensured that no one from the Quraish learned of the Muslims’ preparations.
His Holiness(aba) said that when the Muslims reached a place called Marruz-Zuhrah which is 25 kilometres from Makkah, the Holy Prophet(sa) instructed the Muslims to light ten thousand fires. The Quraish became worried, as they were certain that a battle would ensue. Abu Sufyan went towards the Muslims in order to find out what was happening, and seek security. Upon arriving, Abu Sufyan and two others with him were taken to the Holy Prophet(sa) and they accepted Islam.
His Holiness(aba) said that he would continue narrating these incidents in future sermons.
Summary prepared by The Review of Religions