Dr. Sartaj Ahmad Sofi
The times of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) and His Companions (Sahaba) and their Companions (Tabi‘een) and their followers (Taba’ Tab‘een) are collectively considered as the best of times by the Muslims in general. The sayings of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) also confirms the best times as; “the best people are those of my generation, and then those who will come after them (the next generation), and then those who will come after them (i.e. the next generation), and then after them, there will come people whose witness will precede their oaths, and whose oaths will precede their witness.” (Bukhari). During the time of first three to four generations, the peace, solace and, conducive atmosphere in all spheres of life besides Human Dignity, Unity, Justice, Tolerance and Sincerity were the main characteristics. Which are hardly visible, throughout the history, thereafter? The status of these generations is, therefore, revered and a sign of faith in Islam. The Prophet (SAW) of Islam describes the status of these generations and the behavior of a Muslim towards them as; “Do not abuse my companions for if any of you spent gold equal to Uhud (in Allah’s Cause) it would not be equal to a Mud or even half Mud spent by one of them.” (Bukhari)
Among the three/four generations, the first two are more prominent in terms of human welfare and justice. Indeed, the prophet Muhammad is the best of all mankind. After Him, His Companions are considered as the best of all times to come. The role of the Sahaba (Companions of the Prophet Muhammad (saw) in diverse spheres of life is evident as that of the stars of the sky. They were the examples of all virtues and goodness. They sacrificed their lives but for the worship of Allah and the welfare of the people irrespective of their caste, creed color etc. They were the practical application of the Quranic injection “Help one another in acts of piety and righteousness. And do not assist each other in acts of sinfulness and transgression”. (Al-Quran, 5:2). They have taught the whole mankind the lessons of devotion, sincerity, dignity, tolerance and sacrifice for others without any vested interests. The Mawakhat of Medina is a live example where the Ansar (Helpers) shared their properties and even divorced their wives for their Muhajir (Immigrants) brothers. Such kind of universal brotherhood has never been seen in the universe which seems us today as just an episode of a fable.
The reverence and regard for Sahaba has been obligated upon the Muslims by the Prophet (SAW) of Islam. Prophet Said in one of the traditions as; “Respect me in regards to my companions, then those who come after them, then those after them. Then, falsehood will spread until a man offers his testimony without being asked, and swears an oath being asked.” (Sunan Ibn Majah). The status is so high that none among the people can reach there. Such regard can’t be imagined even if spending the whole life struggling in the way of Allah. The Prophet Muhammad (SAW) while describing the status of His Companions and warning the community regarding-, said as; “Do not abuse my companions for if any of you spent gold equal to Uhud (in Allah’s Cause) it would not be equal to a Mud or even half Mud spent by one of them.”
“Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), the first Caliph of Islam, lived a simple and modest life, viewing himself as a servant of the community, not a leader. He explicitly stated in his inaugural address that he was a servant, commanding obedience only as long as his directives did not contradict the injunctions of Islam. His life and personality are presented as a model for contentment, decency, and leadership in the current era of confusion.”
Among the companions, Abu Bakr stands the highest rank after the Prophet Muhammad (saw). He is considered, in the mainstream Muslim community, as Afdhal al-Bashr (the best of the humankind after Prophet). It is he, the Abu Bakr, who first embraced Islam among the men of the Quraysh, at the age 34. He has the advantage of being the father in law of Prophet Muhammad (saw). His daughter, Hd. Aisha, is the only virgin and beloved wife of Prophet of Islam. Abu Bakr (R.A.) has the privilege to become the companion of Prophet in peace and war. The very episode of cave thawr happened along Abu Bakr. Where in Quran has in a very unique but eloquent style mentioned both of them as; “While they both were in the cave, he reassured his companion, “Don’t worry; Allah is certainly with us….” (Al-Quran, 9:40). It is He, who spent his whole life along with his family and wealth for Islam, in the love of Prophet of Islam.
Abu Bakr has the honor of being bestowed the title of Sidiq (the Truthful one) after accepting the ascension of Prophet without any hesitation and questioning. He is the one who is lying next to Prophet Muhammad in the cemetery known as Jannat al-baqi of Medina. The Shura held at Bani Saqeefa Sa’idah, Hd. ‘Umar and Abu Ubaydah ibn Jarrah nominated Abu Bakr as the first caliph of Islam. He ruled two years after the sad demise of Prophet Muahammad (SAW) in 632 upto 634. His reign was witnessed both internal and external strife. The hostilities consist of the Apostasy and the Refusers of the Zakat. The most significant concern was that of the expedition of the Syria led by Uthama bin Zayd. Being a far-sighted statesman and a mentee of Prophet, Abu Bakr decided to continue the expedition which proved fruitful for the future of the Muslims. He, at that time stated the brave and foresighted statement; “the Abu Bakr may live or die, I will never discontinue the expedition for the Syrian conquest which was prepared by Prophet Muhammad (SAW)”. Abu Bakr (RA), being the caliph of Islam, spent a simple and modest life. He always considered himself a servant of the community not a leader. He cleared it in his presidential address that I am not your leader but a servant. Obey me in all the matters until and unless, not goes against the injections of Islam. Such was the life of a Muslim caliph and a close companion of Prophet. In this era of confusion and chaos, the life and the personality of Abu Bakr is indeed a model for contentment, decency, and leadership. The need of the hour is to comprehend the biographies of the Companions especially Abu Bakr and follow the lifestyle in letter and spirit.
(The Author is working as Contractual Lecturer -Contractual at GDC Shopian . The views, opinions and conclusions expressed in this article are those of the author and aren’t necessarily in accord with the views of “Kashmir Horizon”)
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