Let’s look into some interesting facts of the life of a notable figure in Islam who memorized the Quran: Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (Hafiz in the 1st Century)
Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (ra) was the closest friend to Prophet Muhammad (saw) and was appointed to be the first Caliph after Prophet Muhammad (saw) passed away in the year 632 H. A memorizer of the Quran himself, Abu Bakr (ra) was also instrumental in preserving the Quran in written form when he ordered the compilation of the Quran during his caliphate.
In this post, we look at five interesting facts and stories of Abu Bakr’s (ra) life.
#1: He refused to worship the idols at the Kaaba in his youth
When Abu Bakr (ra) was a child, his father took him to the Kaaba and asked him to worship the idols. After not getting any responses from the idols, the young Abu Bakr (ra) lost his patience and prepared to hurl a stone at the idol. He said to the idol, “Here I am aiming a stone; if you are a god protect yourself”. Abu Bakr (ra) threw the stone at the idol and left the Kaaba, never returning to pray to the idols.
#2: He was a wealthy merchant and honest judge
When he was 18, Abu Bakr (ra) went into trade. He became a cloth merchant, which was the profession of his family’s business. He did not indulge in trade tricks and always traded fairly. His business flourished and he became one of the richest merchants of Makkah. Despite his success, he remained reputed for his honesty and integrity.
During his youth, Abu Bakr (ra) was assigned the office of awarding blood money in cases of murder. His judgments and awards were always fair and just that satisfied all parties.
#3: He influenced many friends to embrace Islam
Abu Bakr (ra) also used his social influence to bring many people to Islam. He presented Islam in such a way that persuaded many of his close friends to embrace Islam. Those who converted to Islam through the da’wah of Abu Bakr (ra) included Uthman Ibn Affan, Al-Zubayr, Abdur Rahman bin Awf and Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas (ra).
