610 CEmajor

Conversion of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq

إسلام أبي بكر الصديق

Mecca

Abu Bakr ibn Abi Quhafah, the Prophet's closest friend and a respected merchant of Quraysh from Banu Taym, accepted Islam immediately upon hearing the Prophet's call. He did not hesitate for a single moment, prompting the Prophet to say: 'I have never invited anyone to Islam except that they showed some hesitation, except Abu Bakr. When I presented it to him, he did not hold back or hesitate.' Abu Bakr was known among the Quraysh for his noble character, knowledge of genealogy, and commercial success. His immediate acceptance of Islam lent tremendous credibility to the early message. He would earn the title al-Siddiq (the Truthful) for his unwavering belief, and his acceptance led directly to the conversion of several other prominent companions including Uthman ibn Affan, al-Zubayr ibn al-Awwam, Abdur-Rahman ibn Awf, Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas, and Talhah ibn Ubaydullah.

Sources

  • Ibn Hisham's Sirah
  • Sahih al-Bukhari
  • Ar-Raheeq al-Makhtum