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Abu Bakr
Arabic:
'abū bakri ¢abdi llāhi
(Mecca (?) c.570- Madina 634) First Caliph of Islam (632- 634).
Depending on the group of Muslims, Abu Bakr is regarded very differently. Some groups of Sufis, like the Naqshibandis, regard him as a central religious personage, and a spiritual authority. Sunnis consider him affectionately because he is the first Muslim leader after Muhammad passed away. The Shi'is object generally to any Caliph except Ali, but Abu Bakr is one of those they tolerate most. Still, they consider him to be a symbol of profound injustice, because his rule is a human one and not divinely guided, hence illegitimate and tyrannical.
We know little of Abu Bakr's early days, but he is supposed to have been of the same age as Muhammad, and he was either the first or second male to covert to Islam.
Abu Bakr was part of the group of Muslims escaping to Yathrib (later named Madina) in 622. Abu Bakr was immediately considered as one of the leaders in the emigrant community. His position became probably stronger when he gave his 6 year old daughter A'isha to Muhammad (but the marriage was not consummated until 4 years later) for marriage. His position was also improved or at least confirmed by his active participation in successful military campaigns. Abu Bakr soon became Muhammad's chief adviser.
Sunni tradition has it that Muhammad gave Abu Bakr some of the central religious positions, like leading the hajj in 632, and leading the congregation in the public prayers in Madina. Shi'i traditions tell little about incidents like this.
There are also Sunni traditions telling that Muhammad appointed Abu Bakr to become his deputy, so that Abu Bakr became the de facto leader of the Muslim community after Muhammad's death. The Shi'is believe that it was Ali that had been appointed by Muhammad.
Sunni traditions depict Abu Bakr in a positive light, as pious, and successful on the battleground. Abu Bakr stayed in power for only two years until his death in 634. He ruled from his quarters in Madina. The principal challenge to Abu Bakr were Arab tribes that had given allegiance to Muhammad, but didn't continue it with him. Abu Bakr had to bring them back into the Muslim federation. Already in 633, Abu Bakr's troops had full control over central Arabia.
Abu Bakr is said to have taken the first steps in the conquests that took place in the following decades, conquests that would make Islam the strongest power in the world.
Abu Bakr was succeeded by Umar.
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By: Tore Kjeilen
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