Abu Bakr

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Abu Bakr (d. 634 (AH 13)). The first adult male convert to Islam, a close friend of the Prophet Muḥammad, and first Caliph (Khalīfa) of the Islamic ʾumma. His faithfulness to Muḥammad at Mecca earned him the title of al-Siddīq (‘the truthful one’).

Upon Muḥammad's death in 632 (AH 11), the forceful Umār persuaded the Madinans to accept Abu Bakr as the Prophet's successor.

Abu Bakr accelerated Arab integration under Islam: captured tribal leaders were treated with respect, and consequently became active supporters of Islam (i.e. a united, God-fearing community). Thus Abu Bakr gave to Islam, the religion, the means of political expression, and therein lies his greatness. On his death he was buried beside Muḥammad.

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