Abu Bakr

1st Rashidun Caliph and father-in-law of Muhammad

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Lived 573–634, aged 61

Wikipedia
112 languages
Cross-language footprint
Era
573–634
Aged 61

Summary

Updated 2026-08-31

Muhammad's closest companion and father-in-law, he took the reins of a fragile religious movement the moment its prophet died and turned it into an empire. In two years he crushed tribal rebellions across Arabia and launched the invasions that would topple Persia and Byzantium — then died of illness, leaving a map redrawn.

Biography

About

Born around 573 into the Banu Taym, Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafa was among the first to convert to Islam and became its first missionary, bringing several early companions into the fold. Muhammad called him al-Ṣiddīq — the Truthful — and he joined the migration to Medina, served as a bodyguard, fought in every campaign, and led prayers in the prophet's absence. When Muhammad died in 632, Abu Bakr was elected caliph at Saqifa over contested claims. His brief reign was war: he put down the Ridda uprisings tribe by tribe, reunified the Arabian Peninsula, and launched the first strikes into the Sasania…

Voice

In their own words

Sourced, dated quotes from Abu Bakr

Abu Bakr

saidundated

Whoever amongst you worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad is dead, but whoever worshipped Allah, Allah is alive and will never die. Allah said: 'Muhammad is not but a messenger.

— After death of prophet Muhammad

Abu Bakr

saidundated

I have been given the authority over you, and I am not the best of you. If I do well, help me; and if I do wrong, set me right.

— After assuming the office of Caliph, Abu Bakr's first address was as follows, quoted in Tareekh Ibn Kathir, Vol. 6, p. 305-306, As quoted

Abu Bakr

saidundated

In the name of the most merciful God, Abdallah Athik Ibn Abi Quhafa, to the rest of the true believers; health and happiness, and the mercy and blessing of God be upon you.

— Letter to the inhabitants of Mecca, translated by Simon Ockley in History of the Saracens, 1708

Abu Bakr

saidundated