Editing Abu Bakr (section)

== Companionship of Muhammad ==
[[File:Abu Bakr stops Meccan Mob.jpg|thumb|220px|Abu Bakr Abdullah stops Meccan Mobs, who are against Muslims.]]

On his return from a business trip in [[Yemen (region)|Yemen]], his friends informed him that in his absence, Muhammad had declared himself a [[Prophets and messengers in Islam|messenger of God]]. According to a report of the historian [[Al-Tabari]], in his ''[[History of the Prophets and Kings|Tarikh al-Tabari]]'', Abu Bakr may have converted to Islam after around fifty people, though this is disputed.<ref>Tarikh al-Tabari, vol.2, p. 60</ref> Some [[Sunni]] and all the [[Shi'a]] believe that the second person to publicly accept Muhammed as the messenger of God was Ali ibn Abi Talib, the first being Muhammad's wife [[Khadija bint Khuwaylid|Khadija]].<ref>M. Th. Houtsma et al., eds., ''First [[Encyclopaedia of Islam]], 1913–1936'', [[Brill Publishers|E. J. Brill]], 8 vols with Supplement (vol. 9), 1991 {{ISBN|90-04-09796-1}}</ref> [[Ibn Kathir]], in his book ''[[Al-Bidaya wa l-Nihaya|Al Bidaya Wal Nihayah]]'', disregards this. He stated that the first woman to embrace Islam was Khadija. [[Zayd ibn Harithah]] was the first freed slave to embrace Islam. Ali ibn Abi Talib was the first child to embrace Islam, for he has not even reached the age of puberty at that time, while Abu Bakr was the first free man to embrace Islam.<ref name="archive.org">[https://archive.org/stream/TheBiographyOfAbuBakrAsSiddeeq/TheBiographyOfAbuBakrAs-siddeeq#page/n53/mode/2up The Biography Of Abu Bakr As Siddeeq] by Dr. Ali Muhammad As-Sallaabee (Published 2007)</ref><ref name="brit">{{Cite web |date=19 August 2023 |title=Abu Bakr - Biography & Facts |url=https://www.britannica.com/biography/Abu-Bakr |website=britannica.com}}</ref><ref name="Saritoprak" /><ref name="Campo2"/>

=== Subsequent life in Mecca ===
His wife [[Qutaylah bint Abd-al-Uzza]] did not accept Islam and he divorced her. His other wife, [[Um Ruman|Umm Ruman]], became a Muslim. All his children accepted Islam except [[Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr|Abd al-Rahman]], from whom Abu Bakr disassociated himself. His conversion also brought many people to Islam. He persuaded his intimate friends to convert,<ref>[[Al-Bidaya wa l-Nihaya]] 3/26</ref><ref>[[Merriam-Webster]]'s ''Encyclopedia of World Religions'' by Wendy Doniger {{ISBN|978-0-87779-044-0}}</ref> and presented Islam to other friends in such a way that many of them also accepted the faith. Those who converted to Islam at the [[dawah]] of Abu Bakr were:<ref name="Ashraf">{{cite book |last1=Ashraf |first1=Shahid |title=Encyclopaedia Of Holy Prophet And Companion (Set Of 15 Vols.) |date=2004 |publisher=Anmol Publications Pvt. Limited |isbn=978-81-261-1940-0 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=QWqctAEACAAJ |language=en}}</ref>
* [[Uthman Ibn Affan]] (who would become the 3rd Caliph)
* [[Zubayr ibn al-Awam|Al-Zubayr]] (who played a part in the [[Muslim conquest of Egypt]])
* [[Talha ibn Ubayd-Allah]], his cousin and an important companion of Muhammad.
* [[Abd al-Rahman ibn Awf]] (who would remain an important part of the [[Rashidun Caliphate]])
* [[Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas]] (who played a leading role in the [[Islamic conquest of Persia]])
* [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]] (who was a commander in chief of the [[Rashidun army]] in Levant)
* [[Abu Salama]] was a foster brother of Muhammad.
* [[Khalid ibn Sa'id]], (who acted as a general under the Rashidun army in Syria)

Abu Bakr's acceptance proved to be a milestone in Muhammad's mission. [[Islamic views on slavery|Slavery]] was common in Mecca, and many slaves accepted Islam. When an ordinary free man accepted Islam, despite opposition, he would enjoy the protection of his tribe. For slaves, however, there was no such protection and they commonly experienced persecution. Abu Bakr felt compassion for slaves, so he purchased eight (four men and four women) and then freed them, paying 40,000 [[dinar]] for their freedom.<ref>[[The Book of the Major Classes|Tabaqat ibn Sa'd]] 3/ 169, 174</ref><ref>[[History of the Prophets and Kings|Tarikh ar-Rusul wa al-Muluk]] 3/ 426</ref> He was known to have freed slaves, including [[Bilal ibn Rabah]], who will became the first [[Muezzin]].

The men were:
* [[Bilal ibn Rabah]]
* [[Abu Fukayha]]
* [[Ammar ibn Yasir]]
* [[Amir ibn Fuhayra]]

The women were:
* [[Lubaynah]]
* [[Al-Nahdiah]]
* [[Umm Ubays]]
* [[Harithah bint al-Muammil]]

Most of the slaves liberated by Abu Bakr were either women or old and frail men.<ref>''The Mohammedan Dynasties: Chronological and Genealogical Tables with Historical Introductions (1894)'' by [[Stanley Lane-Poole]], published by Adamant Media Corporation {{ISBN|978-1-4021-6666-2}}</ref> When his father asked him why he did not liberate strong and young slaves, who could be a source of strength for him, Abu Bakr replied that he was freeing the slaves for the sake of [[Allah|God]], and not for his own sake.

=== Persecution by the Quraysh, 613 ===
{{Main|Persecution of Muslims by the Meccans}}

For three years after the birth of Islam, Muslims kept their faith private. In 613, according to Islamic tradition, Muhammad was commanded by God to call people to Islam openly. The first public address inviting people to offer allegiance to Muhammad was delivered by Abu Bakr.<ref>Muslim persecution of heretics during the marwanid period (64-132/684-750), Judd Steven, ''Al-Masq: Islam & the Medieval Mediterranean'', April 2011, Vol. 23, Issue 1, pp. 1–14.</ref> In a fit of fury, the young men of the [[Quraysh (tribe)|Quraysh]] tribe rushed at Abu Bakr and beat him until he lost consciousness.<ref>''Abu Bakr'' by Atta Mohy-ud-Din, published 1968 S. Chand Original from the University of Michigan, digitised 6 January 2006, [[ASIN]] B0006FFA0O.</ref> Following this incident, his mother converted to Islam. Abu Bakr was persecuted many times by the Quraysh. Though Abu Bakr's beliefs would have been defended by his own clan, it would not be so for the entire Quraysh tribe.

=== Last years in Mecca ===
In 617, the Quraysh enforced a boycott against the [[Banu Hashim]]. Muhammad along with his supporters from Banu Hashim, were cut off in a pass away from [[Mecca]]. All social relations with the Banu Hashim were cut off and their state was that of imprisonment.<ref>{{Cite web |date=10 November 2013 |title=The Economic and Social Boycott of the Banu Hashim |url=https://www.al-islam.org/restatement-history-islam-and-muslims-sayyid-ali-asghar-razwy/economic-and-social-boycott-banu |access-date=22 June 2024 |website=al-islam.org |language=en}}</ref> Before it many Muslims migrated to [[Abyssinia]] (now [[Ethiopia]] and [[Eritrea]]). Abu Bakr, feeling distressed, set out for Yemen and then to Abyssinia from there. He met a friend of his named Ad-Dughna (chief of the Qarah tribe) outside Mecca, who invited Abu Bakr to seek his protection against the Qurayshites. Abu Bakr went back to Mecca, it was a relief for him. But soon due to the pressure of the Quraysh, Ad-Dughna was forced to renounce his protection. Once again the Quraysh were free to persecute Abu Bakr.

In 620, Muhammad's uncle and protector, [[Abu Talib ibn Abd al-Muttalib]], and Muhammad's wife [[Khadija bint Khuwaylid|Khadija]] died. Abu Bakr's daughter [[Aisha]] was betrothed to Muhammad; however, it was decided that the actual marriage ceremony would be held later. In 620, Abu Bakr was the first person to testify to Muhammad's [[Isra and Mi'raj]].<ref>''Islam (Exploring Religions)'' by Anne Geldart, published by [[Heinemann (book publisher)|Heinemann Library]], 28 September 2000 {{ISBN|978-0-431-09301-7}}</ref>

=== Migration to Medina ===
{{Main|Hijra (Islam)}}

In 622, on the invitation of the Muslims of Yathrib (later [[Medina]]), Muhammad ordered his followers to migrate there. The migration began in batches. Ali was the last to remain in Mecca, entrusted with responsibility for settling any loans the Muslims had taken out, and famously slept in the bed of Muhammad when the Quraysh, led by [[Ikrima ibn Amr|Ikrima]], attempted to murder Muhammad as he slept. Meanwhile, Abu Bakr accompanied Muhammad to Medina. Due to the danger posed by the Quraysh, they did not take the road but moved in the opposite direction, taking refuge in a cave in [[Jabal Thawr]], some five miles south of Mecca. [[Abd Allah ibn Abi Bakr]], the son of Abu Bakr, would listen to the plans and discussions of the Quraysh, and at night, he would carry the news to the fugitives in the cave. [[Asma bint Abi Bakr]], the daughter of Abu Bakr, brought them meals every day.<ref>''Islamic Culture'' by the Islamic Cultural Board Published 1927 s.n. Original from the University of Michigan, digitised 27 March 2006.</ref> Aamir, a servant of Abu Bakr, would bring a flock of goats to the mouth of the cave every night, where they were milked. The Quraysh sent search parties in all directions. One party came close to the entrance to the cave but was unable to see them. Abu Bakr was referenced in the [[Qur'an]] in verse 40 of {{Transliteration|ar|[[Surah|sura]]}} {{Transliteration|ar|[[at-Tawba]]}}: "If ye help him not, still God helped him when those who disbelieve drove him forth, the {{Transliteration|ar|thaniya ithnayn}} (second of the two i.e. Abu Bakr); when they two were in the cave, when he said unto his {{Transliteration|ar|sahib}} (companion i.e. Abu Bakr).<ref>{{Cite web |title=Surah Taubah Ayat 40 (9:40 Quran) With Tafsir |url=https://myislam.org/surah-taubah/ayat-40/ |access-date=6 February 2024 |website=myislam.org |language=en}}</ref> [[Aisha]], [[Abu Sa'īd al-Khūdrī]] and [[Ibn Abbas]] in interpreting this verse said that Abu Bakr was the companion who stayed with Muhammad in the cave.

After staying at the cave for three days and three nights, Abu Bakr and Muhammad proceed to [[Medina]], staying for some time at Quba, a suburb of Medina.

=== Life in Medina ===
In Medina, Muhammad decided to construct a mosque. A piece of land was chosen and the price of the land was paid for by Abu Bakr. The Muslims, including Abu Bakr, constructed a mosque named [[Al-Masjid al-Nabawi]] at the site. Abu Bakr was paired with Khaarijah bin Zaid Ansari (who was from Medina) as a [[Brotherhood among the Sahabah|brother-in-faith]]. Abu Bakr's relationship with Khaarijah was most cordial, which was further strengthened when Abu Bakr married Habiba, a daughter of Khaarijah.{{citation needed|date=September 2019}} Khaarijah bin Zaid Ansari lived at Sunh, a suburb of Medina, and Abu Bakr also settled there. After Abu Bakr's family arrived in Medina, he bought another house near Muhammad's.<ref>[[Hazrat]] ''Abu Bakr, the First Caliph of Islam'' by Muhammad Habibur Rahman Khan Sherwani, published 1963, Sh. Muhammad Ashraf, original from the [[University of Michigan]], digitised 14 November 2006.</ref>

While the climate of Mecca was dry, the climate of Medina was damp and because of this, most of the migrants fell sick on arrival. Abu Bakr contracted a fever for several days, during which time he was attended to by Khaarijah and his family. In Mecca, Abu Bakr was a wholesale trader in cloth and he started the same business in Medina. He opened his new store at Sunh, and from there cloth was supplied to the market at Medina. Soon his business flourished. Early in 623, Abu Bakr's daughter Aisha, who was already married to Muhammad, was sent on to Muhammad's house after a simple marriage ceremony, further strengthening relations between Abu Bakr and Muhammad.<ref name="Maghazi">Tabqat ibn al-Saad book of Maghazi, p. 62</ref>

=== Military campaigns under Muhammad ===
{{Sunni Islam|Rightly Guided Caliphs}}

=== Battle of Badr ===
{{Main|Battle of Badr}}

In 624, Abu Bakr was involved in the first battle between the Muslims and the Quraysh of Mecca, known as the [[Battle of Badr]], but did not fight, instead acting as one of the guards of Muhammad's tent. In relation to this, Ali later asked his associates as to who they thought was the bravest among men. Everyone stated that Ali was the bravest of all men. Ali then replied:

{{blockquote|No. Abu Bakr is the bravest of men. In the Battle of Badr we had prepared a pavillion for the prophet, but when we were asked to offer ourselves for the task of guarding it none came forward except Abu Bakr. With a drawn sword he took his stand by the side of Prophet of Allah and guarded him from the infidels by attacking those who dared to proceed in that direction. He was therefore the bravest of men.<ref>Sidiq-i-Akbar Hazrat Abu Bakr by Prof. Masud-ul-Hasan, p. 31, printed and published by A. Salam, [[Ferozsons]], 60, Shahrah-e-Quaid-e-Azam, Lahore</ref>}}

In Sunni accounts, during one such attack, two discs from Abu Bakr's shield penetrated into Muhammad's cheeks. Abu Bakr went forward with the intention of extracting these discs but [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]] requested he leave the matter to him, losing his two [[incisor]]s during the process. In these stories subsequently Abu Bakr, along with other companions, led Muhammad to a place of safety.<ref name="Maghazi"/>

=== Battle of Uhud ===
{{Main|Battle of Uhud}}

In 625, he participated in the [[Battle of Uhud]], in which the majority of the Muslims were routed and he himself was wounded.<ref>{{cite book |last=Morgan |first=Diane |title=Essential Islam: A Comprehensive Guide to Belief and Practice |publisher=[[ABC-Clio]] |date=2010 |page=126 |isbn=9780313360268 |url=https://archive.org/details/essentialislamco0000morg |url-access=registration}}</ref> Before the battle had begun, his son [[Abd al-Rahman ibn Abi Bakr|Abd al-Rahman]], at that time still non-Muslim and fighting on the side of the Quraysh, came forward and threw down a challenge for a duel. Abu Bakr accepted the challenge but was stopped by Muhammad.<ref>{{cite book |last=Sherwani |first=Muhammad Habibur Rahman Khan |title=Hazrat Abu Bakr, the First Caliph of Islam |date=1963 |page=23}}</ref> In the second phase of the battle, [[Khalid ibn al-Walid]]'s cavalry attacked the Muslims from behind, changing a Muslim victory to defeat.<ref>{{cite book |author=Watt, W. Montgomery |author-link=W. Montgomery Watt |title=Muhammad: Prophet and Statesman |publisher=[[Oxford University Press]] |date=1974 |isbn=0-19-881078-4 |pages=138–139 |url=https://archive.org/details/muhammadprophets00watt/page/138 }}</ref><ref>"Uhud", ''Encyclopedia of Islam Online''</ref>

=== Battle of the Trench ===
{{Main|Battle of the Trench}}

In 627 he participated in the [[Battle of the Trench]] and also in the [[Invasion of Banu Qurayza]].<ref name="Maghazi"/> In the Battle of the Trench, Muhammad divided the ditch into a number of sectors and a contingent was posted to guard each sector. One of these contingents was under the command of Abu Bakr. The enemy made frequent assaults in an attempt to cross the ditch, all of which were repulsed. To commemorate this event a mosque, later known as 'Masjid-i-Siddiq',<ref>{{cite book |title=Sidiq-i-Akbar Hazrat Abu Bakr |author=Masud-ul-Hasan |page=36 |publisher=[[Ferozsons]]}}</ref> was constructed at the site where Abu Bakr had repulsed the charges of the enemy.<ref name="Maghazi"/>

=== Battle of Khaybar ===
{{Main|Battle of Khaybar}}

Abu Bakr took part in the [[Battle of Khaybar]]. Khaybar had eight fortresses, the strongest and most well-guarded of which was called Al-Qamus. Muhammad sent Abu Bakr with a group of warriors to attempt to take it, but they were unable to do so. Muhammad also sent Umar with a group of warriors, but Umar could not conquer Al-Qamus either.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Razwy |first1=Sayed Ali Asgher |title=A Restatement of the History of Islam & Muslims |page=192}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Ibn Ishaq |title=The Life of the Messenger of God}}</ref><ref name="The Life of Mohammed">{{cite book |last1=Irving |first1=Washington |title=The Life of Mohammed}}</ref><ref>{{cite book |last1=Haykal |first1=Muhammad Husayn |title=The Life of Muhammad |date=1935 |quote=As the days went by, the Prophet sent Abu Bakr with a contingent and a flag to the fortress of Na'im; but he was not able to conquer it despite heavy fighting. The Prophet then sent Umar bin al-Khattab on the following day, but he fared no better than Abu Bakr.}}</ref> Some other Muslims also attempted to capture the fort, but they were unsuccessful as well.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Razwy |first1=Sayed Ali Asgher |title=A Restatement of the History of Islam & Muslims |pages=192–193 |quote=Some other captains also tried to capture the fortress but they also failed.}}</ref> Finally, Muhammad sent Ali, who defeated the enemy leader, [[Marhab]].<ref name="The Life of Mohammed"/><ref>{{cite book |last1=Razwy |first1=Sayed Ali Asgher |title=A Restatement of the History of Islam & Muslims |page=193}}</ref>

=== Military campaigns during final years of Muhammad ===
{{Main|Expedition of Amr ibn al-As|Conquest of Mecca|Expedition of Tabuk}}

In 629, Muhammad sent [[Amr ibn al-As]] to Zaat-ul-Sallasal, followed by [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]] in response to a call for reinforcements. Abu Bakr and Umar commanded an army under al-Jarrah, and they attacked and defeated the enemy.<ref>Sahih-al-Bhukari book of Maghazi, Ghazwa Saif-al-Jara</ref>

In 630, when [[Conquest of Mecca|the Muslims conquered Mecca]], Abu Bakr was part of the army.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Lasani |first=Yousaf Manzoor |date=12 July 2020 |title=Who was Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA)? His Life and Contributions to Islam |url=https://zillnoorain.com/who-was-hazrat-abu-bakr-ra-his-life-and-contributions-to-islam/ |access-date=23 June 2024 |website=zillnoorain.com |language=en}}</ref> Before the conquest, his father [[Uthman Abu Quhafa|Abu Quhafa]] converted to Islam.<ref>{{Cite web |last=slife |date=26 December 2018 |title=Conquest of Mecca |url=https://slife.org/conquest-of-mecca/ |access-date=22 June 2024 |website=The Spiritual Life |language=en}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |date=28 November 2022 |title=Facts about Abu Bakr al-Siddiq |url=https://www.studioarabiyainegypt.com/facts-about-abu-bakr-al-siddiq/ |access-date=23 June 2024 |website=studioarabiyainegypt.com |language=en}}</ref>

==== Battles of Hunayn and Ta'if ====
{{Main|Battle of Hunayn|Siege of Ta'if}}

In 630, the Muslim army was [[Battle of Hunayn|ambushed by archers from the local tribes]] as it passed through the valley of [[Hunayn, Saudi Arabia|Hunayn]], some eleven miles northeast of Mecca. Taken unaware, the advance guard of the Muslim army fled in panic. There was considerable confusion, and the camels, horses and men ran into one another in an attempt to seek cover. Muhammad, however, stood firm. Only nine companions remained around him, including Abu Bakr. Under Muhammad's instruction, his uncle [[Abbas ibn Abd al-Muttalib|Abbas]] shouted at the top of his voice, "O Muslims, come to the Prophet of Allah". The call was heard by the Muslim soldiers and they gathered beside Muhammad. When the Muslims had gathered in sufficient number, Muhammad ordered a charge against the enemy. In the hand-to-hand fight that followed the tribes were routed and they fled to [[Autas]].

Muhammad posted a contingent to guard the Hunayn pass and led the main army to Autas. In the confrontation at Autas, the tribes could not withstand the Muslim onslaught. Believing continued resistance useless, the tribes broke camp and retired to [[Taif|Ta'if]].

Abu Bakr was commissioned by Muhammad to lead the [[Siege of Ta'if|attack against Ta'if]]. The tribes shut themselves in the fort and refused to come out in the open. The Muslims employed catapults, but without tangible result. The Muslims attempted to use a testudo formation, in which a group of soldiers shielded by a cover of cowhide advanced to set fire to the gate. However, the enemy threw red hot scraps of iron on the testudo, rendering it ineffective.

The siege dragged on for two weeks, and still there was no sign of weakness in the fort. Muhammad held a council of war. Abu Bakr advised that the siege might be raised and that God make arrangements for the fall of the fort. The advice was accepted, and in December 630, the siege of Ta'if was raised and the Muslim army returned to [[Mecca]]. A few days later, [[Malik ibn Awf|Malik bin Awf]], the commander, came to Mecca and became a Muslim.<ref>{{cite book |title=Sidiq-i-Akbar Hazrat Abu Bakr |author=Masud-ul-Hasan |page=46 |publisher=[[Ferozsons]]}}</ref>

=== Abu Bakr as Amir al-Hajj ===
In 630–631 (AH 9), Muhammad assigned Abu Bakr as the {{Transliteration|ar|[[amir al-hajj]]}} to lead around 300 pilgrims from Medina to Mecca.{{sfn|Hathaway|2015}} In 631 AD, Muhammad sent from Medina a delegation of three hundred Muslims to perform the [[Hajj]] according to the new Islamic way and appointed Abu Bakr as the leader of the delegation. The day after Abu Bakr and his party had left for the Hajj, Muhammad received a new revelation: Surah [[At-Tawbah|Tawbah]], the ninth chapter of the [[Quran]].<ref>{{cite book |last1=Razwy |first1=Sayed Ali Asgher |title=A Restatement of the History of Islam & Muslims |page=255}}</ref> It is related that when this revelation came, someone suggested to Muhammad that he should send news of it to Abu Bakr. Muhammad said that only a man of his house could proclaim the revelation.<ref>{{cite book |last1=ibn Ishaq |first1=Muhammad |title=The Life of the Messenger of God}}</ref>

Muhammad summoned Ali and asked him to proclaim a portion of Surah Tawbah to the people on the day of sacrifice when they assembled at [[Mina, Saudi Arabia|Mina]]. Ali went forth on Muhammad's slit-eared camel and overtook Abu Bakr. When Ali joined the party, Abu Bakr wanted to know whether he had come to give orders or to convey them. Ali said that he had not come to replace Abu Bakr as Amir Al-Hajj and that his only mission was to convey a special message to the people on behalf of Muhammad.<ref>{{Cite web |date=2013-11-10 |title=The Proclamation of Surah Bara'ah or Al Tawbah |url=https://al-islam.org/restatement-history-islam-and-muslims-sayyid-ali-asghar-razwy/proclamation-surah-baraah-or-al-tawbah |access-date=2025-04-25 |website=al-islam.org |language=en}}</ref>

At Mecca, Abu Bakr presided at the Hajj ceremony, and Ali read the proclamation on behalf of Muhammad. The main points of the proclamation were:

#Henceforward the non-Muslims were not to be allowed to visit the [[Kaaba]] or perform the pilgrimage;
#No one should circumambulate the Kaaba naked;
#[[Polytheism]] was not to be tolerated. Where the Muslims had any agreement with the polytheists such agreements would be honoured for the stipulated periods. Where there were no agreements, a grace period of four months was provided and thereafter no quarter was to be given to the polytheists.

From the day this proclamation was made, a new era dawned, and Islam alone was to be supreme in Arabia.

=== Expedition of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq ===
{{Main|Expedition of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq}}

Abu Bakr led one military expedition, the [[Expedition of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq]],<ref name="books.google.co.uk">{{cite book |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=mZmBkoDa9fcC&pg=PA205 |title=Atlas Al-sīrah Al-Nabawīyah |date=1 January 2004 |publisher=[[Darussalam Publishers]] |isbn=9789960897714 |via=Google Books}}</ref> which took place in [[Najd]], in July 628 (third month 7AH in the [[Islamic calendar]]).<ref name="books.google.co.uk"/> Abu Bakr led a large{{Vague|date=May 2020}} company in Nejd on the order of Muhammad. Many were killed and taken prisoner.<ref>[https://archive.org/details/bub_gb_Feo9AAAAYAAJ/page/n102 The life of Mahomet and history of Islam, Volume 4, By Sir William Muir, p. 83] See bottom of page, notes section</ref> The [[Sunni Islam|Sunni]] [[Hadith]] collection ''[[Sunan Abu Dawud]]'' mentions the event.<ref>{{Hadith-usc|usc=yes|abudawud|14|2632}}</ref>

=== Expedition of Usama bin Zayd ===
{{Main|Expedition of Usama bin Zayd}}

In 632, during the final weeks of his life, Muhammad ordered an expedition into Syria to avenge the defeat of the Muslims in the [[Battle of Mu'tah]] some years previously. Leading the campaign was [[Usama ibn Zayd]], whose father, Muhammad's erstwhile adopted son [[Zayd ibn Harithah]], had been killed in the earlier conflict.<ref>{{Cite book |last=Ahmad |first=Fazl |title=Heroes of Islam Series - Abu Bakr, the first caliph of Islam |date=1961 |page=42}}</ref> No more than twenty years old, inexperienced and untested, Usama's appointment was controversial, becoming especially problematic when veterans such as Abu Bakr, [[Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah]] and [[Sa'd ibn Abi Waqqas]] were placed under his command.<ref name=PowersP27>{{Cite book |last=Powers |first=David S. |title=Muhammad Is Not the Father of Any of Your Men - The Making of the Last Prophet |date=2011 |page=27 |publisher=[[University of Pennsylvania Press]] |isbn=9780812205572 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=KH2FUBSOQ8kC&pg=PA27}}</ref><ref>{{Cite book |first=Hasan M. |last=Balyuzi |author-link=Hasan M. Balyuzi |title=Muḥammad and the Course of Islám |date=1976 |page=151}}</ref> Nevertheless, the expedition was dispatched, though soon after setting off, news was received of Muhammad's death, forcing the army to return to Medina.<ref name=PowersP27/> The campaign was not reengaged until after Abu Bakr's ascension to the caliphate, at which point he chose to reaffirm Usama's command, which ultimately led to its success.<ref>{{Cite web |date=21 March 2016 |title=The Expedition Of Usama Bin Zayd |url=https://discover-the-truth.com/2016/03/21/the-expedition-of-usama-bin-zayd/ |access-date=22 June 2024 |website=discover-the-truth.com |language=en}}</ref>

=== Death of Muhammad ===
There are a number of traditions regarding Muhammad's final days which have been used to reinforce the idea of the great friendship and trust which is existed between him and Abu Bakr. In one such episode, as Muhammad was nearing death, he found himself unable to lead prayers as he usually would. He instructed Abu Bakr to take his place, ignoring concerns from Aisha that her father was too emotionally delicate for the role. Abu Bakr subsequently took up the position, and when Muhammad entered the prayer hall one morning during [[Fajr prayer]]s, Abu Bakr attempted to step back to let him to take up his normal place and lead. Muhammad, however, allowed him to continue. In a related incident, around this time, Muhammad ascended the pulpit and addressed the congregation, saying, "God has given his servant the choice between this world and that which is with God and he has chosen the latter". Abu Bakr, understanding this to mean that Muhammad did not have long to live, responded, "Nay, we and our children will be your ransom". Muhammad consoled his friend and ordered that all the doors leading to [[Al-Masjid an-Nabawi|the mosque]] be closed aside from that which led from Abu Bakr's house, "for I know no one who is a better friend to me than he".{{sfn|Fitzpatrick|Walker|2014|pp=2–3}}{{NoteTag|Such incidents are used by some [[Sunni]]s to justify Abu Bakr's later ascension to the caliphate as they display the regard with which Muhammad held the former. However, several other companions had held similar positions of authority and trust, including the leading of prayers. Such honours may therefore not hold much importance in matters of succession.<ref>{{cite book |first=M.A. |last=Shaban |title=Islamic History - a New Interpretation |date=1971 |page=16 |url= https://archive.org/details/IslamicHistoryANewInterpretationVol.1 }}</ref>}}

Upon Muhammad's death, the Muslim community was unprepared for the loss of its leader and many experienced a profound shock. Umar was particularly affected, instead declaring that Muhammad had gone to consult with God and would soon return, threatening anyone who would say that Muhammad was dead.<ref name=PhippsP70>{{cite book |first=William E. |last=Phipps |title=Muhammad and Jesus - A Comparison of the Prophets and Their Teachings |date=2016 |page=70 |publisher=[[Bloomsbury Group|Bloomsbury]] |isbn=9781474289351 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=DR_mDAAAQBAJ&pg=PA70}}</ref> Abu Bakr, having returned to Medina,<ref>{{cite book |first1=Muzaffar Husain |last1=Syed |first2=Syed Saud |last2=Akhtar |first3=B. D. |last3=Usmani |title=Concise History of Islam |date=2011 |page=27 |publisher=Vij Books India Pvt |isbn=9789382573470 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=eACqCQAAQBAJ&pg=PA27}}</ref> calmed Umar by showing him Muhammad's body, convincing him of his death.<ref>{{cite book |first=Ingrid |last=Mattson |author-link=Ingrid Mattson |title=The Story of the Qur'an - Its History and Place in Muslim Life |date=2013 |page=185 |publisher=[[Wiley (publisher)|John Wiley & Sons]] |isbn=9780470673492 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=_-eUnDh_OWgC&pg=PA185}}</ref> He then addressed those who had gathered at the mosque, saying, "If anyone worships Muhammad, Muhammad is dead. If anyone worships God, God is alive, immortal", thus putting an end to any idolising impulse in the population. He then concluded with verses from the [[Quran]]: "(O Muhammad) Verily you will die, and they also will die." ({{qref|39|30}}), "Muhammad is no more than an Apostle; and indeed many Apostles have passed away, before him, If he dies Or is killed, will you then Turn back on your heels? And he who turns back On his heels, not the least Harm will he do to Allah And Allah will give reward to those Who are grateful." ({{qref|3|144}})<ref>{{Href|bukhari|3667|b=yl}}</ref><ref name=PhippsP70/>