This is the first article in a series titled, “The Real Champions: The Companions as Role Models for Muslim Youth.”
Abdullah ibn Uthman, widely known as Abu Bakr, had a winning attitude. The opinions of his non-Muslim family, tribe, or the opponents of Islam did not shake his faith or loyalty to the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him. As the closest companion and trusted advisor of the Messenger, Abu Bakr stood firmly in support of Islam and the oppressed. He embodied the strength, clarity, and conviction we hope our children will develop as they navigate life as religious minorities in an increasingly secular world.
Just as Abu Bakr remained steadfast in the face of doubt and opposition, today’s children encounter challenges that test their faith and resilience. Many people who are opposed to Islam have an arsenal of misinformation, false accusations, and gross overgeneralizations about Muslims. All these attacks can be directed at our children through social media or word of mouth. It takes a massive amount of mental fortitude to be able to handle Islamophobic rhetoric, even for adults. For children who may already be questioning the purpose of life or who have not given it much thought, exposure to such opposition from mainstream sources can be confusing. Children are largely unaware of the long historical timeline of Islamophobia and the reason it exists, including false narratives manufactured for political and social reasons. Therefore, we prepare children to confront these challenges wisely, drawing on examples of Muslim champions who came before us, like Abu Bakr as-Siddiq. There are numerous authentic accounts of his unwavering faith, exceptional character, and intense dedication to Islam.
Lessons from Abu Bakr’s life:
-
Regarding Isra and Miraj
The events of Isra and Miraj were a blessing for the Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and for true believers in his message. However, it was also a test for those whose faith was less certain. Aisha, may Allah be pleased with her, reported that after the Prophet was miraculously taken by night to the furthest mosque in Jerusalem, the people began to talk about it. Some of them renounced their faith and belief in him. They sought Abu Bakr and said, “Have you heard that your friend imagined he was taken by night to the sacred house?” Abu Bakr said, “Did he say that?” They said yes. Abu Bakr said, “If he said it, he has spoken the truth.” They said, “Do you believe he went by night to the sacred house and returned before morning?” Abu Bakr said, “Yes. Verily, I believe what is even more astonishing than that. I believe he has received messages from heaven for everything he does.”
As a result, Abu Bakr was named al-Siddiq, the Truthful. (Dala’il al-Nubuwwah lil-Bayhaqi 2/361) His faith was unlimited, and his loyalty was unconditional. He believed in the Prophet, peace be upon him, and understood that whatever he said or did was not from himself but divinely ordained. Like Abu Bakr, we are called to place our full trust in the truth and wisdom of what Allah has revealed and what His messenger has taught.
-
Standing firm, even with our own family
In the early years of Islam, many members of Abu Bakr’s family, including his father and some of his children, remained non-Muslims. One of his sons, ‘Abdur-Rahman, even fought on the side of the Quraysh against the Muslims before eventually embracing Islam. Despite these hardships, Abu Bakr’s faith was never shaken, and he continued to treat his relatives with patience, dignity, and love.
Our children today will also encounter people friends, schoolmates, and even family members who question their beliefs. However, learning about Abu Bakr leads to confidence in their faith and gives them the strength to remain firm under pressure.
-
Practicing humility
Ibn Sirin reported: “No one after the Prophet, peace be upon him, was as cautious with what he did not know as Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him… Abu Bakr would be presented with a case for which he found no source in the Book, nor a report in the Sunnah, so he would strive to form an opinion, then he would say, ‘This is my opinion. If it is correct, it is from Allah. If it is wrong, it is from myself, and I seek forgiveness from Allah.’” (Jami Bayan al-Ilm, 1555)
Abu Bakr did not claim to know everything, even as the Prophet’s closest companion and Islam’s first caliph. He acknowledged the limits of his understanding and returned to Allah for guidance. From this, our children understand that when something feels confusing, it is not a weakness to say, “I do not know.” Rather, true strength is recognizing the limits of one’s knowledge and trusting that Allah’s wisdom is greater than our own.
-
Putting belief into practice
Not only was Abu Bakr an outspoken defender of Islam, but he also practiced it wholeheartedly and surpassed his peers in good deeds.
One day, the Prophet, peace be upon him, asked his followers: “Who among you has woken up today fasting?”
Abu Bakr said, “I have.”
The Prophet asked, “Who among you has followed a funeral procession?”
Abu Bakr said, “I have.”
The Prophet said, “Who among you has fed a needy person?”
Abu Bakr said, “I have.”
The Prophet said, “Who among you has visited a sick person?”
Abu Bakr said, “I have.”
The Prophet said, “These deeds are not combined in someone but that they will enter Paradise.” (Sahih Muslim, 1028)
-
His exceptional faith led him to the highest position
Abu Musa, may Allah be pleased with him, reported the Prophet, peace be upon him, became ill, and when his condition was critical, he said, “Tell Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer…” A messenger was sent to Abu Bakr, and he led the people in prayer during the Prophet’s lifetime.” (Sahih Bukhari 678, Sahih Muslim 418)
Abu Bakr’s selection was a clear sign of his spiritual rank and the Prophet’s trust in him. His commitment, humility, and loyalty to Allah and His Messenger placed him in an unmatched position of honor. For our children, his life demonstrates that sincere belief and consistent obedience to Allah are what elevate a person to true greatness.
Abu Bakr was not known as As-Siddiq for nothing! What began with his complete acceptance of the truth after the incident of Isra and Miraj culminated in a lifetime of service to Allah and the Muslim community. His steadfast commitment to truthfulness was his greatest strength and the defining mark of his character. If there is anyone we want our children to emulate other than Prophet Muhammad, peace be upon him, and the other prophets, then look to Abu Bakr as-Siddiq.
Teach them to be firm yet gentle; loving yet committed to their beliefs; knowledgeable yet humble; and always truthful, no matter what. Just as when people questioned the honesty of the Prophet and challenged the veracity of Islam, we must stand courageously to defend our faith, just like Abu Bakr. Our children will encounter the same arguments and scrutiny, but if we hold on to his example, insha’Allah, we will be successful.
