Khilafat-e-Siddiq-e-Akbar (RA) and Shan-e-Siddiq-e-Akbar (RA) in light of Hanafi Fiqh

 

:Mufti Usman Siddiqui Sahib

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 # **Khilafat and Excellence of Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) in the Light of Hanafi Jurisprudence**

 ## **Introduction**

 The first Caliph of Islam and the most eminent companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA), holds a status that is one of a kind and stands tall in Islamic history. His Khilafat marked the beginning of the rightly guided caliphate (Al-Khilāfah al-Rāshidah) and laid the foundation of Islamic governance.  His leadership and virtues are affirmed and elaborated upon with great reverence from the perspective of **Hanafi Fiqh**, which is one of the most widely followed schools of Islamic jurisprudence. This article explores the **Khilafat (Caliphate)** and **Shan (Excellence)** of Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA) in light of **Hanafi principles**, using classical sources, scholarly opinions, and poetic tributes to honor the legacy of the greatest companion after the Prophets.

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 ## **1.  Early Life and Acceptance of Islam**

 Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), a member of the illustrious Quraysh tribe, was born in Makkah in 573 CE. He was a close friend of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ even before Islam.  As soon as the Prophet ﷺ proclaimed his prophethood, Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) accepted Islam without hesitation.  He became the first adult male to embrace Islam thanks to his unwavering faith, enormous sacrifices, and dedication to the cause. ### **Reference:**

 * Imam Ibn Kathir writes in *Al-Bidāyah wa al-Nihāyah* (Vol.  3):

  > “He (Abu Bakr) was the first among men to accept Islam and remained the closest companion of the Prophet ﷺ.”

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 ## **2.  Virtues of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) in the Qur’an and Hadith**

 Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) is referred to indirectly in the Qur’an and explicitly in many Hadith.  His qualities are well known. ### **A.  Mention in the Qur’an**

 > **“When the two were in the cave, and he said to his companion, ‘Do not be sad.  Indeed, Allah is with us.’” **

 > — *(Surah At-Tawbah, 9:40)*

 Here, **the "companion"** of the Prophet ﷺ is unanimously accepted by Mufassireen (commentators) as **Abu Bakr (RA)**.

 ### **B.  Hadith on His Superiority** > **“If I were to take a Khalil (intimate friend) other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr.” **

 > — *Sahih al-Bukhari, Hadith 3661*

 > **“Abu Bakr is the best of my Ummah after me.” **

 > — *Sunan Ibn Majah, Hadith 111*

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 ## **3.  Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA)'s **Khilafat The issue of leadership arose after the Prophet's death. At **Saqifah Banu Sa'idah**, Hazrat Umar (RA) and others pledged allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), despite the Ansar's request for leadership from within. ### **A.  Ijma (Consensus) on His Khilafat**

 In Hanafi jurisprudence, **Ijma‘ (consensus)** is a foundational source.  The Khilafat of Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) is upheld by **Ijma‘ of Sahaba**.

 ### **Imam Abu Hanifa’s Opinion:**

 Imam Abu Hanifa (RA) says:

 > "Due to the consensus of the Ummah, which is a decisive proof, the Khilafat that followed the Prophet was for Abu Bakr." > — Imam Abu Hanifa's "Fiqh al-Akbar" ### **B.  Leadership in Hanafi Fiqh: Criteria** **Hanafi Usul** says that the leader—the Imam or Caliph—must have: 1.  Adalah (justice) 2.  Understanding of religion 3.  Political foresight

 4.  Courage and decision-making

 5.  Belief and implementation of Shari‘ah

 Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) fulfilled all these conditions perfectly.

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 ## **4.  Achievements During His Khilafat**

 ### **A.  Preservation of Islam**

 He fought the **apostates (Riddah wars)** and upheld the unity of Islam, fulfilling the responsibility of **“Amr bil Ma‘roof wa Nahi ‘anil Munkar”**.

 ### **B.  Compilation of Qur’an**

 On the suggestion of Umar (RA), he appointed Zaid ibn Thabit (RA) to compile the Qur’an in written form, a critical preservation effort.

 ### **C.  Conquest and Administration**

 He initiated expeditions towards the **Byzantine and Persian empires**, preparing the way for Islamic expansion.

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 ## **5.  Hanafi and Classical Literature's Shan-e-Siddiq-e-Akbar (RA) Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) has received numerous praises from Hanafi scholars and later theologians. His **“Siddiqiyyat” (Truthfulness)** is considered a higher rank after prophethood.

 ### **A.  RA Imam Tahawi:** Imam Tahawi states in his creed, "Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah": > “We believe in the Khilafat of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq, which came by preference and consensus.”

 ### **B.  Imam Suyuti’s Narration:**

 Though a Shafi’i, his works were respected across madhahib.  In *Tarikh al-Khulafa*, he writes:

 > “Abu Bakr was the most knowledgeable among companions, and his Khilafat was a mercy.”

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 ## **6.  Fiqhi Principles Established During His Era**

 His decisions reflected early "Qiyas" (analogical reasoning) and "Istihsan" (jurisprudential preference), which would become central to Hanafi methodology later. Examples:

 * War loot is distributed equally * Establishment of military register (*Diwan*)

 * Refusal to excuse those who withheld Zakat — he said:

  > "By Allah, I will fight those who distinguish between Salah and Zakat," he added. **

 The indivisibility of religious obligations was upheld by this principle. ---

 ## **7.  Poetic Tribute to Hazrat Abu Bakr Siddiq (RA)**

 ### **Poetry from England:** > Dearest Companion in the Cave, > **Your faith wiped every trace of fear. **

 > Siddiq, the pure, honest, and wise, > **A star beneath prophetic skies. **

 > **On shoulders bore the ummah’s load,**

 > **Guided firm the Prophet’s road. **

 > **With trembling voice yet iron will,**

 > **The world saw Khilafah’s perfect skill. **

 ### **Urdu Couplets:**

 > جو یارِ غار ہے، وہ یارِ مزار بھی ہے

 > وہ صدیقِ اکبر، اسلام کا افتخار بھی ہے

 > نہ کوئی مثل ہے، نہ نظیر ہے کوئی

 > خلافت میں تیرے، بصیر ہے کوئی؟

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 ## **8.  Sayings of Great Scholars on Siddiq-e-Akbar (RA)**

 ### Imam Malik, the RA: > “After the Prophet ﷺ, Abu Bakr is the best of mankind.”

 ### **Imam Shafi’i (RA):**

 > "The companions agreed that Abu Bakr would lead. Whoever denies it has left the path of the Sunnah.”

 ### **Imam Abu Hanifa (RA):**

 > “The most virtuous of the Ummah after the Prophet ﷺ is Abu Bakr, then Umar, then Uthman, then Ali.”

 — *Fiqh al-Akbar*

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 ## **9.  Lessons from His Life for Today’s Leadership**

 ### **A.  Simplicity**

 He lived modestly despite being Caliph.  He lived in fear of Allah and love for His Messenger without a palace or guards. ### **B.  Humility**

 When appointed Caliph, he said:

 > **“O people!  I have been appointed as your leader, but I am not the best among you.” **

 ### **C.  Justice**

 He held governors accountable, set financial policies rooted in equity, and maintained a balanced military and civil order.

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 ## **10.  Legacy in the Ummah**

 Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) passed away in 634 CE after two years and three months of Caliphate.  He was buried beside the Prophet ﷺ in Masjid al-Nabawi — a testament to his unmatched closeness.

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 ## The Conclusion Hazrat Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (RA) is not only a historical figure but a spiritual lighthouse for all Muslims.  His Khilafat symbolizes strength with compassion, law with justice, and leadership with humility.  His superiority is universally acknowledged in Hanafi law and Sunni doctrine. His legacy continues to guide scholars, rulers, and believers.

 May Allah raise his ranks and grant us the ability to emulate his sincerity, truthfulness, and service to Islam.

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 ## Bibliographies: 1.  Al-Qur’an — Surah At-Tawbah, 9:40

 2.  Sahih al-Bukhari — Hadith 3661

 3.  Sunan Ibn Majah — Hadith 111

 4.  *Fiqh al-Akbar* — Imam Abu Hanifa

 5.  Imam Tahawi's "Aqidah at-Tahawiyyah" 6.  *Tarikh al-Khulafa* — Imam Jalaluddin Suyuti

 7.  Ibn Kathir's "Al-Bidayah wan-Nihayah" 8.  *Al-Muwatta* — Imam Malik

 9.  Al-Muwaffaq al-Makki — "Manaqib al-Imam Abi Hanifa" 10.  *Sharh al-Fiqh al-Akbar* — Mulla Ali Qari

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