Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) highlighted Abu Bakr's unique status, stating that if he were to choose an intimate friend (Khalil), it would be Abu Bakr, but the bond of Islamic brotherhood superseded this, emphasizing Abu Bakr's role as his brother and companion.
According to reliable narrations, Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) spoke highly of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq, particularly emphasizing their close relationship and Abu Bakr's esteemed position. One significant statement highlights the depth of their bond.
A Key Statement About Abu Bakr
One of the most prominent sayings attributed to the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) regarding Abu Bakr is found in numerous Hadith collections. The essence of this statement, as referenced, conveys Abu Bakr's exceptional closeness to the Prophet.
Reference Highlight:
As narrated, the Prophet (PBUH) said:
"If I were to take a Khalil, I would have taken Abu Bakr, but he is my brother and my companion (in Islam)." (Volume 5, Book 57, Number 9)
And in another similar narration:
Narrated Aiyub: The Prophet said, "If I were to take a Khalil, I would have taken him (i.e. Abu Bakr) as a Khalil, but the Islamic brotherhood is better."
Understanding "Khalil"
The term "Khalil" (خليل) in Arabic signifies a very intimate friend, one with whom deep love and reliance are shared, to the extent that their love penetrates the heart profoundly. It implies a relationship of ultimate closeness and trust. The Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) famously had Allah as his Khalil.
By saying he would have taken Abu Bakr as a Khalil if he were to take one other than Allah, the Prophet (PBUH) was conveying the extraordinary level of love, trust, and closeness he felt towards Abu Bakr. However, he then clarified that the bond of "brother and companion in Islam" (أخي وصاحبي) was the actual, existing relationship, which is rooted in faith and partnership in the mission of Islam, suggesting this spiritual brotherhood was the paramount connection.
The Significance of the Statement
This statement reveals several crucial aspects of Abu Bakr's standing:
- Exceptional Closeness: It indicates that among all people, Abu Bakr was the closest person to the Prophet's heart, deserving of the rank of Khalil if that position were available for anyone other than Allah.
- Emphasis on Islamic Brotherhood: It elevates the status of Islamic brotherhood and companionship in faith above even the most profound worldly friendship (Khalil). This highlights that their bond was primarily for the sake of Allah and Islam.
- Unique Status: It sets Abu Bakr apart from all other companions, signifying his unique relationship with the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) in terms of affection, trust, and companionship in the Islamic journey.
Key Points from the Saying
Here's a breakdown of the core components:
| Element | Description |
|---|---|
| Hypothetical | "If I were to take a Khalil..." (Implies the ultimate Khalil is Allah) |
| The Chosen | "...I would have taken Abu Bakr..." (Singling out Abu Bakr for this rank) |
| Actual Relationship | "...but he is my brother and my companion (in Islam)." (Defining their real bond) |
| Reason | "...the Islamic brotherhood is better." (Prioritizing the bond of faith) |
This Hadith is often cited to demonstrate the unparalleled position of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq among the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).
