Abū Bakr (Arabic: ÇÈæ ÈßÑý ) (c.
573–August 23, 634) ruled as the first of the Muslim caliphs
(632–634).
Abu Bakr was born in Mecca (Makkah), a Quraishi of the Banu Taim
clan. According to early Muslim historians, he was a merchant,
and highly esteemed as a judge, as an interpreter of dreams, and
as one learned in Meccan traditions. He was one of the last
people anyone would have expected to convert to the faith
preached by his kinsman Muhammad. Yet he was one of the first
converts to Islam, and instrumental in converting many of the
Quraish and the residents of Mecca.
Originally called Abd-ul-Ka'ba ("servant of the Kaaba"), on his
conversion he assumed the name of Abd-Allah (servant of God).
However, he is usually styled Abu Bakr (from the Arabic word
bakr, meaning a young camel) due to his interest in raising
camels. Sunni Muslims also honor him as Al-Siddiq ("the
truthful"). His full name was Abd-Allah ibn Abi Quhaafah. |
