Part 1

 Abu Bakr’s Journey to Islam

Abu Bakr  was born in Makkah in the year 573C.E. He belonged to the Quraish tribe, a dominant tribe in Makkah at that time. He was born into wealthy family and enjoyed the affluence in life.  Abu Bakr was a literate just like most of the children born into the rich merchant families in Makkah.

Abu Bakr was virtuous right from his young age. As Abu Bakr grew older, he went into trade and adopted the family business.  He traveled extensively in caravans for business.  His business flourished and bought him much wealth and high status in the society.  He was elevated to the status of chief of tribe due to his noble character. 

As a trader, Abu Bakr came in contact with Muhammad who was a trader and a man of integrity. Muhammad was known to be righteous and Al Ameen – The Truthful,  by the Makkans of the pre Islamic period. Muhammad was close to his age and he became drawn to Muhammad’s rectitude from the time he knew him. 

Once when Abu Bakr returned from one of his business trips, he heard the people of Makkah talking about Muhammad declaring himself as a Messenger of God and he had a message  that there is only One God worthy of worship without any partners. This message which he proclaimed forfeited the belief of their forefathers who worshipped many gods and followed paganistic rituals. 

The Makkans were outraged when Muhammad invited the people to embrace the message – Al Islam.  When Abu Bakr heard this message from Muhammad – Al Ameen – The Truthful, whom he greatly respected, he readily accepted Islam without any question.  Abu Bakr became one of the first to embrace Islam and the first man to accept, Muhammad as the messenger, outside Muhammad’s family.