AN IDEAL CHARACTER IN JAHILIYYAH (THE PRE-ISLAINIC PERIOD)
Since his boyhood, Abu Bakr was quiet and sincere. He was very honest and truthful. He was a softhearted man and keenly felt others’ sufferings and miseries. Me used to help the poor, the needy, the distressed and the downtrodden.
Before he embraced Islam, he was a fairly wealthy merchant, a respected character of amiable and compassionate demeanor. Because of his honesty, people trusted him and often left their money with him for safekeeping. His nobility and truthfulness soon made him a rich trader.
Ibn Ishaaq narrates: Abu Bakr was a man whom society desired, well liked and of easy manners. He knew more about the genealogy of Quraysh than anyone else, and knew their faults and merits. He was a merchant of high character and kindness. The people of Quraysh used to visit him to discuss many matters with him, because of his vast knowledge, experience in commerce, and his sociable nature.
Even before embracing Islam, he abhorred most of the customs and traditions of Jahiliyyah (the pre-Islamic period). He never drank alcohol, nor did he join in the worship of idols, practiced by his contemporaries. Because of his sterling character, he was the closest friend of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, since his youth, and their companionship proved to be life-long. He also accompanied the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, in some of his trade missions. Actually, these qualities were soon to serve the noblest Cause of Allah.
Aa’ishah, may Allah be pleased with her, is reported to have said: “By Allah, Aim Bakr never composed poetry neither before nor after embracing Islam. He, together with ‘ Uthmaan, refrained from drinking alcohol in Jahiliyyah.” (Reported by Ibn ‘ Asaakir with a good chain of narrators.)
On the authority of Abu Al-‘ Aaliyah Ar-Rayhaani who narrates: While people were sitting in the company of some Companions of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, Abu Bakr was asked, “Did you drink alcohol in Jahiliyyah? He replied, “Allah forbid!” When he was asked why he did not do so he answered: “I was keen on preserving my sense of honor and decorous character, while the one who drinks alcohol does not show concern for preserving his honor or character. The narrator added, “When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was informed of what he (Abu Bakr) said, he remarked, “Abu Bakr has spoken the truth, Abu Bakr has spoken the truth.”(Reported by Ibn Asaakir with a strange chain of narrators.)
Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, said in the presence of some Companions: “I never prostrated myself before an idol. That is because when I reached the age of puberty, my father, Abu Quhafah, took me by the hand and weni to a chamber in which were some idols, and said to me, ’These are your mighty and supreme deities.’ He then left me and went away. I approached one idol and began to entreat, Tin hungry, so feed me’, but it did not respond. I prayed again, Tm naked, so clothe me,’ yet it did not reply. So I hurled it with some rock and it fell down”.
Thus Abu Bakr was an ideal character even before accepting Islam. It is no wonder, therefore, that he is regarded as the best man after the Prophet, as the latter is reported to have said: “Those who were the best amongst you in Jahiliyyah, are the best after embracing Islam, provided they comprehend religions knowledge.” (Reported by Al-Bukhari.)
(Source: Biographies of the Rightly Guided Caliphs.)
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