Reading time: 2 minutes

In the early days of Islam, before the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ had publicly preached to the masses, the message was shared quietly among small gatherings.

As the community around the Prophet ﷺ grew, the Quraysh leaders felt increasingly threatened.

They feared the changes this new faith could bring to their society.

One day, the tension reached a boiling point.

The Quraysh found the Prophet ﷺ near the Ka'bah, the most sacred site in Mecca.

Even during this time, the Ka'bah was considered holy, and fighting or disputes were avoided in that space.

However, instead of adhering to their principles, they seized the opportunity to intimidate him.

They surrounded him, roughing him up.

A group of about 6-8 men pushed and pulled the beloved Prophet ﷺ.

As they humiliated him, they mocked his message, shouting, "Are you the one who has made all the gods into One?"

Uqbah bin Abi Mu'ayt, one of the harshest opponents of Islam, took it further.

He wrapped his shawl around the Prophet's ﷺ neck, choking him while the others continued taunting and hurling abuses at him.

At this point, there was no Hamza (RA) or Umar (RA); none of the strong and influential companions had embraced Islam.

The small band of believers was vulnerable, and the Prophet ﷺ had instructed them not to retaliate against provocations.

Even while in this situation, the Prophet ﷺ remained forbearing and told them just to leave it.

He did not want anyone else to suffer in his place, knowing their enemies were looking for any excuse to unleash greater violence upon them.

As this happened, Abu Bakr (RA) was walking by and noticed the scene.

As he got closer to investigate, he realized it was the Prophet ﷺ being abused.

Completely forgetting the Prophet's ﷺ earlier command and disregarding his own safety, he immediately rushed forward.

He pushed them off and stood alone in front of the mob.

With a voice filled with conviction, he cried out, "Would you kill a man because he says, 'My Lord is Allah'?"

His words cut through the chaos.

He wasn’t wielding a weapon or throwing punches, yet they were stunned into speechlessness.

"What is wrong with you people?" he continued. "Would you kill a man just because he declares that his Lord is Allah?"

The crowd's attention shifted.

Infuriated by his audacity, they turned their fury upon Abu Bakr (RA).

They pounced on him, beating him mercilessly.

They dragged his face through the dirt and repeatedly punched and kicked him until he lost consciousness.

Some members of his tribe, though not Muslims themselves, saw the extent of his injuries and were moved to act.

They lifted his battered body and carried him home, unsure if he was still alive.

His face was so swollen and bruised that he was unrecognizable.

Blood matted the sparse hairs of his beard.

His mother tended to him, her hands trembling as she tried to ease his pain.

When Abu Bakr (RA) finally regained consciousness, the first and only words he uttered were, "Where is the Messenger of Allah?"

Those around him urged him to rest, to take care of himself, telling him the Prophet ﷺ was well and would return to see him again.

But he was insistent: "I will not eat or drink until I see the Prophet ﷺ."

Seeing no other option, they helped him to the house where the Prophet ﷺ was staying.

When he laid eyes on the Prophet ﷺ, relief washed over him, and he began to cry out of gratitude.

Despite his suffering, knowing that the Prophet ﷺ was safe brought him the greatest comfort.

Ali ibn Abi Talib (RA), a young boy at the time, recounted this incident with profound emotion.

He would weep as he spoke of it, feeling both the helplessness he had felt as a child and admiring Abu Bakr’s (RA) courage.

Abu Bakr’s (RA) defining characteristic was his unwavering devotion to the Prophet ﷺ.

His entire life was a testament to putting the Prophet ﷺ before himself in all matters.

He responded immediately and without hesitation to any need or request. His selflessness wasn’t just a trait; it was the very essence of his character.

In Abu Bakr (RA), we see the epitome of loyalty, courage, and sacrifice.

He teaches us that true faith isn’t passive—it compels us to defend what is right, defend the oppressed, and place the needs of others before our own.

In our own lives, we may face moments where our principles are tested. We might witness injustice or be called upon to help others at a personal cost.

In those moments, let us remember Abu Bakr (RA), who didn’t hesitate to risk everything for Allah and His Messenger ﷺ.

Alhumdullilah, Thanks to your support, we have reached 40% of our Goal!

But our mission isn't over yet; there's still much more to accomplish.

Your contribution—which is Zakat-eligible—is urgently needed to make a real difference in the lives of those affected by the devastating floods.

We sincerely thank you for your kindness and support if you've already given. Please continue to spread the word and encourage others to join this critical cause before it's too late.