MOSQUE OF ABU BAKR AS-SIDDIQ (CENTER)
The companion of the cave.
The first of men after the prophets
Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (رضي الله عنه) was the first caliph of Islam (11-13 AH / 632-634 CE). He was nicknamed As-Siddiq — “the Truthful” — because he was the first to believe the Prophet ﷺ after the Night Journey (Isra').
The Prophet ﷺ said: “If I were to take a close friend (khalil) among humans, I would have taken Abu Bakr. But the brotherhood of Islam and his friendship are sufficient for me.” (Sahih al-Bukhari no. 466)
The companion of the Quran
Allah immortalized Abu Bakr in the only verse of the Quran where a companion is mentioned directly (without being named):
“When they were both in the cave, and he said to his companion: 'Do not grieve, Allah is with us.'” (Surah At-Tawbah, 40)
His companion (sahibihi) — that is Abu Bakr. Allah Himself grants him this eternal title.
His generosity
Abu Bakr gave all his wealth at least once. The Prophet ﷺ asked him: “What have you left for your family?” Abu Bakr replied: “Allah and His Messenger.” (Sunan Abu Dawud no. 1678)