Abu Bakr as-Siddiq

Abu Bakr ibn Abi Quhafah was a prosperous merchant of Quraysh and the Prophet's closest friend even before Islam. When the Prophet told him of the revelation, he accepted without hesitation — earning the title 'as-Siddiq.' He spent his wealth freeing Muslim slaves who were being tortured, including Bilal ibn Rabah, Amir ibn Fuhayrah, and others. During the Hijrah, he was the Prophet's sole companion in the Cave of Thawr. When he saw the feet of the Quraysh searchers at the cave's entrance, he wept with fear — not for himself, but for the Prophet. The Prophet said: 'What do you think of two, the third of whom is Allah?' (Quran 9:40). He donated all of his wealth for the expedition of Tabuk. When the Prophet asked him what he had left for his family, he replied: 'I have left for them Allah and His Messenger.' When the Prophet passed away, Umar was in shock and threatened anyone who said the Prophet had died. Abu Bakr entered, kissed the Prophet's forehead, and addressed the people: 'Whoever worshipped Muhammad, then Muhammad has died. And whoever worshipped Allah, then Allah is Ever-Living and does not die.' He then recited: 'Muhammad is no more than a messenger; messengers have passed away before him' (3:144). The people calmed, and Umar said: 'It was as if I had never heard this verse before that moment.'