Acceptance of Islam
On his return from a business trip from Yemen, he was informed by friends that in his absence Muhammad had declared himself the Messenger of God, and proclaimed a new religion. Abu Bakr was the first baligh (post-puberty) free male to accept Muhammad's prophethood (though Shias maintain Abu Talib and other adult members of Muhammad's immediate blood family were, i.e. the Hashemites). Scholars, as well as other Sunnis and all Shi'a Muslims maintain that the second person to publicly accept Muhammed as the messenger of Allah was Ali ibn Abi Talib, though to Shias Ali always knew of Muhammad's status through pre-knowledge.[22] However, 'Ali was still a pre-pubescent child when he accepted Islam, and therefore may have been excluded from the duties of a Muslim. Also Abu Bakr was the first person outside the family of Muhammad to openly become a Muslim.[edit] Life after accepting Islam
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His conversion brought the most benefit to Islam. Abu Bakr's brought many people to Islam. He persuaded his intimate friends to convert to Islam.[23][24] and presented Islam to others in such a way that many of his friends accepted Islam.
Those who converted to Islam at the instance of Abu Bakr were:[4]
- Uthman Ibn Affan (who would became the 3rd Caliph)
- Al-Zubayr (played a part in the Muslim conquest of Egypt)
- Talha Ibn Ubayd-Allah
- Abdur Rahman bin Awf (who would remain an important part of the Rashidun Caliphate)
- Sa`d ibn Abi Waqqas (played a part in the Islamic conquest of Persia)
- Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (who remained commander in chief of the Rashidun army in Syria )
- Abu Salama (Abdullah bin Abdul Asad)
- Khalid ibn Sa`id
- Abu Hudhaifah ibn al-Mughirah
The men were
The women were:
Most of the slaves liberated by Abu Bakr were either women or old and frail men.[27] The father of Abu Bakr asked him to for why doesn't he liberate strong and young slaves who could be a source of strength for him, Abu Bakr replied that he was freeing the slaves for the sake of Allah, and not for his own sake. According to Sunni tradition the following verses of the Qur'an were revealed due to this:[citation needed]
He who gives in charity and fears Allah And in all sincerity testifies to the Truth; We shall indeed make smooth for him the path of Bliss {92:5-7}.
Those who spend their wealth for increase in self-purification; And have in their minds no favor from any one For which a reward is expected in return, But only the desire to seek the Countenance, Of their Lord, Most High; And soon they shall attain complete satisfaction {92:8-21}.Shias maintain these verses were revealed about Ali.
