Istikharah Seeking Allah Guidance

WHAT IS ISTIKHAARAH?
Istikhaarah is to seek guidance from Allah when one is faced with a problem to which no solution is apparent (Istikharah means to ask Allah for goodness). The one who makes -istikhaarah will not lose and The one who makes Mashwarah will not regret.

At certain stages of life we often find ourselves at crossroads, impelled to make important decisions that would have huge impacts on our future. These decisions could be about choosing a career, getting married to someone, buying a car or a house, relocating or moving to a foreign land and the like. 

Whenever a person is faced with a difficult problem, or becomes hesitant in making a decision and his knowledge of the matter is insufficient to guide him then after seeking advice from trusted friends he should turn to Allah and beseech His grace. He should willingly and with an open heart and mind supplicate for divine guidance and ask for direction so that the problem is solved in his own best interest. The Du'aa at such an occasion is called Istikhaarah. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “It is from the happiness of the son of Adam to practice Istikharah and be pleased with what Allah had ordained for him. And it is from the misery of the son of Adam to drop the Istikharah of Allah and be displeased at Allah decrees.” (Tirmidhi and Ahmad).

Despite considering all the positives and negatives and consulting family, friends or other qualified people, this task of reaching a sound decision leaves us doubtful and nervous. Praise and thanks to our Creator who doesn’t leave us fretting and worried during these crucial times. He has taught us, a special prayer for guidance in making decisions called Salat Al-Istikharah. When performing this prayer one asks Allah to guide him to the right choice concerning a certain essential matter. 

The prayer of Istikharah was described in a Hadith narrated by Jabir ibn Abdullah Al-Salami, who said: “The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to teach his companions to make Istikharah in all things, just as he used to teach them surahs from the Qur’an. He (peace be upon him) said: ‘If any one of you is concerned about a decision he has to make, then let him pray two rakahs of non-obligatory prayer, then say: 

(Translation) O Allah, I ask for Your decision by Your knowledge and Your decree by Your ability, and I ask of You from Your great favor. For You are able and I am not able, and You know and I do not know, and You are the Knower of things concealed. O Allah, if You have known that this matter (naming it here) is good for me in my religion, my livelihood and the outcome of my affair, then decree it for me, make it easy for me and then bless it for me. And if You have known that this matter is bad for me in my religion, my livelihood and the outcome of my affair, then turn it away from me and turn me away from it, and decree for me what is good wherever it may be. And then make me content with it.’ (Al-Bukhaari, Al-Tirmidhi, Al-Nisa’i, Abu Dawood, Ibn Maajah and Ahmad).

The result of Istikharah is known by being inclined to do something and continuing to feel positive about it. In addition, if the decision one is about to take is good for him (in both worlds), the paths to it will open up and if it’s not, then the paths will become obstructed and Allah will direct him somewhere else. The beauty of Istikharah is that the person who sought the guidance of Allah will be content with Allah’s decision for him even if it diverts him from what he thought was good as he will know that this is the result of his Istikharah. This is because, Allah, the Creator knows what is best and will definitely guide His servants to what is best for them within His vast knowledge and infinite wisdom. 

We need to understand that Istikharah does not guarantee the absence of tests and trials in life. Since Istikharah is a dua, Allah’s response to it may come in any of the three ways as stated in the Hadith: “There is no Muslim who offers a dua in which there is no sin or severing of family ties but Allah will give him one of three things in return: either He will answer his du’aa soon, or he will store it up for him in the Hereafter, or He will divert an equivalent evil away from him because of it.” (Ahmad) 

So if one goes through a bad marriage even after performing Istikharah or suffers loss in his business, etc., it might be that Allah wants him/her to draw closer to Him by way of patience and dua and send His blessings through some other way. Allah says: “But perhaps you hate a thing and it is good for you; and perhaps you love a thing and it is bad for you. And Allah knows, while you know not.” (Qur’an 2:216) 

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: “It is from the happiness of the son of Adam to practice Istikharah and be pleased with what Allah had ordained for him. And it is from the misery of the son of Adam to drop the Istikharah of Allah and be displeased at Allah’s decrees.” (Tirmidhi and Ahmad) 

Unfortunately, many people nowadays ignore this beautiful Sunnah and resort to baseless or forbidden ways to make important decisions. There are some who do follow the Sunnah of praying Istikharah but have added weird myths and unreasonable expectations to it. They ask some stranger or religious personality to do it for them and expect the results of Istikharah to be shown to them in dreams, visions, some special sign or color while all of this is nothing but acts of ignorance. 

Firstly, it is a form of innovation to ask someone else to do Istikharah for you or do it for others and secondly, it doesn’t give one instant results like giving a green signal to proceed in a certain affair. 

Istikharah is a dua which one needs to make himself, at any time of the day and then execute the matter (for which he prayed). And if it is good then Allah will make it easy for him and bless him in that, and if it is not good for him, then Allah will turn it away from him and will make easy for him that in which there is good by His permission. For without doubt, the person who makes Istikharah, seeking guidance from his Creator and advice from His creation never regrets, as Allah says: id to His Messenger (peace be upon him): “... And when you have decided, then rely upon Allah. Indeed, Allah loves those who rely (upon Him).” (Qur’an 3:159)

The purpose of Istikharah

The purpose of istikharah is to remove the doubt a person has whether he/she should do such a thing or not. Istikharah is for the contentment of the heart and it is asking Allah to put khair (good) in what we are going to do and to make it easy.

METHOD OF ISTIKHAARAH

Salat-ul-Istikharah may be performed at any time. It is not a condition to perform Salat-ul-Istikharah before going to sleep. After performing Istikharah, one should hand over the entire matter to the limitless knowledge of Allah Ta'ala. Only that will happen which Allah Ta'ala wills and which is good for one’s own sake though one may not be able to see it immediately. 

When making Istikhaarah begin with performing two Rakaats Nafl Salaat. Then with all sincerity recite the following Du'a.


1. Recite Surah Kafiroon in the first Rakaat and Surah Ikhlaas in the second Rakaat. 
2. Thereafter, recite the following Du’aa:

اَلْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ رَبِّ الْعَالَمِينَ، وَالصَّلاةُ وَالسَّلامُ عَلَى سَيِّدِنَا مُحَمَّدٍ وَّعَلَى آلِهِ وَأَصْحَابِهِ أَجْمَعِينَ.

 اَللَّهُمَّ إِنِّي أَسْتَخِيرُكَ بِعِلْمِكَ، وَأَسْتَقْدِرُكَ بِقُدْرَتِكَ، وَأَسْأَلُكَ مِنْ فَضْلِكَ العَظِيْمِ، فَإِنَّكَ تَقْدِرُ وَلاَ أَقْدِرُ، وَتَعْلَمُ وَلاَ أَعْلَمُ، وَأَنْتَ عَلَّامُ الغُيُوبِ، اَللَّهُمَّ إِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ خَيْرٌ لِّيْ فِيْ دِيْنِيْ وَمَعَاشِيْ وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِيْ، فَاقْدُرْهُ لِيْ وَيَسِّرْهُ لِيْ ثُمَّ بَارِكْ لِيْ فِيْهِ، وَإِنْ كُنْتَ تَعْلَمُ أَنَّ هَذَا الْأَمْرَ شَرٌّ لِّيْ فِيْ دِيْنِيْ وَمَعَاشِيْ وَعَاقِبَةِ أَمْرِيْ، فَاصْرِفْهُ عَنِّيْ وَاصْرِفْنِيْ عَنْهُ، وَاقْدُرْ لِيَ الخَيْرَ حَيْثُ كَانَ ثُمَّ أَرْضِنِيْ بِهِ 

English Translation:

“All praises are due to Allāh, the Rabb of the Worlds. Salutations and Greetings be on our leader, Muhammad, his family and all his Companions. 

Allaahumma innee astakheeruka bi ilmika wa-astaqdiruka biqudratika wa-as'aluka min fadhlika al-adheem. Fa innaka taqdiru walaa aqdiru. Wa ta'lamu walaa a'alamu wa anta allaamul ghuyoob. Allaahumma in kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal-amr khayrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy wa-aaqibat amriy, fa'qdruhliy wa-yassirh liy thumma baarik liy feehi. Wa in-kunta ta'lamu anna haadhal amr sharrun liy fiy deeniy wa-ma'aashiy was-'aaqibat amriy. Fa asrifh annee wa-srif 'anhu. Wa aqdurh liyal khayr hayth kaana thumma a-rdhiniy bihee. 

Meaning of Dua:

 O Allah!! Behold I ask you the good through Your Knowledge, and ability through Your Power, and beg (Your favour) out of Your infinite Bounty. For surely You have Power; I have none. You know all; I know not. You are the Great Knower of all things. O Allah! If in Your Knowledge this matter be good for my faith (Deen), for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then ordain it for me, and make it easy for me, and bless me therein. But if in Your Knowledge, this matter be bad for my faith (Deen) for my livelihood, and for the consequences of my affairs, then turn it away from me, and turn me away therefrom, and ordain for me the good wherever it be, and cause me to be pleased therewith.

Note: While reciting this Du'aa when one reaches HAADHAL AMR (THIS MATTER) at both places he should think of his problem.

May Allah guide and assist us all, Aameen.

Istikharah Seeking Allah Guidance

Az-Zubair Bin Al-Awwam Radhi Allahu Anhu

Who was az-Zubayr bin al-Awwam?

His name is az-Zubayr bin al-Awwām bin Khuwaylid bin Asad bin Abd al-Uzzā bin Qusay bin Kilab al-Qurashī al-Asadī (may Allah be pleased with him). His agnomen was Abu Abd Allah. His father was al-Awwām and his mother was Safiyyah bint Abd al-Muttalib – the aunt of Prophet Muhammad (peace and salutations be upon him). Az-Zubayr bin al-Awwām (may Allah be pleased with him) was thus the cousin of Prophet Muhammad (peace and salutations be upon him). He was also the nephew of Khadījah bint Khuwaylid (may Allah be pleased with her) – the first wife of Prophet Muhammad (peace and salutations be upon him). He was also the husband of Asmā – the daughter of Abu Bakr as-Siddique (may Allah be pleased with him). His two famous sons were Abd Allah bin az-Zubayr (also a sahābi) and Urwah bin az-Zubayr (a tābi`ī)

His father was Al-Awam ibn Khuwaylid of the Asad clan of the Quraysh tribe, making Al-Zubayr a nephew of Khadijah. His mother was Muhammad’s aunt, Safiyyah bint ‘Abd al-Muttalib, hence Al-Zubayr was Muhammad’s first cousin. He had two brothers, Saayib and Abdulkaaba; a maternal brother, Safi ibn Al-Harith, who was from the Umayya clan; and several paternal siblings, including Hind bint Al-Awwam, a wife of Zayd ibn Haritha.

His Virtues

• Az-Zubair bin al-Awwam was a great companion of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him);
• He was amongst the first either five or four men to embrace Islam;
• He was the first individual to use a sword to fight in the path of Allah;
• He was blessed to have performed hijrah (migration) twice – to Abyssinia and then al-Medina; and to have observed salāh in two directions – towards Masjid al-Aqsā and then al- Ka`bah;
• He is also one of the ten men promised entry into paradise
• He was also amongst the six companions who Umar ibn al-Khattab (may Allah be pleased with him) recommended to become Caliph after his demise.
• In the battle of Badr, the Prophet (peace be upon him) said on seeing a yellow turban tied around the head of az-Zubayr bin al-Awwām, “Verily, the angels [also] came down from heaven [to assist the believers] in the appearance of az-Zubayr”.

His Characteristics 

Firm Belief

He embraced Islam at a young age of twelve, fifteen, sixteen or eighteen years. His uncle would wrap him in a burning straw mat until the smoke came out of it forcing him to renounce Islam and return to disbelief. He would assert, “I will never return to disbelief”.

Courage

The Messenger of Allah (peace and salutations be upon him) called his companions during the battle of trenches (or confederates) and asked, “Who will bring us the news of the people?” Allah`s Messenger (peace be upon him) reiterated this question thrice. The companions were in the midst of extremely difficult conditions and thus no companion volunteered; however, each time it was only az-Zubayr bin al-Awwām who would stand up and say, “I will”. Thereupon, Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) said:

إن لكل نبي حواريا وإن حواري الزبير بن العوام

Translation: Every prophet has a disciple, and verily my disciple is az-Zubair bin al-Awwām. [Sahīh al-Bukhārī, 2692; 3514; Sunan at-Tirmiżī, 3744]

Generosity

Ya`qūb ibn Sufyān narrates that Az-Zubair bi al-Awwam had one thousand slaves. They used to pay him taxes; however, he would never take any of it for himself, rather he would give it away as charity.

Seven companions of Prophet Muhammad, including Uthmān bin Affān, Abd Rahmān bin Awf and Abd Allah bin Mas`ūd, asked az-Zubayr bin Awwām to take care of their children. He would protect their parents` money for the children and provide for them from his own money.

His Death

Az-Zubayr bin al-Awwām (may Allah be pleased with him) was martyred by a man called Amr bin Jūrmūz in Jumāda al-ūlā thirty six year of migration at the age of sixty six, sixty seven or sixty nine years. May Allah have mercy on him. Ameen.

[Sunan Abi Dawūd, 4649]

Authentic Dua Supplications For Protection

1)    Recite the following three times each after Fajr and Maghrib.  The Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam has said it will safeguard and suffice one from everything else. (Tirmidhi)[1]

قُلْ هُوَ اللَّهُ أَحَدٌ (1) اللَّهُ الصَّمَدُ (2) لَمْ يَلِدْ وَلَمْ يُولَدْ (3) وَلَمْ يَكُنْ لَهُ كُفُوًا أَحَدٌ (4)

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ الْفَلَقِ (1) مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ (2) وَمِنْ شَرِّ غَاسِقٍ إِذَا وَقَبَ (3) وَمِنْ شَرِّ النَّفَّاثَاتِ فِي الْعُقَدِ (4) وَمِنْ شَرِّ حَاسِدٍ إِذَا حَسَدَ (5)

قُلْ أَعُوذُ بِرَبِّ النَّاسِ (1) مَلِكِ النَّاسِ (2) إِلَهِ النَّاسِ (3) مِنْ شَرِّ الْوَسْوَاسِ الْخَنَّاسِ (4) الَّذِي يُوَسْوِسُ فِي صُدُورِ النَّاسِ (5) مِنَ الْجِنَّةِ وَالنَّاسِ (6)

2)    Recite three times the following.  Once a sahabi radhiallahu anhu was bit at night by a scorpion.  He came to the Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam and told him.  The Prophet replied if you would have recited the following, nothing would’ve harmed you. (Sahih Muslim)[2]

أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللهِ التَّامَّاتِ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ

3)    Whoever recites the following three times after Fajr and Maghrib salah, no harm will come to him (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)[3]:

بِسْمِ اللهِ الَّذِي لاَ يَضُرُّ مَعَ اسْمِهِ شَيْءٌ فِي الأَرْضِ وَلاَ فِي السَّمَاءِ، وَهُوَ السَّمِيعُ العَلِيم 

4)    Whoever recites the following after Fajr and Maghrib and thereafter passes away in the day or night, will be granted entry to Paradise (Sahih al-Bukhari)[4]:

اللَّهُمَّ أَنْتَ رَبِّي لاَ إِلَهَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ، خَلَقْتَنِي وَأَنَا عَبْدُكَ، وَأَنَا عَلَى عَهْدِكَ وَوَعْدِكَ مَا اسْتَطَعْتُ، أَعُوذُ بِكَ مِنْ شَرِّ مَا صَنَعْتُ، أَبُوءُ لَكَ بِنِعْمَتِكَ عَلَيَّ، وَأَبُوءُ لَكَ بِذَنْبِي فَاغْفِرْ لِي، فَإِنَّهُ لاَ يَغْفِرُ الذُّنُوبَ إِلَّا أَنْتَ 

5)    The Prophet salallahu alayhi wasallam has said that Allah will most definitely please that person on the day of judgement who recites the following morning and evening: (Sunan al-Tirmidhi)[5]

رَضِيتُ بِاللَّهِ رَبًّا، وَبِالْإِسْلَامِ دِينًا، وَبِمُحَمَّدٍ نَبِيًّا

6)    Whoever recites the following at night, he will be saved from all misfortunes during the night, from Shaytān and will make up for him missing the Tahajjud prayer[6]: (Sahih al-Bukhari)[7]

آمَنَ الرَّسُولُ بِمَا أُنْزِلَ إِلَيْهِ مِنْ رَبِّهِ وَالْمُؤْمِنُونَ كُلٌّ آمَنَ بِاللَّهِ وَمَلَائِكَتِهِ وَكُتُبِهِ وَرُسُلِهِ لَا نُفَرِّقُ بَيْنَ أَحَدٍ مِنْ رُسُلِهِ وَقَالُوا سَمِعْنَا وَأَطَعْنَا غُفْرَانَكَ رَبَّنَا وَإِلَيْكَ الْمَصِيرُ (285) لَا يُكَلِّفُ اللَّهُ نَفْسًا إِلَّا وُسْعَهَا لَهَا مَا كَسَبَتْ وَعَلَيْهَا مَا اكْتَسَبَتْ رَبَّنَا لَا تُؤَاخِذْنَا إِنْ نَسِينَا أَوْ أَخْطَأْنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تَحْمِلْ عَلَيْنَا إِصْرًا كَمَا حَمَلْتَهُ عَلَى الَّذِينَ مِنْ قَبْلِنَا رَبَّنَا وَلَا تُحَمِّلْنَا مَا لَا طَاقَةَ لَنَا بِهِ وَاعْفُ عَنَّا وَاغْفِرْ لَنَا وَارْحَمْنَا أَنْتَ مَوْلَانَا فَانْصُرْنَا عَلَى الْقَوْمِ الْكَافِرِينَ (286)

 

7)    Whoever recites the following will be protected from every magician, sorcerer, shaytan and the jealousy of the jealous person (Al-Tabarani)[8]:

In the morning:

أَصْبَحْنَا وأَصْبَحَ الْمُلْكُ لِلَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ الَّذِي يُمْسِكُ السَّمَاءَ أَنْ تَقَعَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ، مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ وَذَرَأَ وَبَرَأَ

In the evening:

أَمْسَيْنَا وَأَمْسَى الْمُلْكُ لِلَّهِ، وَالْحَمْدُ لِلَّهِ، أَعُوذُ بِاللَّهِ الَّذِي يُمْسِكُ السَّمَاءَ أَنْ تَقَعَ عَلَى الْأَرْضِ إِلَّا بِإِذْنِهِ، مِنْ شَرِّ مَا خَلَقَ وَذَرَأَ وَبَرَأ

8)    Whoever recites the following seven times in the morning and evening, Allah will save him from all his worries in this world and the hereafter (Ibn al-Sunni Amal al-Yawm wa al-Laylah)[9]:

حَسْبِيَ اللَّهُ لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا هُوَ، عَلَيْهِ تَوَكَّلْتُ، وَهُوَ رَبُّ الْعَرْشِ الْعَظِيمِ، 

9)    Whoever recites the following ten times, Allah will give him ten good deeds, ten sins will be forgiven, he will get the reward of freeing a slave from the children of Ismail alayhis salaam and Allah will protect him from Shaytan (Sunan Ibn Majah)[10]:

لَا إِلَهَ إِلَّا اللَّهُ وَحْدَهُ لَا شَرِيكَ لَهُ، لَهُ الْمُلْكُ، وَلَهُ الْحَمْدُ، وَهُوَ عَلَى كُلِّ شَيْءٍ قَدِيرٌ

10) Whoever recites the following has thanked Allah for the blessings of that day (Sunan al-Nasa’i)[11]:

اللهُمَّ مَا أَصْبَحَ بِي مِنْ نِعْمَةٍ أَوْ بِأَحَدٍ مِنْ خَلْقِكَ، فَمِنْكَ وَحْدَكَ لَا شَرِيكَ لَكَ، فَلَكَ الْحَمْدُ وَلَكَ الشُّكْرُ

11) Whoever recites the following every morning, his health, family and wealth will be safeguarded (Ibn al-Sunni Amal al-Yawm wa al-Laylah)[12]:

بِسْمِ الله عَلَى نفْسِي وَأَهْلِي وَمَالِي

12) By virtue of reading the following before sleeping, Allah will remove any anxiety and uneasiness one may feel. (Musnad Ahmad)[13]

بِسْمِ اللَّهِ، أَعُوذُ بِكَلِمَاتِ اللَّهِ التَّامَّاتِ، مِنْ غَضَبِهِ وَعِقَابِهِ، وَشَرِّ عِبَادِهِ، وَمِنْ هَمَزَاتِ الشَّيَاطِينِ، وَأَنْ يَحْضُرُونِ

Authentic Dua Supplications For Protection

Abu Bakr As-Siddique Radhi Allahu Anhu

Life of Abu Bakr As-Siddique Radhi Allahu Anhu 

Abu Bakr’s (RA) name was Abdullah bin Abi Quhaafah, his nickname was Abu Bakr (RA) and he was given the title Siddique because he testified the event of Me’raj. On the day Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) was made prophet, after Khadeejah (RA) Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) was the first person to embrace Islam. Countless companions of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) embraced Islam because of his preaching. Out of those few of the prominent ones are, Uthmaan Ghani, Zubair bin Awwaam, Abdur Rahmaan bin Auf, Talha bin Ubaidullah and Saad bin Abi Waqqaas (RA). Right from the day he embraced Islam till the day he breathed his last he spent his entire life spreading the word of Allah and protecting Islam. 

The wealth Allah had bestowed upon him, was spent by him generously. For instance, he freed countless slaves (bought them and then set them free) and one of those slaves is Prophet Muhammd’s (PBUH) Muaddhin (the one who calls for prayer) Bilal (RA). After the death of Khadeejah (RA), Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) married Abu Bakr Siddique’s (RA) daughter Ayesha (RA). Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) migrated to Madinah with Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). In the verse of the Holy Qur’an, “and he was the second of the two” (Surah Taubah: 40) it is Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) who is referred to. Before the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), it was Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) only who led the congregational prayers several times and the companions of the Prophet (RA) offered prayer behind him. On the day Prophet Muhammad (PBUH) died he led the Morning Prayer with Abu Bakr Siddique (RA). After the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH), as per the advice of companions of Prophet (PBUH), Abu Bakr Siddque (RA) was made the Caliph. Few of the achievements during the duration of his caliphate are:

The army under the commandment of Usama bin Zaid (RA) was dispatched to Syria. The army defeated the armies of the king of Persia and returned without being harmed.

By means of waging a war against apostates, those who denied giving obligatory charity, and those who made claims of prophethood, Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) removed all the sources of evil that had emerged right after the death of Prophet Muhammad (PBUH).

in the course of wiping out the aforementioned problems countless Huffaz of the Holy Qur’an (those who memorise the whole of Quran by heart) got martyred. Consequently, Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) got the whole of the Holy Qur’an collected at one place (in the written form).

Abu Bakr Siddique (RA) died in 13 A.H. He was buried in Ayesha’s (RA) room right next to Prophet Muhammad (PBUH). He was almost 63 years old and the duration of his caliphate was two years three months and ten days. 

About Abu Bakr As-Siddique Radhi Allahu Anhu

He is the first of the four most illustrious sahaabah (radhiyallaahu anhum). His name – Abu Bakr As-Siddique (radhiyalaahu anhu), well-known for his close companionship to the most beloved of creation, Muhammad Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). He also had the privilege of being the father-in-law to the best of mankind (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), as his daughter Ayesha Siddiqah (radhiyallaahu anhaa) was one of the ‘mothers of the believers’.

This honourable and respected sahaabi was born just two years after Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and therefore grew up in a similar environment to that of our beloved Messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). Yet, this ignorant environment did not have much effect on his pure heart. It is said that even before Islam, he did not touch a drop of wine, nor engaged in haraam relationships with women.

When Allah sent His messenger (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) with the religion of guidance and truth, Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) was the first from amongst the men to profess his belief. He had seen and experienced the unique character of Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) and his wisdom and intellect understood that this man was a means of his guidance.

Never did this pillar of strength waver in its support of the Prophet of Islam (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam). He spoke up verbally, joined the jihaad physically, spent of his monetary wealth and assisted emotionally…

When Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) called to Islam openly and was attacked by the kuffaar of Makkah, Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu was by his side. They were both injured severely, but Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) did what he could to protect his beloved (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), until a rock struck his head bleeding and he lost consciousness. When he had eventually regained consciousness, the first words to pass his lips were: “How is the prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam).” He would not rest or think of getting well until he had seen with his own eyes that Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) was alive and well.

During the journey from Makkah to Madinah, he had the honour of accompanying Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam), offering his lap for Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) to sleep on in the cave of Thoor. It was there that he was honoured with the title of ‘thaaniyathnayn’- the second of the two- and Allah testified to Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) saying that Allah is their companion.

This great man stood shoulder to shoulder with the rest of the mujaahideen in the battle of Badr. He is amongst that small group of Badriyyin whose positions cannot be disputed. He participated in all the major battles of Islam, placing his body as a shield for his beloved (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam).

When the Battle of Tabook was being prepared for and funds were in short-supply, Umar bin Khattaab (radhiyallaahu anhu) determined that he would vie with Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) in earning Allah’s pleasure. Sure that he would win in this action of sacrifice and generosity, he took an entire HALF of his estate to the Prophet (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) to be used in the path of Allah. He was asked: ‘what have you left for your family, o Umar?’ ‘O messenger of Allah, I have left half of my wealth for them,’ he responded. Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) happily accepted his offer.

Shortly thereafter, Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) arrived, bearing ALL his wealth. On being asked what he had left for his family, he replied: ‘o messenger of Allah, I have left Allah and His Rasool for them!’ Umar (radhiyallaahu anhu) remarks: ‘I knew then that I would never supersede Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu)!’

The night before Badr, when Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) wept for the victory of the ummah, his shawl fell off, exposing his back. Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) went over, lifted the shawl, covered his back and comforted him, saying: ‘Enough now, o messenger of Allah! Enough.’

During the days of his fatal illness, Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) appointed someone to perform the salaah. This was a clear indication of the leader who should be approached in his absence. Who else did he appoint but Abu Bakr As-Siddique (radhiyallaahu anhu)?!

Do you know how Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) earned the titled ‘Siddique’?

He had been out on a journey during the time that Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) had been taken for mi’raaj. It is well known what a mockery the kuffaar made of the journey of mi’raaj. On Abu Bakr’s (radhiyallaahu anhu) return to Makkah, they addressed him saying: ‘if a man has to say that he had travelled from here to Baytul Maqdis and back in one night, would you believe him?’ ‘No,’ Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) responded. ‘Well, your companion, Muhammad, has said so!’ They announced. Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) calmly replied: ‘If Muhammad has said so, it is the truth.’ This earned him the titled, ‘As-Siddique’, one who attests to the truth at all times.

After Rasoolullah (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) departed from this world to meet his Lord, the sahaabah (radhiyallaahu anhum) were in confusion and disarray, their minds lost in extreme love. Abu Bakr (radhiyallaahu anhu) gathered the sahaabah (radhiyallaahu anhum) and addressed them wisely: ‘whoever worships Muhammad, know that Muhammad is no more. And whoever worships Allah, know that He is Ever-Living, Eternal.’ He then recited the verse: “And Muhammad is but a messenger. Messengers have passed before him. If he is killed or dies, will you then turn on your heels? And whoever turns on his heels, will not harm Allah in the least. And soon, Allah will reward the appreciative ones.” These words immediately caused peace and comfort to settle into the hearts of the sahaabah (radhiyallaahu anhum).

He is that sahaabi (radhiyallaahu anhum) regarding whom Nabi (sallallaahu alayhi wa sallam) said, something to the effect: ‘I have repaid everyone in this world except Abu Bakr. Allah will recompense him on the day of Qiyaamah.’

All the doors of jannah will welcome to Abu Bakr As-Siddique Radhi Allahu Anhu, and Allah will meet specially to Abu Bakr As-Siddique Radhi Allahu Anhu in jannah.