The History of Islam: ‘Umar (Second Rāshidūn Caliph)
The History of Islam: ʿUthmān (Third Rāshidūn Caliph)
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Abū Bakr was the first leader of the Rāshidūn Caliphate (“rightly guided”) that immediately succeeded Muḥammad (570–632 CE), Islam’s founder, and ended in 661.

Born in Makkah (Mecca) into the Banū Taymlan clan of the Quraysh tribe, Abū Bakr was one of the first to convert to Islam. He became a companion of Muḥammad) during the emigration (Hijrah) to Madīna in 622. He was the father of ῾Ā′isha (614–678), the prophet’s favorite wife.

Abū Bakr’s official title was Khalīfat Rasūl Allāh, meaning “Successor to the Messenger of God,” signifying his position as the only direct successor to the Prophet. He was also known as al-Siddīq, meaning “the truthful one”. When Muḥammad died in 632, Umār persuaded the Madīnans to accept Abū Bakr as the prophet’s successor.

Abū Bakr emphasized the rule of law, the authority of the people, public participation in policy making, accountability of rulers, popular sovereignty, conditional obedience, and protection of the rights of the weak. He also accelerated Arab integration under Islam and political expression, and captured tribal leaders were treated with respect. These tribal leaders consequently became active supporters of Islam.

On the other hand, he quashed Arab tribes that rose in rebellion in what is known as the Riddah Wars, caused by “false prophets” fighting against the Muslim state, first just before Muḥammad’s death and immediately during Abū Bakr’s subsequent caliphate.

These apostates wanted independence from Islam and refused to pay taxes. They were defeated by Khālid ibn al-Walīd (d. 608) in what would be a prelude to the early Muslim conquests of Syria, Iraq, and beyond. Abū Bakr boasted several military victories against the Sasanians in Iraq (633) and incursions into Palestine (634).

While preparing for further campaigns, Abū Bakr became ill. He was cared for by ʿĀʾishah. Upon Abū Bakr’s own request, he was apparently buried alongside Muḥammad in ʿĀʾishah’s apartment and immediately succeeded by ‘Umar (586–644), who became the second caliph from 634–644.