The life and times of the first Rightly-Guided Caliph, Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq are a valuable roadmap for the Muslims of today. Appointed as the Prophet’s successor on the basis of consultation, Abu Bakr proved to be a great leader who, with Allah’s help, steered the Ummah through difficult times.

He faced numerous challenges within Arabia: some people apostasized, others refused to pay zakah, and quite a few individuals emerged as false prophets, attracting many followers. Outside Arabia, the Persians and Byzantines keenly observed these developments, looking for an opportunity to crush the new state.