Abu Bakr

{ah'-boo bak'-ur}

Abu Bakr, b. c.573, d. Aug. 23, 634, father-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad, was first caliph ("successor") after the Prophet's death in 632. An early convert and loyal follower of Muhammad, Abu Bakr led the Muslim community from 632 to 634, but his caliphate was contested by Ali, the Prophet's son-in-law. He also faced opposition from unruly tribes and led successful military campaigns across the Arabian peninsula into Syria and Palestine.

Bibliography:
Crone, P., and Hinds, M., God's Caliph (1986); Shaban, M. A., Islamic History, AD 600-750 (1971).

Abu Bakr

Abu Bakr (573-634), was the first Muslim caliph (632-634), and father of Aisha, the wife of the Prophet Muhammad. He was born in Mecca and became Muhammad's most trusted follower, accompanying him on the Hegira. After Muhammad died, Abu Bakr was made caliph, or successor to the Prophet, by an assembly of the faithful. As caliph, Abu Bakr prevented some tribes from reverting to heathenism and fought successfully against Persia and the Byzantine Empire. He was succeeded by Umar I.