When Abu Bakr (RA) was mistaken for Nabi ﷺ

When the safety of the Muslims in Makkah Mukarramah became questionable, Nabi ﷺ made an overnight decision to migrate to Madinah Munawwarah. His unmatched beauty, jet-black hair and grandeur caused him to look far younger than his age and the other Sahaaba رضي الله عنهم. When Nabi ﷺ and Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه arrived in Madinah Munawwarah, people came in droves to greet them. As Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه looked older, they assumed he was Nabi ﷺ and they began greeting him. Nabi ﷺ did not correct them and assert his Prophethood. This is humility.

Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه knew Nabi ﷺ was tired and eventually, the public will come to know who he is. He did not desire to overshadow Nabi ﷺ but he did want Nabi ﷺ to rest after their arduous journey. Thus, he greeted the people back. This was his considerate nature. Nabi ﷺ then sat down and the sun was shining brightly overhead. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه went rushing to shade him with his cloak. It was only at this point that people realised who Nabi ﷺ was (narrated in Bukhari, 3906).

Despite being one of the greatest Prophets of Allah ﷺ, he did not feel entitled to a seat in the shade or any special arrangements. This provides a timeless lesson on humility. Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه always put the needs of Nabi ﷺ before himself, providing timeless lessons on selflessness and sacrifice. May Allah grant us these qualities, aameen.

— Shaykh Dawood Seedat حفظه اللّٰه

Above is an extract from Shaykh’s talk on 26/5/19 in Masjid-ut-Taqwa, Pietermaritzburg. To listen to the full audio, please click here.