Virtue of Abu Bakr (RA) in the Expedition of Tabuk and the Cave of Thawr
During the era of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Roman and Persian empires were the two dominant global powers.
In 9 AH, during the Battle of Tabuk, Muslims prepared to confront the Roman Empire, enduring a long journey, scorching heat, and the harvest season of dates.
This severe trial:
– Exposed the hypocrisy of the hypocrites,
– And caused even some sincere believers to hesitate momentarily.
To correct their mindset, Allah addressed them in the Qur'an with words of admonition, yet preserved their dignity and rank.
“O you who believe! What is the matter with you that when you are told to march forth in the cause of Allah, you cling heavily to the earth? If you do not go forth, He will punish you with a painful punishment and replace you with another people.”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 39)
This general address was intended as constructive correction — not humiliation — emphasizing reform and motivation.
During the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah, Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (RA) was the only companion with the Prophet ﷺ in the Cave of Thawr.
Allah said:
“If you do not help him (the Prophet), Allah has already helped him when the disbelievers drove him out and he was one of the two in the cave, when he said to his companion: ‘Do not grieve, indeed Allah is with us.’”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 40)
The words “إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنَا” (Indeed Allah is with us) —
– Use the plural pronoun, indicating that Abu Bakr (RA) was included in Allah’s special companionship.
✔ This distinct honor is not attributed to any other companion in the Qur'an.
Some question Abu Bakr's (RA) emotional state in the cave, suggesting fear or weakness.
– However, natural fear and sadness are involuntary and not sinful.
Examples from the Qur'an:
– Mūsā (AS): “He felt afraid.” (Ṭāhā: 67)
– Yaʿqūb (AS): “I fear the wolf may eat him.” (Yūsuf: 13)
Thus, Abu Bakr’s concern was natural and reflects his deep care, not a lack of faith.
The phrase “Lā Taḥzan” in the Qur'an is always used for comfort and reassurance, not rebuke.
Examples include:
– Maryam (AS): “Do not grieve, your Lord has provided a stream beneath you.” (Maryam: 24)
– Mother of Mūsā (AS): “Do not grieve, We shall return him to you.” (Qaṣaṣ: 7)
Hence, the Prophet’s words to Abu Bakr (RA) were words of compassion, affirming his closeness and significance.
His presence in the cave, and the revelation of divine support during this moment, is a strong proof of Abu Bakr’s exceptional rank and nearness to the Prophet ﷺ.
The verse says:
“Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon him.”
– Whether this refers directly to the Prophet ﷺ, or by extension to Abu Bakr (RA),
– Either way, Abu Bakr (RA) received a share of this divine peace and assurance.
On the night of Hijrah:
– ʿAlī (RA) was asked to sleep in the Prophet’s bed, to mislead the Quraysh.
– Meanwhile, Abu Bakr (RA) was chosen for companionship, as he was known to be the confidant and close friend of the Prophet ﷺ.
✔ His selection as the companion of the Prophet in the most dangerous journey reflects the trust and love the Prophet ﷺ had for him.
Just as the Prophets differ in status despite sharing the same mission:
“We have preferred some Messengers over others.”
(Surah al-Baqarah: 253)
Similarly, although all Companions are honored, Abu Bakr (RA) stands alone with the title of “al-Ṣiddīq al-Akbar”, holding the greatest status among them.
The event of the Cave of Thawr,
– The declaration of divine companionship,
– The Prophet’s trust in Abu Bakr,
– And the Qur’anic testimony of his honor,
All combine to affirm that Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (RA) holds a rank above all other companions — second only to the Prophets.
❖ Historical Background: The Power of Rome and Persia
During the era of the Prophet Muhammad ﷺ, the Roman and Persian empires were the two dominant global powers.
In 9 AH, during the Battle of Tabuk, Muslims prepared to confront the Roman Empire, enduring a long journey, scorching heat, and the harvest season of dates.
This severe trial:
– Exposed the hypocrisy of the hypocrites,
– And caused even some sincere believers to hesitate momentarily.
To correct their mindset, Allah addressed them in the Qur'an with words of admonition, yet preserved their dignity and rank.
✿ Divine Admonition in Surah At-Tawbah
“O you who believe! What is the matter with you that when you are told to march forth in the cause of Allah, you cling heavily to the earth? If you do not go forth, He will punish you with a painful punishment and replace you with another people.”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 39)
This general address was intended as constructive correction — not humiliation — emphasizing reform and motivation.
❖ The Virtue of Abu Bakr (RA) and Divine Companionship in the Cave of Thawr
✿ The Event of the Cave
During the Hijrah (migration) to Madinah, Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (RA) was the only companion with the Prophet ﷺ in the Cave of Thawr.
Allah said:
“If you do not help him (the Prophet), Allah has already helped him when the disbelievers drove him out and he was one of the two in the cave, when he said to his companion: ‘Do not grieve, indeed Allah is with us.’”
(Surah At-Tawbah: 40)
✿ The Unmatched Honor of Divine Companionship
The words “إِنَّ اللَّهَ مَعَنَا” (Indeed Allah is with us) —
– Use the plural pronoun, indicating that Abu Bakr (RA) was included in Allah’s special companionship.
✔ This distinct honor is not attributed to any other companion in the Qur'an.
❖ Common Objections and Their Refutations
➊ Natural Fear and Sorrow Are Not Blameworthy
Some question Abu Bakr's (RA) emotional state in the cave, suggesting fear or weakness.
– However, natural fear and sadness are involuntary and not sinful.
Examples from the Qur'an:
– Mūsā (AS): “He felt afraid.” (Ṭāhā: 67)
– Yaʿqūb (AS): “I fear the wolf may eat him.” (Yūsuf: 13)
Thus, Abu Bakr’s concern was natural and reflects his deep care, not a lack of faith.
➋ Meaning of “Lā Taḥzan” (Do Not Grieve)
The phrase “Lā Taḥzan” in the Qur'an is always used for comfort and reassurance, not rebuke.
Examples include:
– Maryam (AS): “Do not grieve, your Lord has provided a stream beneath you.” (Maryam: 24)
– Mother of Mūsā (AS): “Do not grieve, We shall return him to you.” (Qaṣaṣ: 7)
Hence, the Prophet’s words to Abu Bakr (RA) were words of compassion, affirming his closeness and significance.
➌ The Rank of Abu Bakr (RA)
His presence in the cave, and the revelation of divine support during this moment, is a strong proof of Abu Bakr’s exceptional rank and nearness to the Prophet ﷺ.
➍ Descent of Divine Tranquility (Sakīnah)
The verse says:
“Then Allah sent down His tranquility upon him.”
– Whether this refers directly to the Prophet ﷺ, or by extension to Abu Bakr (RA),
– Either way, Abu Bakr (RA) received a share of this divine peace and assurance.
✿ The Secret of the Hijrah and the Role of ʿAlī (RA)
On the night of Hijrah:
– ʿAlī (RA) was asked to sleep in the Prophet’s bed, to mislead the Quraysh.
– Meanwhile, Abu Bakr (RA) was chosen for companionship, as he was known to be the confidant and close friend of the Prophet ﷺ.
✔ His selection as the companion of the Prophet in the most dangerous journey reflects the trust and love the Prophet ﷺ had for him.
❖ Abu Bakr (RA): The Highest Status After the Prophets
Just as the Prophets differ in status despite sharing the same mission:
“We have preferred some Messengers over others.”
(Surah al-Baqarah: 253)
Similarly, although all Companions are honored, Abu Bakr (RA) stands alone with the title of “al-Ṣiddīq al-Akbar”, holding the greatest status among them.
✿ Conclusion
The event of the Cave of Thawr,
– The declaration of divine companionship,
– The Prophet’s trust in Abu Bakr,
– And the Qur’anic testimony of his honor,
All combine to affirm that Abu Bakr al-Ṣiddīq (RA) holds a rank above all other companions — second only to the Prophets.
