and Saʿd and ʿAbd al-Rahmān. He defended him against those who sought to harm him, accompanied him on visits to the tribes, and assisted him in calling people to Islam. He would buy those who were being tortured for Allah’s sake, such as Bilāl, ʿAmmār, and others; indeed, he bought seven people who were being tortured for Allah’s sake. Thus, his companionship was, without exception, the most beneficial to the Prophet.

Those knowledgeable about the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—and his Companions do not dispute that Abū Bakr’s companionship with him was more complete than that of the other Companions [in several respects] (1). One was that he spent time with him more consistently, by night and day, while travelling and at home. As related in the two Sahīh collections, ʿĀʾishah said:

“For as long as I can remember, both my parents have practised the faith. Not a day passed without the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—visiting us in the morning and evening” (2).

Thus, in those early days, the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—would visit Abū Bakr morning and evening, when Islam was still weak and its enemies were many. This represents the utmost distinction and closeness in companionship.

Moreover, Abū Bakr would spend the evening with the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—after the night prayer, discussing the affairs of the Muslims with him, unlike his other Companions.

Furthermore, whenever the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—consulted his Companions, Abū Bakr was the first to speak. Sometimes others would speak, and sometimes no one else would speak, in which case the Prophet would act on Abū Bakr’s opinion alone. If someone else disagreed with Abū Bakr, he would follow Abū Bakr’s opinion rather than that of the person who disagreed with him.