Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) sat on the pulpit and said, "Allah has given one of His Slaves the choice of receiving the splendor and luxury of the worldly life whatever he likes or to accept the good (of the Hereafter) which is with Allah. So he has chosen that good which is with Allah." On that Abu Bakr wept and said, "Our fathers and mothers be sacrificed for you." We became astonished at this. The people said, "Look at this old man! Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) talks about a Slave of Allah to whom He has given the option to choose either the splendor of this worldly life or the good which is with Him, while he says. 'our fathers and mothers be sacrifice(i for you." But it was Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) who had been given option, and Abu Bakr knew it better than we. Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) added, "No doubt, I am indebted to Abu Bakr more than to anybody else regarding both his companionship and his wealth. And if I had to take a Khalil from my followers, I would certainly have taken Abu Bakr, but the fraternity of Islam is. sufficient. Let no door (i.e. Khoukha) of the Mosque remain open, except the door of Abu Bakr."
Contextual Analysis
This profound narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 3904 reveals the Prophet's ﷺ terminal illness and his choice between worldly life and meeting Allah. The term "Slave" refers to the Prophet himself, demonstrating his perfect servitude to Allah while being given this extraordinary choice.
Abu Bakr's Spiritual Insight
Abu Bakr's immediate comprehension and emotional response demonstrate his profound spiritual awareness and closeness to the Messenger ﷺ. While others were perplexed, he alone understood the gravity of the moment, recognizing this as the Prophet's farewell indication.
His exclamation "Our fathers and mothers be sacrificed for you" expresses the ultimate devotion permitted in Islam after tawhid, showing the companions' readiness to sacrifice everything for Allah's Messenger.
The Threefold Testimony
The Prophet ﷺ affirmed Abu Bakr's superiority in three matters: companionship throughout the prophetic mission, financial sacrifice in supporting Islam, and spiritual closeness that would have made him the chosen Khalil (special friend) were it not for the superior bond of Islamic brotherhood.
The Door of Abu Bakr
The command to close all mosque doors except Abu Bakr's symbolizes his unique status. Scholars explain this as both a practical measure and a metaphysical indication of his exclusive spiritual connection to the Prophet's mosque and mission, establishing his precedence for the caliphate.