Allah gave a choice to His servant that he may opt the beauties of the world or that which is with Him and the servant chose that which was with Him. Thereupon Abu Bakr wept and he wept bitterly and said: Let our fathers and our mothers be taken as ransom for you. It was Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) who had been given the choice and Abu Bakr knew it better than us, and Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) is reported to have said: Behold, of all people the most generous toward me in regard to his companionship and his property was Abu Bakr and were I to choose anyone as my bosom friend, I would have chosen Abu Bakr as my dear friend, but (for him) I cherish Islamic brotherliness and love. There shall be left open no window in the mosque except Abu Bakr's window.
The Book of the Merits of the Companions - Sahih Muslim 2382a
This narration from Sahih Muslim contains profound insights into the status of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) and demonstrates his unparalleled position among the companions of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The Divine Choice
When Allah offered His servant the choice between worldly beauties or what is with Him, the Prophet chose the eternal reward. Abu Bakr's immediate weeping demonstrates his deep understanding of this moment's significance, recognizing that this choice indicated the Prophet's approaching return to his Lord.
Abu Bakr's Comprehensive Excellence
The Prophet testified that Abu Bakr was the most generous of all people in both companionship and wealth. This encompasses spiritual support, emotional comfort, financial sacrifice, and unwavering loyalty throughout the prophetic mission.
The Prohibition of Special Friendship
The Prophet clarified that were it permissible to take a khaleel (bosom friend), he would have chosen Abu Bakr. However, Islamic brotherhood transcends personal preferences, establishing a universal bond of love among all believers while acknowledging Abu Bakr's unique merits.
The Symbolic Window
The command to close all windows opening into the mosque except Abu Bakr's signifies his exclusive spiritual connection to the Prophet and his special status in the Islamic community, representing his continuous access to divine knowledge and prophetic guidance.