from his father: "The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) gave a Khutbah one day and said: 'Indeed there is a man whose Lord has given him the choice between living in this life as long as he wishes to live, and eating from this life as much as he wishes to eat, and between meeting his Lord.'" He said: "So Abu Bakr cried. The Companions of the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'Are you not amazed at this old man, when the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) mentioned a righteous man whose Lord gave him the choice between this life or meeting his Lord, and he chose meeting his Lord.'" He said: "But Abu Bakr was the most knowledgeable one of them regarding what the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) had said. So Abu Bakr said: 'Rather we will ransom our fathers and wealth for you.' So the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) said: 'There is no one among people more beneficial to us (Amanna Ilaina) in his companionship, or generous with his wealth than Ibn Abi Quhafah. And, if I were to take a Khalil, I would have taken Ibn Abi Quhafah as a Khalil. But rather love and the brotherhood of faith' - saying that two or three times - 'Indeed your companion is the Khalil of Allah.'"
Hadith Commentary: Chapters on Virtues
Jami' at-Tirmidhi 3659 - This profound narration from the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) contains multiple layers of spiritual wisdom and demonstrates the exceptional status of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) among the companions.
The Choice Between Worlds
When the Prophet mentioned a man given the choice between prolonged worldly life and meeting his Lord, only Abu Bakr immediately understood this referred to the Prophet himself. This demonstrates his profound spiritual insight and closeness to the Messenger.
The companions initially misunderstood, thinking it referred to some other righteous man, showing how Abu Bakr's comprehension surpassed others due to his deep connection with the Prophet.
Abu Bakr's Immediate Response
Abu Bakr's emotional reaction and declaration "We will ransom our fathers and wealth for you" exemplifies the ultimate sacrifice and love for the Prophet. This spontaneous offering of everything demonstrates why he earned the title "as-Siddiq" (the Truthful).
The Prophet's Unprecedented Praise
The Prophet's declaration that no one was more beneficial in companionship or generous with wealth than "Ibn Abi Quhafah" (Abu Bakr) establishes his supreme status among the ummah.
The clarification about not taking a Khalil (special intimate friend) except that it would be Abu Bakr, followed by the affirmation that "your companion is the Khalil of Allah" refers to Prophet Ibrahim's title, showing the Prophet's unique relationship with Allah while honoring Abu Bakr's position.
Spiritual Brotherhood Over Worldly Friendship
The repeated emphasis on "love and brotherhood of faith" establishes that spiritual bonds through iman transcend even the closest worldly friendships, perfecting human relationships through divine connection.