"The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) sat upon the Minbar and said: 'Indeed a worshiper has been given a choice by Allah, between Him giving him from the bounty of this life as much as he wishes, and between what is with Him. So he chose what is with Him.' So Abu Bakr said: 'We will ransom our fathers and mothers for you O Messenger of Allah!'" He said: "So we were amazed. Then the people said: 'Look at this old man. The Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) informs about a worshiper whom Allah gave the choice, between Him giving him from the bounty of this life as much as he wishes, and between that which is with Allah, and he says: 'We will ransom our fathers and mothers for you?' But the Messenger of Allah (ﷺ) was the one given the choice, and Abu Bakr was the most knowledgeable of it among them. So the Prophet (ﷺ) said: 'From those who were most beneficial to me among the people in their companionship and their wealth was Abu Bakr. And if I were to take a Khalil, I would would have taken Abu Bakr as a Khalil. But rather, the brotherhood of Islam. Let there not remain a door in the Masjid except the door of Abu Bakr.'"
Hadith Commentary: The Choice of the Prophet
This profound narration from Jami' at-Tirmidhi (Hadith 3660) reveals the spiritual station of Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) and the unparalleled status of Abu Bakr as-Siddiq. The Prophet was granted a divine choice between worldly dominion and the eternal reward with Allah - he chose the latter, demonstrating his complete detachment from temporal pleasures.
Abu Bakr's Immediate Understanding
While the companions were perplexed by Abu Bakr's emotional response, he alone immediately comprehended that the Prophet himself was the worshiper in question. His declaration "We will ransom our fathers and mothers for you" expressed his profound love and willingness to sacrifice everything for the Messenger.
This incident showcases Abu Bakr's unique spiritual insight and deep connection with the Prophet, earning him the title "as-Siddiq" (the Truthful) for his immediate acceptance of divine realities.
The Prophet's Affirmation of Abu Bakr
The Prophet's subsequent praise establishes Abu Bakr's preeminence: he was the most beneficial companion in both spiritual companionship and material support. The reference to taking a "Khalil" (bosom friend) alludes to Prophet Ibrahim's special friendship with Allah, while emphasizing that Islamic brotherhood transcends even this profound bond.
The command to close all private doors opening into the mosque except Abu Bakr's symbolizes his exclusive spiritual proximity to the Prophet and his pure intentions in frequenting the mosque solely for worship.