Baby Names Honouring the Islamic Caliphs
Names, Titles and Stories of Abu Bakr, Umar, Uthman and Ali
Sep 13, 2009
Parents of newborn baby boys often wonder what their sons will grow up to be. There are many great men in Islamic history who would be fantastic role models for Muslim boys today. Naming a little boy after one of the Caliphs is a good way to remind a son of bravery and strength coupled with piety and humility. Here are their names and short stories of their roles to Islam.
The Names of Abu Bakr Siddique
"If I were to take a friend other than my Lord, I would take Abu Bakr as a friend." [Hadith]
Abu Bakr’s name literally means "father of camels," and was given to him due to his interest in raising camels.
His real name was Abdullah, a true reflection of his piety. The name Siddique was given to him by Prophet Muhammad (blessings upon both of them) meaning "he who speaks the truth."
When the Muslims were shocked at the Prophet’s death – as most of them had begun to believe in his immortality – Abu Bakr quickly cautioned them with the verse from the Qur’an: "And Muhammad is but a Messenger. Many Messengers have gone before him; if then he dies or is killed, will you turn back upon your heels?" [Al-Imran:144].
Instead of lavishing his wealth on himself and his family, he spent his wealth emancipating slaves. He had reportedly rescued many slaves from undulating torture by buying their freedom, allowing them freedom of employment, rightful citizenship and marriage.
The Name Umar
"God has placed truth upon Umar's tongue and heart." [Hadith]
Umar Ibn Khattab was given the appellation of Farooq by the Prophet (blessings upon them both), meaning "one who can distinguish truth from falsehood."
His reversion increased the morale of Muslims by multifold. Umar was very confidently outspoken, and he encouraged those who believed in the truth to be the same.
Once during a lecture he ended up arguing with a Muslim woman who disagreed on his views regarding the wedding gift for brides. After listening to her rationale, Umar apologised, retracted his statement and encouraged everyone to follow the advice of the woman who had challenged him.
The Name Uthman
"Every Prophet has an assistant, and my assistant will be Uthman." [Hadith]
Uthman bin Affan was a wealthy merchant and he spent most of his money on orphans. He opened up his dwelling for children who needed refuge. He even established the first public library and the first public funding system for the poor.
He spent many nights in prayer, fasted frequently and ventured out to perform the Hajj every year. He also knew the Qur’an by heart and was able to relay the messages found in each verse.
Uthman had married Ruqayyah, and after her death, Umm Kulthum, both daughters of the Prophet (may Allah be pleased with them). When Umm Kulthum passed away Prophet Muhammad said if he had had more daughters, Uthman would again be his choice for a son-in-law.
The Name Ali
"You (Ali) are my brother in this world and the next." [Hadith]
Ali bin Abi Talib embraced Islam after seeing Prophet Muhammad and wife, Khadija, (blessings upon all of them) perform prayers in front of the Ka’bah. He was ten years old.
He later risked his life to save the Prophet during his flee from Makkah, lying in the Prophet’s bed knowing that the Quraysh had planned to spear the Prophet’s body to death. His life was spared.
Ali was a brave warrior and fought in many battles. He married Fatima, Prophet Muhammad’s (blessings upon all of them) youngest daughter and lived very close to the lines of poverty. He refused charity and both him and Fatima held down jobs to feed their children. He was the father to Hassan and Hussein, two great imams of Islam (may Allah be pleased with them).
The Men and Their Caliphate
The four rightful Caliphs were great men devoted to Islam. All four of them were courageous and extremely devoted to their faith. All four of them held the Caliphate position for a definite period of time after the passing of the Prophet and made great waves in Islamic history that can be seen today.
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