The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (32 page)

(d. 634 (AH 13)).
The first adult male convert to Islam, a close friend of the Prophet
Mu
ammad
, and first Caliph (
Khal
fa
) of the Islamic ’umma. His faithfulness to Mu
ammad at
Mecca
earned him the title of
al-Sidd
q
(‘the truthful one’).
Upon Mu
ammad's death in 632 (AH 11), the forceful
Um
r
persuaded the Madinans to accept Abu Bakr as the Prophet's successor.
Abu Bakr accelerated Arab integration under Islam: captured tribal leaders were treated with respect, and consequently became active supporters of Islam (i.e. a united, God-fearing community). Thus Abu Bakr gave to Islam, the religion, the means of political expression, and therein lies his greatness. On his death he was buried beside Mu
ammad.

 
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(Jap., for Skt.,
abhuta-dharma
). An unusual or praeternatural event, a miracle performed by a deity in Hinduism, or by a
Buddha
in Buddhism.

 
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