The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions (32 page)

BOOK: The Concise Oxford Dictionary of World Religions
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Abu Bakr
(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.
Abudatsuma
(Jap., for Skt.,
abhuta-dharma
). An unusual or praeternatural event, a miracle performed by a deity in Hinduism, or by a
Buddha
in Buddhism.
Ab
D
w
d al-Sijist
n

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