Abu Bakr (b. 573–d. 634) was born in Mecca. His father was Uthman, also known as Abu Quhafah, and his mother, Salma, was known as Umm al-Khayr (“mother of goodness”). Three years younger than Muhammad, Abu Bakr was the closest friend of the Prophet of Islam. Like the Prophet, he never worshipped idols, even before Islam; he followed the religion of Abraham, known in Arabia as Hanif. He was an honorable and wealthy businessman, yet he avoided vices common to pre-Islamic Arabian society. As the closest companion of the Prophet and the first caliph, Abu Bakr is referenced in most publications on early Islam. There have been significant strides made in the interpretation of early Islam by Western-trained scholars that are reflected in the titles that follow. This listing is far from comprehensive, but it represents a cross-section of works that have more than a passing reference to Abu Bakr.
