Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr

‘Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr (Arabic: عبدالله ابن ابو بكر‎) (fl. first half of 7th century) was the son of Qutaylah bint Abd al-Uzza and Abu Bakr Siddiq, the Sunni Muslim Caliph. He was married to Atika who was the daughter of Zaid bin Amr. She was the cousin of Umar. Abdullah was so much lost in her love that he failed to participate in the various expeditions undertaken by the Muslims. He even neglected his prayers. Abdullah was so much overwhelmed with the love of Atika that he could not attend to other duties. Abu Bakr gave vent to anger and told his son in plain words that his failings and shortcomings were too serious to be passed over. Abdullah placed himself to the mercy of his father. Abu Bakr decreed that the punishment for such lapses was that Abdullah should divorce Atika within three days. Abdullah was torn between two minds. At times he thought that he should be faithful to his love. On second thought he felt that the command of his father should be obeyed whatever the cost. After three days Abdullah divorced Atika and that upset his mental equilibrium. He would neither eat nor drink. He would sob and sigh and sing heart rending verses giving expression to his grief over the loss of his beloved. The divorce of Atika became the matter of talk in Madina. When the Prophet Muhammad came to know of the matter, he annulled the divorce and the lovers were reunited. Abdullah was very particular thereafter to ensure that his love for Atika did not stand in the way of his duty to God. In all the compaigns that were undertaken by the Prophet Muhammad thereafter, Abdullah took part therein and fought valiantly. He was wounded in the Battle of Taif, and later died of these wounds in 633 AD.

On the death of Abdullah, his wife Atika composed an elegy in the course of which she said:

“

Abdullah, I have sworn that my eyes shall never cease grieving over thee; And my body shall ever remain covered with dust

”

Atika resolved that after Abdullah she would not marry anyone. She kept her resolve for four or five years. Umar felt for her. He felt so distressed that one so young and beautiful should remain a widow. Umar advised her that she should marry. When Umar became the Caliph, he himself offered to marry. After some hesitation, Atika accepted the proposal.

Of Umar, Atika had a son named Ayaz. There are no descendants of Abu Bakr from his son Abdullah ibn Abi Bakr.

See also

• Sahaba
• Muhammad
• Abu Bakr
• Islam
• Aisha
• Abdu'l-Rahman ibn Abu Bakr
• Asma bint Abu Bakr
• Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr
• Qasim ibn Muhammad ibn Abu Bakr
• Siddiqui
• Qallu
• Bodla
• Sheekhaal