'Attiq ibn 'Uthman, who was usually known by the title Abu Bakr, was the first free man to embrace Islam, and even before the advent of Islam, he was one of the closest friends of Muhammad.

He was a successful, wealthy merchant, of noble descent, and was well-liked by those around him. Ibn Ishaq, the first biographer of the Prophet, tells us that Abu Bakr was an approachable man, especially skilled in the interpretations of dreams.

Throughout their long years of friendship, Abu Bakr became well acquainted with Muhammad's noble character and so it of no great surprise that he embraced Islam with little hesitation. The Prophet would later say, "Every single person I invited to Islam stumbled, hesitated, and deliberated on the matter- except for Abu Bakr!"

He instantly become Muhammad's most zealous follower and was responsible for the early conversions of five people who would later be named by the Prophet as amongst the ten promised paradise for their immense faith and practice of Islam. His zeal and passion for reform never ceased as he grew older. After the Prophet's death he became his successor as leader to the faithful.

He was buried next to the Messenger of God, & his head was placed near to the shoulders of the Messenger.