Page "Abu Bakr" Paragraph 1

As a young man, Abu Bakr became a cloth merchant and he traveled extensively in Arabia and neighboring lands in the Middle East, through which he gained both wealth and experience.

He eventually came to be recognized as the chief of his clan.

On his return from a business trip to Yemen, he was informed that in his absence Muhammad had openly declared his prophethood.

Not long after, Abu Bakr accepted Islam and was the first person outside the family of Muhammad to openly become a Muslim.

He was instrumental in the conversion of many people to the Islamic faith and early in 623, Abu Bakr's daughter Aisha was married to Muhammad, strengthening the ties between the two men.