Question

How did Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) receive the title ‘Atiq?

 

Answer

There are several meanings of ‘atiq. Among them are; freed one, something ancient/old, something noble.

 

‘Allamah Ibnul Jawzi (rahimahullah) writes, ‘There are three views as to why he was called ‘Atiq:

  1. Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) said: ‘You are Allah’s ‘freed one’ from the fire.’ The narrator says, ‘Since then he was called ‘Atiq. (Sunan Tirmidhi, Hadith: 3679)
  2. His mother named him ‘Atiq
  3. He was called this due to him being handsome

(Talqihu Fuhumi Ahlil Athar, pg. 74)

 

Al Mubarakfuri (rahimahullah), the commentator of Sunan Tirmidhi, says that the first reason is the preferred view.

(Tuhfatul Ahwadhi, Hadith: 3688)

 

And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.

 

Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala

 

Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar

 

Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar