Doha, Qatar: The Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs has published a new scholarly book titled “Al-Mawqif: The Characteristics and Caliphate of Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq (May Allah Be Pleased with Him)”, offering an in-depth academic study of the life, leadership and unique virtues of the first Caliph of Islam. The publication is available in both print and electronic formats, with the digital edition accessible through the Ministry’s website.
Authored by Dr. Hamid Mohammed Al Khalifa, the book presents a well-documented examination of one of the most significant periods in Islamic history, highlighting Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq’s pivotal role in preserving the unity of the Muslim nation following the passing of Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
The publication was issued by the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs with the support of the Scientific and Cultural Development Endowment Fund under the General Directorate of Endowments. The project is the result of cooperation between the endowment fund and the Ministry’s Department of Islamic Affairs, reflecting their shared commitment to promoting authentic Islamic scholarship and preserving the Islamic intellectual heritage.
According to the Ministry, the book combines evidence from the Holy Qur’an, the Sunnah and historical sources to explain the foundations of Abu Bakr’s caliphate, his leadership during one of the most critical stages in Islamic history, and his decisive role in confronting the Ridda (apostasy) wars, safeguarding the unity of the Muslim community and strengthening the foundations of the emerging Islamic state.
Beyond documenting historical events, the study examines Abu Bakr’s lineage, titles, virtues, personal characteristics and distinguished status among the Companions of the Prophet. It also explores the issues of leadership, succession, allegiance (Bay’ah) and the position of the Companions regarding his caliphate, while addressing and responding to misconceptions and objections raised about his leadership through established scholarly evidence.
The Ministry noted that the publication offers readers a comprehensive academic treatment that integrates biography, Islamic creed and political history, while highlighting the wisdom, steadfastness and exemplary leadership demonstrated by the first of the Rightly Guided Caliphs. It aims to deepen readers’ understanding of a defining chapter in Islamic history that played a crucial role in preserving the cohesion and continuity of the Muslim nation.
The Scientific and Cultural Development Endowment Fund financed the publication in accordance with the wishes of benefactors who dedicated their endowments to printing beneficial books, in addition to copies of the Holy Qur’an and works on the Prophetic Sunnah, with the objective of spreading knowledge and reviving Islamic heritage.
The Ministry emphasised that the Department of Islamic Affairs, which oversees the implementation of the endowment initiative, carefully selects authoritative Islamic references from across various fields of Sharia sciences and publishes them to the highest standards for the benefit of researchers, students of knowledge and the wider public. The department produces dozens of volumes of classical Islamic works each year.
Electronic copies of the book are available through the Ministry’s official website, while printed editions can be obtained by holders of higher academic qualifications in Sharia studies, institutions and cultural libraries through the Book Distribution Section at the Ministry’s Heritage Hall. The Ministry also provides researchers and postgraduate students with access to an extensive collection of valuable classical Islamic references.
