Abu Bakr

First caliph, a contemporary of Muhammad and one of his earliest converts. Abu Bakr accompanied the Prophet to Medina and was instrumental in the conquest of Mecca in 630. Although never a noted military commander, he was appointed by the Prophet as his successor. From 632 until his death in 634 he was largely occupied as caliph in dealing with ridda (apostasy) in the new state. His simple lifestyle was famous.