Then, the reason for his title of Siddiq is also mentioned. Allama Jalaluddin al-Suyuti writes:
“As far as the title ‘Siddiq’ is concerned, it is said that this title was given to him during the period of jahiliyyah [era of ignorance prior the advent of Islam]. This was owing to the truthfulness demonstrated by him. It is also said that due to him immediately testifying to the news that the Holy Prophet (sa) would disclose to him, he was referred to as ‘Siddiq’.”
(Jalaluddin Abd al-Rahman bin Abi Bakr al-Suyuti, Tarikh al-Khulafa [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kitab al-Arabi, 1999], pp. 28-29)
Hazrat Aisha (ra) relates that when the Holy Prophet (sa) was taken to Baitul Maqdis and the Al-Aqsa Mosque (referring to the incident of Isra [the spiritual night journey]), people began to discuss this the next morning, after having been informed of the news. Among the people were some who had accepted the Holy Prophet (sa) and had testified to his claim but distanced themselves. (There were some who were of weak faith.)
At that time, some of the hypocrites came running to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and said, “Have you heard about your companion? He is claiming that he was taken to Baitul Maqdis last night.” Upon this, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) asked whether the Holy Prophet (sa) had actually said this, to which the people replied in the affirmative. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) stated that if the Holy Prophet (sa) had said this then this was surely the truth. People asked Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) whether he was testifying to the fact that the Holy Prophet (sa) went to Baitul Maqdis the previous night and returned before the morning. (This was because Baitul Maqdis was approximately at a distance of 1,300 kilometres from Mecca.) Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) replied, “Yes, I attest to that and I will also attest to that which may seem to be even more improbable.” Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) then stated, “I also testify to the heavenly news which is revealed to the Holy Prophet (sa) every morning and every night.” For this reason, Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) was known by the title of Siddiq.
(Al-Mustadrak ala al-Sahihain lil Hakim, Kitab Marifat al-Sahabah, Vol. 3 [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2002], p. 4458)
Abu Wahb, the freed slave of Hazrat Abu Hurairahra, relates that the Holy Prophet (sa) once said, “The night I was taken [to Baitul Maqdis] (i.e. the incident of Isra), I said to Gabriel, ‘Surely, my people will not attest to me’”, meaning people would not believe him. “Gabriel said:
يُصَدِّقُكَ أَبُوْ بَكْرٍ وَهُوَ الصِّدِّيْقُ
“‘Abu Bakr will attest to you, for he is truthful (Siddiq).’” This is recorded in Tabaqat al-Kubra.
*(Ibn Saad, Al-Tabaqat al-Kubra, Vol. 3, Abu Bakr Siddiq [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 1990], p. 167) *