It is narrated by Ḥaḍrat ‘Ā’ishahra that after the Muslims migrated to Abyssinia, at one time, Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakrra also left Makkah with the intention of migration. While travelling south, when he reached Barikul-Ghimād, he coincidentally met Ibni Daghinah who was a Chieftain of the Qārah tribe. When Ibni Daghinah inquired as to the cause of this trip, Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakrra responded, “My people have exiled me. For this reason, I have decided to travel throughout the land of Allāh freely, and worship my Lord.” “A man of your calibre should not leave Makkah on his own accord, nor should he be exiled,” said Ibni Daghinah, “Come, I take you into my protection. Return and worship your Lord in Makkah.” As a result, Abū Bakrra returned as per his request. On reaching Makkah, Ibni Daghinah rebuked the Chieftains of the Quraish saying, “Do you exile a man of such and such virtues?” After this, Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakrra made a small mosque in the veranda of his home, where he would observe prayers and recite the Holy Qur’ān. Since he was exceedingly soft-hearted, he would often weep while reciting the Holy Qur’ān. This sight would especially move the hearts of the women and children of the Quraish, who were relatively simple and free of religious prejudice. Since Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakrra was extremely revered among the Quraish, his fervent worship would pull the hearts of people towards Islām. Upon this, the Quraish complained to Ibni Daghinah that Abū Bakrra recites the Qur’ān aloud and due to this our women, children and weaker ones are put to trial, thus forbid him. Ibni Daghna attempted to stop Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakrra, but he refused saying, “I cannot leave this on any account. However, if you are fearful, then I leave your protection, the protection of my Lord is sufficient for me.”1 After this, the Quraish inflicted many hardships upon Ḥaḍrat Abū Bakrra but he remained steadfast like a resolute rock.
1 Ṣaḥīḥ Bukhārī, Kitābu Manāqibil-Anṣār, Bābu Hijratin-Nabiyyisa wa Aṣḥābihī ilal-Madīnah, Ḥadīth No. 3905