Abu Bakr

Q 3: Is it true what was reported about Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq that he said, “I wish I were a tree cut down by the axe of a woodcutter”?

A: As far as we know it was not authentically reported that Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said so; but Ahmad related in "Al-Zuhd", on the authority of Abu ‘Imran Al-Jawny that Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq said, “I wish I were a hair on the body of a believer.” This Athar (narration from a Companion) is not true either, because Abu ‘Imran Al-Jawny never met Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq. He also related from Al-Hasan that he said, “Abu Bakr said, ‘By Allah, I wish I were this tree, being eaten and cut down.’” (Part No. 4; Page No. 393) This Athar is not true either, because Al-Hasan never met Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq. May Allah grant us success. May peace and blessings be upon our Prophet Muhammad, his family, and Companions.