The 3: A ranking of the Greatest Persons in History, according to Islam, until the last day

 
Here is a famous book, The 100: A Ranking of the Most Influential Persons in History is a 1978 book by Michael H. Hart, an American astrophysicist, author, amateur historian, and researcher.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_100:_A_Ranking_of_the_Most_Influential_Persons_in_History

Hart's Top 5 (from the 1992 edition):

Rank Name Time frame Image Occupation
1 Muhammad c. 570–632 Spiritual & Political leader
2 Isaac Newton         1643–1727 Scientist
3 Jesus 4 BC–33 AD Spiritual leader
4 Gautama Buddha 563–483 BC Spiritual leader
5 Confucius     551–479 BC Philosopher

If I were to rank, name 100 influential people who ever lived or will live until the last day, I will rank them in this order:

Rank Name Time frame
1 Muhammad (pbuh) 570–632 CE
               (among 124,000 Prophets and Messengers)
2 Abu Bakr 573-634 CE
3 Umar ibn Al-Khattab      584-644 CE

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# Isaac Newton                        1643–1727
# Confucius                     551–479 BC

Why Abu Bakr is the best man who will ever live?

For his great character and close connection with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr is honored in Islamic tradition. Abu Bakr Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafa was his full name. On the basis of historical accounts and the Hadith, the following list of Abu Bakr's positive qualities can be provided as a general summary of his personality:

1. A Strong Sense of Loyalty: Abu Bakr's loyalty to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and the Islamic faith was unwavering and steadfast. He remained a devoted follower throughout his life.
2. Abstaining from Backbiting and Slander: He was known for his strict adherence to Islamic ethics, which included refraining from backbiting and speaking ill of others.
3. Adherence to the Prophetic Tradition: He closely followed the teachings and practices of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and encouraged others to do the same.
4. Advocacy for Racial Equality: Abu Bakr emphasized the equality of all Muslims, regardless of their racial or tribal backgrounds, setting a precedent for the rejection of racism in Islam.
5. Advocacy for Social Justice: He championed social justice and the equitable treatment of all members of the Muslim community, regardless of their social or economic status.
6. Advocacy for the Dignity of All Human Beings: He upheld the principle of the dignity of all human beings, emphasizing that all individuals, regardless of their background, deserve respect and honor.
7. Advocacy for the Orphaned and Vulnerable: He showed great concern and care for orphans and the vulnerable, ensuring their well-being and protection.
8. Advocacy for the Rights of Slaves: Abu Bakr was a strong advocate for the rights of slaves and their humane treatment. He encouraged their manumission and played a role in the early efforts to free enslaved individuals.
9. Advocacy for the Rule of Law: He upheld the principles of justice and the rule of law within the Muslim community.
10. Advocate for Women's Rights: Abu Bakr was an advocate for the rights of women, emphasizing their dignity, respect, and the importance of upholding their rights within the Muslim community.
11. Allegiance to the Righteous Caliphs: Abu Bakr remained a loyal and supportive advisor to the subsequent Caliphs, including Umar ibn al-Khattab, and continued to offer valuable counsel.
12. Apostle of the Poor: Abu Bakr was known for his dedication to the welfare of the poor and marginalized in society. He would actively seek out the needy and provide them with financial assistance and support.
13. Asceticism: Abu Bakr led an ascetic lifestyle, demonstrating detachment from worldly possessions and an emphasis on spiritual values.
14. Balance and Moderation: Abu Bakr emphasized the importance of balance and moderation in all aspects of life, avoiding extremism or excess.
15. Caring for the Sick: Abu Bakr visited the sick and provided them with comfort and support, displaying a compassionate attitude toward those in distress.
16. Charitable Acts in Secret: Abu Bakr performed many charitable acts in secret, without seeking recognition or praise. His humility was evident in his discreet acts of kindness.
17. Charity and Support for the Needy: He continued to be generous even during his time as Caliph, ensuring that the poor and needy were taken care of.
18. Commitment to Prayer and Remembrance: He had a deep commitment to acts of worship and remembrance of Allah, including frequent supplication and dhikr (remembrance of Allah).
19. Commitment to the Unity of the Ummah: Abu Bakr was dedicated to maintaining the unity and strength of the Muslim community, working to prevent divisions and disputes.
20. Community Building: Abu Bakr actively engaged in community building, fostering a sense of unity and shared responsibility among the early Muslims.
21. Companionship with the Prophet Muhammad: Abu Bakr had a very close and special relationship with the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He was the Prophet's companion in the cave during the Hijra (migration to Medina), and his loyalty and support during this critical event are well-documented.
22. Compassion and Kindness: He was known for his compassion and kindness towards others. He would help the poor and the needy, and he was particularly caring towards orphans and widows.
23. Composure in Times of Crisis: He maintained composure and a sense of calm in times of crisis, setting an example for others in the face of adversity.
24. Concern for Animal Welfare: Abu Bakr demonstrated a deep concern for the welfare of animals. He emphasized the humane treatment of animals and discouraged any form of cruelty towards them. This virtue aligns with the broader Islamic principle of kindness to all of God's creation, including animals. 
25. Concern for Prisoners of War: He showed compassion and care for prisoners of war and advocated for their humane treatment.
26. Consultation and Shura: He was known for his practice of "Shura" or consultation in decision-making, seeking the opinions and advice of other companions and leaders before making important decisions.
27. Contentment: Abu Bakr was content with what Allah had decreed for him. His contentment was a source of peace and tranquility in his life.
28. Counselor and Advisor: His wisdom and practical advice were sought after by many companions and leaders. He was often consulted on important matters of the community.
29. Courage and Bravery: He displayed exceptional courage and bravery in defending the early Muslim community during times of persecution and adversity.
30. Courage in Adversity: He demonstrated remarkable courage and resilience during difficult times, including during the Ridda Wars and other challenges the early Muslim community faced.
31. Dedication to the Propagation of Islam: Throughout his life, he was dedicated to the propagation of Islam and worked to spread the message of the faith.
32. Dedication to the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him): His loyalty and unwavering support for the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) were legendary. He accompanied the Prophet on his migration to Medina, and he was always at the forefront of the Prophet's missions.
33. Diplomacy: Abu Bakr was a skilled diplomat and peacemaker. He played a crucial role in reconciling and uniting various factions within the early Muslim community, helping to maintain the unity of the Ummah (Muslim community).
34. Diplomatic Skills: Abu Bakr possessed diplomatic skills and was skilled at negotiation, making him an effective statesman.
35. Dutifulness to Parents: He was known for his deep respect and dutifulness to his parents, which is highly regarded in Islamic tradition.
36. Economic Equitability: Abu Bakr emphasized economic justice and the fair distribution of wealth among the Muslim community, ensuring that the rich supported the poor and needy.
37. Economic Fairness: Abu Bakr promoted economic fairness and equitable distribution of wealth within the Muslim society.
38. Eloquence in Speech: He was known for his eloquence in speech and the ability to effectively convey his thoughts and messages.
39. Emphasis on Mercy and Forgiveness: He was known for his forgiving nature, preferring to forgive the mistakes of others rather than seeking retribution.
40. Emphasis on Prayer and Worship: He was known for his regular and devout performance of prayers and acts of worship, which were central to his daily life.
41. Encouragement of Ijtihad (Independent Reasoning): He supported the scholarly tradition of ijtihad, allowing scholars to use their independent reasoning to derive legal rulings when needed.
42. Enduring Patience: He displayed remarkable patience during times of adversity and trials, which is a quality greatly admired in Islamic tradition.
43. Environmental Stewardship: While not a prominent issue of his time, Abu Bakr's emphasis on responsibility and care for God's creation aligns with the Islamic principles of environmental stewardship.
44. Exemplary Family Life: He maintained a harmonious family life and was a loving and caring husband and father.
45. Foresight and Prudent Decision-Making: Abu Bakr was known for his foresight and the ability to make prudent and far-sighted decisions. His leadership style often included careful deliberation and consideration of the long-term consequences of his choices, which contributed to the stability and growth of the early Muslim community. 
46. Forgiveness: Abu Bakr was known for his forgiving nature. Even when some individuals slandered him or spoke ill of him, he chose to forgive them rather than seeking revenge.
47. Generosity in the Path of Allah: He was known to be particularly generous in contributing to the Islamic cause, whether it was for financing military campaigns or supporting the needy and the early Muslim community.
48. Generosity: Abu Bakr was known for his generosity and willingness to give to others, both in terms of wealth and support. He used to spend his wealth to help those in need and to support the early Muslim community.
49. Gratitude: Abu Bakr displayed a deep sense of gratitude towards Allah. He recognized the blessings and favors from Allah and was appreciative of them.
50. Guidance and Mentorship: He served as a mentor and guide to many young Muslims, imparting his wisdom and knowledge to the next generation of leaders and scholars.
51. Honesty in Trade: Before accepting Islam, Abu Bakr was known for his honesty and integrity in trade and business dealings. This reputation continued throughout his life as a Muslim.
52. Hospitality: Abu Bakr was a generous host and extended hospitality to guests and travelers, following the tradition of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
53. Humor and Lightheartedness: Despite the seriousness of many situations he encountered, Abu Bakr was known for his sense of humor and ability to bring moments of lightheartedness to his interactions with others.
54. Inclusivity and Embrace of Diversity: He welcomed individuals from diverse backgrounds into the fold of Islam, emphasizing the universality of the faith.
55. Knowledge and Wisdom: Abu Bakr was known for his knowledge of the Quran and Hadith and for his deep understanding of Islamic teachings. His knowledge and wisdom were highly respected by the companions.
56. Leadership by Example: Abu Bakr led by example, setting high standards for himself and the community and showing how a leader should live a life in accordance with Islamic values.
57. Leadership: Abu Bakr served as the first Caliph after the Prophet Muhammad's (peace be upon him) passing and demonstrated excellent leadership qualities. He was a just and fair leader who upheld the principles of justice and maintained the unity of the Muslim community.
58. Love for Knowledge: He had a deep love for seeking knowledge, especially religious knowledge. He encouraged others to seek knowledge and supported scholars and students of Islamic sciences.
59. Love for the Quran: He had a deep love for the Quran and was committed to its recitation and understanding. His reverence for the Quran was reflected in his life and actions.
60. Maintaining Strong Character in Times of Power: Even as the Caliph, Abu Bakr maintained his humility, moral character, and simplicity, setting an example for leaders to follow.
61. Maintenance of Strong Family Ties: Abu Bakr maintained strong family bonds and relations, emphasizing the importance of familial ties in Islam.
62. Mercy and Compassion: Abu Bakr was known for his compassion and mercy, both towards fellow Muslims and to those who sought his help.
63. Modesty: He was a man of great humility and modesty. He would often weep in prayer, fearing his deeds might not be accepted by Allah.
64. Optimism and Confidence in Allah: He had strong faith in Allah's divine plan and believed that, with trust in God, the Muslim community would overcome any challenges they faced.
65. Optimism and Positive Outlook: He had a positive and hopeful attitude, which is reflected in his response when he was chosen as the Caliph after the Prophet's passing. He said, "If you have held me to be the best among you, then you have erred. If you have held me to be the weakest among you, you have hit the mark."
66. Patience: Abu Bakr exhibited great patience in the face of personal trials and challenges, especially during the difficult times following the death of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him).
67. Patronage of Islamic Art and Culture: During his rule as Caliph, he supported the development of Islamic art, culture, and architectural achievements that have left a lasting cultural legacy.
68. Piety and Devotion: He was known for his devout worship and strong connection with Allah. His piety and dedication to the Islamic faith were exemplary.
69. Pioneering Leadership: As the first Caliph, Abu Bakr set the precedent for future leaders in the Islamic community, establishing the foundations for good governance and ethical leadership.
70. Promoter of Brotherhood: Abu Bakr was instrumental in fostering a sense of brotherhood and unity among the early Muslim converts, helping to bridge the gaps between various tribal and ethnic groups.
71. Promotion of Charity: Abu Bakr emphasized the importance of giving to charity and helping those in need.
72. Promotion of Good Ethics: He encouraged the observance of good ethics and moral values within the Muslim community.
73. Promotion of Good Governance: As the first Caliph of Islam, Abu Bakr established principles of good governance, including transparency, accountability, and justice, which served as a model for later Muslim rulers.
74. Promotion of Good Manners and Etiquette: Abu Bakr was known for his excellent manners and encouraged others to observe good etiquette and courtesy.
75. Promotion of Social Harmony: He worked to resolve conflicts and promote harmony among the diverse members of the early Muslim community.
76. Promotion of Social Welfare: Abu Bakr encouraged the support of widows, orphans, and those in need, recognizing the importance of social welfare within the Muslim community.
77. Protection of Religious Sites: He worked to protect and maintain the sanctity of religious sites and places of worship for all faiths.
78. Protection of Women's Rights: Abu Bakr was known for his efforts to protect the rights and dignity of women in the early Muslim community.
79. Purity of Heart: Abu Bakr was known for the purity of his heart and the sincerity of his intentions.
80. Reliability and Trustworthiness: Abu Bakr was a man of his word, and his trustworthiness was unparalleled. His honesty and reliability were qualities that gained him the respect and admiration of the early Muslim community.
81. Resilience in Personal Trials: Throughout his life, he faced personal trials and adversity, yet he remained patient and resolute in his faith.
82. Respect for Elders: Abu Bakr had great respect for the elderly members of the community and would often visit and support them.
83. Respect for the Elderly and the Young: He treated the elderly and the young with respect and kindness, emphasizing the importance of respecting all age groups in the community.
84. Respect for the Prophet's Family: He had immense respect for the family of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) and treated them with honor and reverence.
85. Respect for the Rights of Non-Muslims: He emphasized the importance of respecting the rights and freedoms of non-Muslim minorities living under Islamic rule.
86. Role in Compilation of the Quran: Abu Bakr played a significant role in collecting and compiling the Quranic verses during the Caliphate of Umar ibn al-Khattab. His efforts contributed to the preservation of the Quranic text.
87. Simplicity and Humility: Despite his wealth and social status, Abu Bakr led a simple and humble life. He dressed modestly and was not attached to material possessions.
88. Sincerity (Ikhlas): Abu Bakr was known for his unwavering faith and sincerity in his belief in Islam. He embraced Islam wholeheartedly and without any hesitation.
89. Sobriety: Abu Bakr was known for his moderation and avoidance of excess. He led a simple and austere life, setting an example for others in the community.
90. Steadfastness: Abu Bakr was known for his unwavering commitment to Islam and the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him). He remained steadfast in his faith, even in the face of adversity and challenges.
91. Strong Sense of Brotherhood: He fostered a strong sense of brotherhood and unity among the companions, helping to create a cohesive Muslim community.
92. Strong Work Ethic: Abu Bakr was diligent and hardworking in his various roles and responsibilities, setting an example of industriousness.
93. Support for Islamic Scholarship: He played a pivotal role in supporting the collection and preservation of the Quranic verses and Hadith, helping to ensure the transmission of authentic Islamic knowledge.
94. Support for Knowledge and Education: He recognized the importance of knowledge and education, supporting scholars and students and emphasizing the pursuit of knowledge as a noble endeavor.
95. Support for Religious Freedom: He advocated for religious freedom and tolerance, promoting the idea that individuals should have the right to practice their faith without persecution.
96. Tolerance and Interfaith Relations: He showed tolerance and respect for people of other faiths and played a key role in fostering peaceful relations with non-Muslim communities during his time as Caliph.
97. Truthfulness (Siddiq): He earned the title "As-Siddiq" or "The Truthful" because of his honesty, integrity, and trustworthiness. The Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him) once said that if he were to take a close friend among his followers, it would have been Abu Bakr.
98. Unity: Abu Bakr prioritized the unity of the Muslim community and worked diligently to prevent divisions and conflicts within the Ummah.
99. Upholding the Spirit of Hijra: Abu Bakr upheld the significance of the Hijra (migration) as a turning point in Islamic history and encouraged Muslims to reflect on its lessons.
100. Warrior for Justice: As a close companion of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), he actively participated in several battles and military campaigns to defend the Muslim community and uphold justice.

Abu Bakr's (May Allāh be pleased with him) qualities and traits are greatly praised in Islamic history and are examples for Muslims to follow in their own lives. If you're looking for particular Hadith references, you can check out famous hadith collections like Sahih al-Bukhari, Sahih Muslim, and others. These collections are full with sayings and anecdotes about Abu Bakr's personality and deeds.

Here are a few Hadiths on the subject:

It was narrated from ‘Ali (رضي الله عنه) that he said:
The best of this ummah after its Prophet (ﷺ) are Abu Bakr and ʼUmar (رضي الله عنهما).

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)] (Darussalam)
Reference : Musnad Ahmad 932
In-book reference : Book 5, Hadith 359

It was narrated from Anas bin Malik that:
The Messenger of Allah said: 
The most merciful of my Ummah towards my Ummah is Abu Bakr; 
the one who adheres most sternly to the religion of Allah is 'Umar; 
the most sincere of them in shyness and modesty is 'Uthman; 
the best judge is 'Ali bin Abu Talib; 
the best in reciting the Book of Allah is Ubayy bin Ka'b; 
the most knowledgeable of what is lawful and unlawful is Mu'adh bin Jabal; and 
the most knowledgeable of the rules of inheritance (Fara'id) is Zaid bin Thabit. And every nation has a trustworthy guardian, and 
the trustworthy guardian of this Ummah is Abu 'Ubaidah bin Jarrah."

Grade: Sahih (Darussalam)
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 154
In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 154
English translation : Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 154

In conclusion, we have provided a lengthy list of his qualities, virtues, and contributions based on historical accounts and Islamic tradition about Abu Bakr. It is important to note that Abu Bakr's legacy is complex, and the qualities mentioned here collectively portray a comprehensive and virtuous character. Because of that, it is Abu Bakr (May Allāh be pleased with him) who will always be the best person to have lived after 124,000 Prophets and Messengers until the end of time.