Question
Is the story about Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) giving everything in the path of Allah and he had to wear leaves and use thorns as clothing correct to mention?
Answer
Khatib Baghdadi, Imam ibn ‘Asakir (rahimahumallah) and others have recorded this narration. The narration states that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) wore an upper garment and fastened it with thorns/wooden splinters. The upper garment was made of wool or a coarse fabric (sack like).
(Tarikh Baghdad, vol. 2 pg. 464, Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 30 pg. 71-73. Refer: Ithafus Sadah Al Muttaqin, vol. 6 pg. 190)
I have not come across mention of him wearing leaves.
However, the Muhaddithun have declared this incident unreliable. It is therefore not suitable to quote. See here
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar