Abu Bakr was three years younger than the Prophet.
From early years, Abu Bakr was known for good and upright nature. He was honest and truthful. He came of a noble family. These things won him respect among the people.
The Prophet said: “No one has been a better companion to me than Abu Bakr”.
All his life he stood by the side of the Prophet. He did not care for what others said about him. His only ambition was to serve the Prophet more than anyone else and Abu Bakr got his reward in full. The Messenger of Allah was well pleased with him and he gave him the first place among the Companions. Abu Bakr was to be the first man to embrace Islam.