It is narrated from Sayyiduna Abu Ma'la (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) delivered a sermon one day and said: A servant has been given the choice by his Lord that if he wishes, he may remain alive in the world and eat and drink as he pleases, and if he wishes, he may meet his Lord. That servant has chosen to meet his Lord. Upon hearing this, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) began to weep. The Companions said: Look at this elder, the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) has mentioned a righteous servant whom his Lord has given the choice between meeting Him or remaining in the world, and he has chosen to meet his Lord. (And Abu Bakr began to weep.) In reality, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was the one who understood the words of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) the most. Upon hearing the words of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him), Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) said: O Messenger of Allah! May we sacrifice our wealth and children for you. Then the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: Among the people, no one has done me more favor in terms of companionship and wealth than Ibn Abi Quhafa. If I were to take anyone as a close friend (khalil), I would have taken Ibn Abi Quhafa, but love and brotherhood in faith are established. However, between us, the bond of love and brotherhood in faith is established. This companion of yours is the Khalil (close friend) of Allah Almighty.