What is the wisdom behind the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him, denying the quality of "khalil" (intimate friend) to Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, despite the characteristics of a "khalil" applying to him?

Al-Nawawi reported from Qadi Iyad that the origin of khullah (intimate friendship) is iftiqar (utter dependence) and inqita' (complete devotion). Thus, Khalilullah (the intimate friend of Allah) is one who is utterly devoted to Him. It was also said that it is because he confined his needs to Allah alone. And it was said that khullah means ikhtisas (special distinction) or istifa' (selection). Ibrahim was named Khalil because he allied and showed enmity for the sake of Allah, or because of his noble character. And Allah's khullah towards him was His support for him and His making him a leader.

Khullah is the purity of affection through the penetration of secrets, or its origin is mahabbah (love) and its meaning is is'af (help) and iltaf (kindness). The Khalil (intimate friend) is one whose heart cannot accommodate anyone other than his intimate friend.

The meaning of the Hadith: "If I were to take an intimate friend (khalil) from my Ummah other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr as an intimate friend," is that the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, did not make room in his heart for the love of anyone other than Allah. And the khalil is the affectionate companion upon whom one depends and relies. However, the one upon whom the Prophet relies and to whom he resorts is Allah alone.