Virtues and Outstanding Traits of

Sayyidun Ab Bakr al-iddq

Adapted from
Trikh al-Khulaf
by
Allmah Jall al-Dn al-Suy
 Transliteration key

- -
- -
- b -
- t -
- th - gh
- j - f
- - q
- kh - k
- d - l
- dh - m
- r - n
- z - w,
- s - h
- sh - y,
-
 Contents

Virtues and Outstanding Traits of Sayyidun Ab Bakr al-iddq  5

Translators Note 5
Sayyidun Ab Bakr al-iddq  7
Birth, Name and Lineage 7
Title 7
Childhood and Youth 9
The Purity of his Character 9
The Appearance of Sayyidun Ab Bakr 10
Embracing Islam 10
The Bravery and Courage of Sayyidun Ab Bakr 12
His Service to Raslullh H as well as Generosity and Open-Heartedness 14
Sayyidun Ab Bakr H was the Most Knowledgeable of all
the abah as well as the Wisest 17
Sayyidun Ab Bakr is the Highest in Rank from the Ummah of Raslullh H 19
Those Verses That Were Revealed in Praise of Sayyidun Ab Bakr 20
Those Virtues That Were Mentioned Regarding Sayyidun Ab Bakr
and Sayyidun Umar  22
Those Adth Which Clearly Refer to the Khilfah of Ab Bakr 24
 Virtues and Outstanding Traits of Sayyidun Ab Bakr al-iddq

Translators Note

The illustrious abah M are those flowers who blossomed from the garden
of rislah by the rays of revelation shining upon them and they are the sweet
smelling roses which the Mercy to the Worlds, Muammad H, nurtured
himself. Their lives are a sterling example for every mumin to follow. Every
ab has his own individual status and virtue, the greatest of which is that Allah
Tal selected each of them to be the companions of his beloved Muammad
H. It is for this reason that it is the unanimous belief of the Muslim ummah

that the most illustrious of the saints of Allah cannot reach the status of even the
lowest ranking ab.

This treatise which is before you is an abbreviation and explanation of an extract

from Allmah Jall al-Dn Sys V book Trkh al-Khulaf, which describes
the life and virtues of Sayyidun Ab Bakr al-iddq I. Allah willing, the
virtues and merits of the other al-Khulaf al-Rshidn will also be highlighted
in this treatise. We ask Allah Tal to keep us occupied in the service of dn with
sincerity and ease. In addition we ask Allah Tal to make this modest effort a
means of our salvation.

Abd Allh al-Barn al-Madan

Islamic lecturer
Madnah
29 / 06 / 1422 A.H

5
 Sayyidun Ab Bakr al-iddq

Birth, Name and Lineage

Sayyidun Ab Bakr I was born two years after Raslullh H. His name
is Abd Allh ibn Ab Qufah. He was from the noble tribe of the Quraysh and his
entire lineage is as follows,

Abd Allh ibn Ab Qufah ibn Uthmn ibn mir ibn Amr ibn Kab ibn
Sad ibn Tm ibn Murrah ibn Luay ibn Ghlib al-Qursah, al-Taym

Murrah is a common ancestor to both Sayyidun Ab Bakr I and Raslullh

H, thus they share a common lineage. Sayyidun Ab Bakr I is better
known by his agnomen, Ab Bakr, than his actual name. In fact very few Muslims
actually know that his name was Abd Allh.

Title
Sayyidun Ab Bakr I became famous by two titles: al-Atq and al-iddq.
He received the title of Atq when Raslullh H signalled towards him
saying:

If anyone wishes to see a person who has been freed from the fire of
Jahannam then he should look at Ab Bakr.1

Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Zubayr I narrates that Sayyidun Ab Bakr I

was famous by the name Abd Allh but when Raslullh H said to him:

You have been freed from the fire of Jahannam.2

1 Reported by Ab Yal in his Musnad, Ibn Sad and akim, who graded it as a.
2 Tirmidh, adth: 3779, Al-kim v. 2 p. 315-316

7
Since then he became famous by the title Atq.1

Atq means one who has been freed. Sayyidun Ab Bakr I received this glad
tiding from Raslullh H that he will be protected from Jahannam and will
enter Jannah, on numerous occasions in his lifetime. What a great honour that
is indeed.

His other title is al-iddq, which means truthful or honest. His honesty and
truthfulness was praised even during the days of ignorance. Another reason
which has been mentioned for this title, as reported from asan al-Bar V on
the authority of Ibn Isq, is that Sayyidun Ab Bakr I accepted the rislah
of Raslullh H immediately, without a second thought and did not request
any miracle to be displayed by Raslullh H, and was thus awarded the title
of al-iddq.

It has been reported in kim that when Raslullh H informed the

mushrikn of the journey of Mirj, they immediately ran to Sayyidun Ab Bakr
I and said to him:

Ab Bakr! Will you attest to what your friend Muammad has said today,
that he has travelled from Makkah to Bayt al-Muqaddas in one night?

Sayyidun Ab Bakr I replied:

If he has said this then it must undoubtedly be true. I believe in something

even more astonishing than that and that is the revelation which is sent to
him from the heavens every day and night.

It was from that day that his title became al-iddq.

Nizl ibn Subrah narrates that they asked Sayyidun Al I to enlighten them
with something about Sayyidun Ab Bakr I. Sayyidun Al I replied:

1 abarn

8
 Ab Bakr is that individual who was awarded the title of al-iddq by the
mouth of Sayyidun Jibral S and Raslullh H. He was the true
successor of Raslullh H. Raslullh H selected him for our
dn (when Raslullh H appointed him as imm for alh during his
lifetime) so we selected him to attend to our worldly affairs as well (when
we appointed him as our leader and khalfah).1

Childhood and Youth

Sayyidun Ab Bakr I grew up in Makkah and even after reaching adulthood
continued to reside in Makkah. He never left Makkah except to conduct trade
in neighbouring countries. He was regarded among the leaders and nobility of
Makkah. He was a person of outstanding character and benevolent nature. He
was well-known for his keeping of family ties and generosity. He would help the
poor and weak as well as aid those who were in difficulty.

Imm al-Naww V has stated that Sayyidun Ab Bakr I was among the
chiefs of his people and his opinion was highly regarded amongst them. He was
greatly loved by his people. When the era of Islam dawned, he gave no thought
to his rank or position and immediately accepted Islam, challenging the forces of
falsehood.

The Purity of his Character

One is able to gauge the purity of Sayyidun Ab Bakrs I character by the
fact that he was the friend of Raslullh H. The person whom Raslullh
H chose as his friend would undoubtedly be purest in character and
personality. Sayyidun ishah J narrates:

I take an oath by Allah; Ab Bakr never indulged in poetic renditions,

neither during the period of ignorance nor after accepting Islam. Both he
and Uthmn had made consuming alcohol arm upon themselves before
the advent of Islam.2

1 kim
2 Ibn Askir

9
The Appearance of Sayyidun Ab Bakr
Ibn Sad has reported a narration that a certain person came to Sayyidun ishah
J and asked her regarding the appearance of Sayyidun Ab Bakr I, she
replied:

He was fair in complexion and had a slim build. He had little hair on his
cheeks (meaning his beard was not very thick). His face would become
sweaty. He had thick eyebrows and a broad forehead.

In another narration, Ibn Sad has reported from Sayyidun ishah J that
Sayyidun Ab Bakr I began to apply henna to his beard after it became
white.

Embracing Islam
Sayyidun Al I narrates that the first among the men to accept Islam was
Sayyidun Ab Bakr I.1

Sayyidun Zayd ibn Arqam I narrates that the first person to perform alh
behind Raslullh H was Sayyidun Ab Bakr I.2

There are various narrations reported from many abah with regards to who
was the first to accept Islam, which Imm Ab anfah V reconciled in the
following manner, the first man to accept Islam was Sayyidun Ab Bakr I, the
first woman to accept Islam was Sayyidun Khadjah J and the first amongst
the youth to accept Islam was Sayyidun Al I.

Abd Allh ibn usayn al-Tamm I narrates that Raslullh H said:

Whoever I invited towards Islam had doubts at first and after thinking
carefully they accepted Islam, except for Ab Bakr; when I invited him

1 Ibn Askir
2 Ibn Khaythamah

10
 towards Islam he did not hesitate for even a moment and accepted
immediately.1

Imm al-Bayhaq V says that the reason for this is Sayyidun Ab Bakr I
had already seen the qualities of nubuwwah in Raslullh H and even
before accepting Islam, he had heard about Raslullh H from the ulam
of the Ahl al-Kitb.

The humble translator wishes to add, a clear and evident proof of the nubuwwah
and rislah of Raslullh H is that the first to believe in him and accept
him were those who knew him the best and the well-acquainted with his noble
personality. They had complete conviction that Raslullh H would not
say anything untrue or contrary to reality. Who can know a person better than
ones own wife? Sayyidun Khadjah J was staying with Raslullh H
for fifteen years prior to him receiving nubuwwah and was entirely familiar with
his habits and tendencies. When Raslullh H informed her regarding his
nubuwwah, her heart naturally accepted the truth of his statement.

Even before embracing Islam, Sayyidun Ab Bakr I was the friend of

Raslullh H and after accepting Islam he never left the side of Raslullh
H, except on those occasions when Raslullh H himself ordered him

to, for example to lead the expeditions of ajj or jihd. He participated alongside
Raslullh H in all the battles that transpired and was the only person to
have attained the honour of accompanying Raslullh H on the journey of
hijrah, as attested to by the verse:

He was the second of the two (the other being his bosom friend Ab Bakr
I) when they were (hiding from the kuffr) in the cave (outside Makkah)

and he (Raslullh H) told his companion (Ab Bakr I) (when the

1 Al-Srah al-Nabawiyyah by Ibn Hishm v. 1 p. 159

11
 kuffr were on the verge of capturing them): Do not grieve (do not fear for
my safety). Verily Allah is with us (and He will protect us from the kuffr).1

It was Sayyidun Ab Bakr I who remained firm and did not flee on the
occasion of the Battles of Uud and unayn, during the sudden attack of the
mushrikn. Sayyidun Al I narrates that Raslullh H addressed both
him and Sayyidun Ab Bakr on the occasion of the Battle of Badr saying:

One of you is accompanied by Jibrl while the other is accompanied by

Mkl.2

On the occasion of the Battle of Uud, a tent was erected for Raslullh H,
wherein he spent the entire night weeping and supplicating to Allah Tal to
assist and grant the Muslims victory. At that time the other abah were making
preparations for battle and it was only Sayyidun Ab Bakr I who was with
the Rasl of Allah H. He stood guard over the tent of Raslullh H and
whenever any enemy tried to reach the Rasl of Allah H, Sayyidun Ab
Bakr I would pounce upon him like a ferocious lion. It is mentioned that none
of the enemy could pluck up the courage to advance on the tent of Raslullh
H. This incident was narrated by Sayyidun Al I who then stated:

Sayyidun Ab Bakr I was the most courageous of all of us on that day.3

The Bravery and Courage of Sayyidun Ab Bakr

Sayyidun Urwah ibn Zubayr I narrates that he asked Sayyidun Abd Allh
ibn Amr ibn al- I:

1 Srah al-Towbah: 40
2 Musnad Amad, kim, Ab Yal
3 Bazzr

12
 What is the worst of all the difficulties that the mushrikn inflicted upon
Raslullh H?

Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Amr ibn al- I replied:

I saw Uqbah ibn Ab Mu taking a shawl and going towards Raslullh

H, while he was in alh. Then this vile individual wrapped this shawl
around the neck of Raslullh I, trying to strangle him. Ab Bakr arrived
just in time, struck him and separated him from Raslullh I. He then
turned to the disbelievers and said:

Do you kill a person merely because he says my Rabb is Allah, and he has
come to you with proof from his Rabb.1

Sayyidun ishah J narrates that when the number of Muslims reached

thirty-eight in Makkah, Sayyidun Ab Bakr I asked Raslullh H for
permission to preach Islam openly. Raslullh H advised him against it, as
he could result in him being severely beaten by the mushrikn. It just so happened
that one day when all the Muslims were present in the aram, each of them
sitting in different corners, and a large number of mushrikn had also gathered;
Sayyidun Ab Bakr I stood up and openly invited all of them towards the
worship of one Allah Tal and to accept the nubuwwah of Muammad H.
As soon as he said this all the mushrikn pounced upon him and began beating
him so savagely that he fell unconscious. A few members of his tribe were present,
who even though were not Muslims, attended to him and took him to his home,
out of tribal loyalty. When he regained consciousness the first words out of his
mouth were:

How is the Rasl of Allah H? Has he been harmed?2

1 Bukhr
2 Ibn Askir

13
Sayyidun Al I narrates that he saw the Quraysh surrounding the Rasl of
Allah H, some were pushing him, others were scoffing at him and a few
were ridiculing him, saying:

You are the one who has made all the gods into one God (by denouncing
the idols of the mushrikn and encouraging the worship of One Allah).

There was none among us who had the courage to go to his aid. (Sayyidun Al
I was very young at time as this incident took place in the early days of Islam.)

Only Sayyidun Ab Bakr I was brave enough to step forward and pushing
the disbelievers away one by one he said to them: May you all be destroyed, do
you kill a man merely because he says my Rabb is Allah. Thereafter Sayyidun
Al I began crying so profusely that his beard became wet with the excessive
tears. He then addressed his audience saying:

I take an oath by Allah, who is more superior, the one who brought mn from the
family of Firown (as mentioned in Srah al-Tarm) or Ab Bakr?

When they remained silent, Sayyidun Al I said:

One moment of the life of Ab Bakr is far superior to a thousand of the

believers from the family of Firown because they kept their mn a secret,
out of fear for their nation, whereas Ab Bakr proclaimed his mn openly
before everyone.1

His Service to Raslullh H as well as Generosity and Open-

Heartedness
Allah Tal says in the glorious Qurn:

1 Bazzr

14
 18  17

Far removed from it (Jahannam) shall be the one with the most taqw (the
mumin) who spent his wealth to purify (his soul from greed and from
other sins by attaining Allahs pleasure and resultant forgiveness).1

Allmah Ibn al-Jowz V has said that it is the consensus of the scholars of
knowledge that this verse was revealed regarding Sayyidun Ab Bakr I.

Sayyidun Ab Hurayrah I narrates that Raslullh H has said:

No persons wealth has benefitted me as much as the wealth of Ab Bakr

has benefitted me.

Upon hearing this Sayyidun Ab Bakr I began weeping and said:

All of my wealth is only but for you.2

Sayyidun Al, Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Abbs, Sayyidun Anas, Sayyidun Jbir
and Sayyidun Ab Sad al-Khudr M all narrated that Raslullh H

would spend from the wealth of Ab Bakr as he would from his own. In other
words, Raslullh H regarded the wealth of Sayyidun Ab Bakr as his own.3

In the early period of Islam, Sayyidun Ab Bakr I bought and freed seven
such slaves who were continually beaten and punished for having accepted
Islam.4

In the early years of Islam prior to hijrah, Sayyidun Ab Bakr I spent

approximately forty thousand dirhams in the aid of Islam and Muslims in
general.

1 Srah al-Layl
2 Musnad Amad
3 Ibn Kathr
4 Ibn Askir

15
Sayyidun Umar ibn al-Khab I narrates:

On one occasion Raslullh H encouraged us to donate our wealth. At

that time I had just come into possession of large amount of wealth and I
thought to myself that today I will surpass Ab Bakr. I divided whatever
wealth I possessed into two equal halves and took one half to Raslullh
H. Raslullh H enquired as to what I had left for my family.
I replied that I had left an equal half for my family. Later Ab Bakr I

arrived with all of his wealth and when Raslullh H asked him what
he had left for his family he replied:

I have left Allah and His Rasl for them.

I then realised that I will never be able to surpass Ab Bakr.1

Sayyidun Ab Hurayrah I narrates that Raslullh H has said:

I have repaid all the good that others have shown to me except for Ab
Bakr, as his is of such an extent that Allah Tal himself will repay and
reward him on the Day of Qiymah. No persons wealth has benefitted me
as much as the wealth of Ab Bakr.2

Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Abbs I narrates that Raslullh H said:

No one has shown me kindness as Ab Bakr has. He aided me with his

wealth and person, and even gave his daughter to me in marriage.3

1 Tirmidh
2 ibid
3 Ibn Askir

16
Sayyidun Ab Bakr H was the Most Knowledgeable of all the
abah as well as the Wisest
Imm al-Nawaw V has written in Tahdhb that our ulam have taken proof
from the incident of fighting the rejecters of zakh that Sayyidun Ab Bakr I
was the most knowledgeable of the abah M. It is report in both Bukhr and
Muslim that when certain tribes refused to pay zakh, Sayyidun Ab Bakr I
said:

I take an oath by Allah; I will fight them even if they refuse to give me a
rope which they used to give in the time of Raslullh H as zakh.

The humble translator writes that when Raslullh H left this earthly
abode, certain tribes refused to pay zakh and as a result a difference of opinion
arose among the abah as to what to do with them. Some said that they have
recited the kalimah and even perform alh, so how can we fight against them?
However, Sayyidun Ab Bakr I possessed deeper insight. He knew that
the kalimah only benefits a person when a person fulfils the requisites of the
kalimah. Whoever denies any law of Islam in actual fact denies the Book of Allah
and the Sunnah of Raslullh H, and whoever denies the Qurn and the
Sunnah of Raslullh H leaves the fold of Islam, making fighting against
them permissible.

Sayyidun Ab Sad al-Khudr I narrates that Raslullh H had said in

a khubah, (a few days prior to his demise):

Allah Tal has given a servant a choice between remaining in this world or
that which is with Him, and that servant chose that which is with Allah.

When Ab Bakr I heard this he immediately began weeping and said:

O Raslullh H, may my parents be sacrificed for you. We were

17
 extremely astonished at the behaviour of Ab Bakr that Raslullh H
was merely informing them of the choice made by one of Allahs servants
and he begins to weep for no apparent reason. It was only later that we
realised Raslullh H was actually referring to himself and Ab Bakr
was the most knowledgeable amongst us. On this occasion Raslullh
H said: Undoubtedly Ab Bakr has been the most generous to me with

his wealth and friendship. If I were to take a beloved from amongst men,
then I would have made Ab Bakr my beloved but instead we have between
us the bonds and love of Islam. Listen! All doors that open into the Masjid
(Masjid al-Nabaw) should be sealed except for the door of Ab Bakr.1

Ibn Kathr V says that Sayyidun Ab Bakr I surpassed all the other
abah M in knowledge of the Qurn. This becomes apparent from the fact
that Raslullh I selected him as imm when he has categorically stated:

The most knowledgeable of the Qurn should be appointed as the imm.

In addition there was no person more knowledgeable regarding the adth of

Raslullh H then Sayyidun Ab Bakr I. The reason being that he
remained by the side of Raslullh H throughout his lifetime. His memory
and intelligence was also unmatched by the other abah M. However, he
did not choose to report many narrations, instead he attended to the problems
affecting the Muslim ummah. It is for this reason that many narrations have not
been reported from him. However, whenever the abah M encountered any
hurdle then its solution from the adth of Raslullh H could be found
with Sayyidun Ab Bakr I.

Imm al-Nawaw V says that Sayyidun Ab Bakr I was one of those

abah who had memorised the entire Qurn. This view has been asserted by
many ulam of dn among who is Ibn Kathr V.

1 Bukhr, Muslim

18
Sayyidun Ab Bakr is the Highest in Rank from the Ummah of Raslullh
H

It is the unanimous belief of the Ahl al-Sunnah wa l-Jamah that after Raslullh
H and the other ambiy, the highest in rank is Sayyidun Ab Bakr I
then Sayyidun Umar I then Sayyidun Uthmn I, then Sayyidun
Al I. Thereafter it is the remaining of the Asharah-Mubasharah, then
those abah who participated in the Battle of Badr, then those abah who
participated in the Battle of Uud and those abah who participated in the
Pledge of Riwn. Ab Mansr al-Baghdad has reported that there is a consensus
on this matter.

Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Umar L says that in the lifetime of Raslullh they
would regard Ab Bakr, Umar and Uthmn superior to the other abah.1

In addition it has been reported in abarn that Raslullh H was aware

of this and did not reject it. Sayyidun Ibn Umar says in another narration that
even when Raslullh H was among them they would regard Ab Bakr,
Umar, Uthmn and Al M as superior to the other abah.

Muammad ibn Al ibn Ab lib, who is the son of Sayyidun Al I from a

wife other then Sayyidun Fatima J, narrates:

I asked my father, Al I, who is the best after Raslullh H?

And he replied, Ab Bakr. I then asked, And who is the best after him? He
replied, Umar. I then became afraid that if asked him who was best after
Umar he would say Uthmn, so instead I said to him, After Ab Bakr and
Umar you are best, to which he replied:

I am but a man from the Muslims.2

1 Al-Bukhr
2 Al-Bukhr, Fail Ab al-Nab adth: 3656

19
The humble translator adds, in this narration which informs us of the high
status and rank of Sayyidun Ab Bakr and Sayyidun Umar, we also learn of the
humility, humbleness, piety and asceticism of Sayyidun Al I.

Sayyidun Salamah ibn Akwah I narrates that Raslullh H has said:

After the ambiy, the highest in rank is Ab Bakr.1

Another narration, which has been reported by Sayyidun Sad ibn Zurrah I
that Raslullh H has said:

The pure soul, Jibrl, has informed me that after you from your ummah the
best is Ab Bakr.2

Sayyidun Anas ibn Mlik I narrates that Raslullh I has said:

The most merciful of my ummah upon my ummah is Ab Bakr, the strictest

in matters of dn is Umar, the most modest of them is Uthmn and the best
in decision making is Al.3

Ab Yala has reported Sayyidun Al I saying:

Whoever says that I am better than Ab Bakr, I will mete out to him the
same punishment that is given to one who gives false testimony.4

Those Verses That Were Revealed in Praise of Sayyidun Ab Bakr

Allah Tal has said in the glorious Qurn:

1 Al-abarn, v. 9 p. 44
2 Al-abarn, v. 9 p. 44
3 Ab Yala
4 Ibn Askir

20


He was the second of the two (the other being his bosom friend Ab Bakr
I) when they were (hiding from the kuffr) in the cave (outside Makkah)

and he (Raslullh H) told his companion (Ab Bakr I) (when the

kuffr were on the verge of capturing them): Do not grieve (do not fear
for my safety). Verily Allah is with us (and He will protect us from the
kuffr).1

The entire Muslim ummah is in agreement that Sayyidun Ab Bakr I was

with Raslullh H in the cave and it is to him that this verse refers.

Regarding this incident Allah says:

So Allah caused His tranquillity (serenity, mercy and peace) to descend on

him.

Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Abbs I narrates that the tranquillity descended
upon Sayyidun Ab Bakr I, as it was he who had become anxious and
Raslullh H was completely composed and calm. Mufassirn have written
that Sayyidun Ab Bakr I was not anxious because of fear for himself as he
would gladly sacrifice his life for the Rasl of Allah. Instead he was fearful that
the mushrikn might harm Raslullh H. This is why Allah Tal allowed
his tranquillity to descend upon him so as to remove his grief.

Sayyidun mir ibn Abd Allh ibn Zubayr I narrates that when the mushrikn
of Makkah began to persecute the weak Muslims, specifically those slaves who
had accepted Islam, then Sayyidun Ab Bakr I began purchasing the old and
female slaves, and setting them free, so as to save them from being tormented.
His father then said to him:

1 Srah al-Tawbah: 40

21
 Son if only you were to purchase and set free the strong among them then
at least if at any time you are in some difficulty they can come to your aid.
Ab Bakr I replied: O father, I only desire the reward from Allah.

Sayyidun mir ibn Abd Allh adds:

My family informed me that these verses were revealed with regards to

this incident.

Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Zubayr M narrates that the verses:

 6

Far removed from it (Jahannam) shall be the one with the most taqwa (the
mumin) who spent his wealth to purify (his soul from greed and from
other sins by attaining Allahs pleasure and resultant forgiveness).1

were revealed regarding Sayyidun Ab Bakr I.

Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Abbs I narrates that the verse, And consult with
them in matters, was revealed regarding Sayyidun Ab Bakr I and Sayyidun
Umar I. This means that Allah Tal has instructed Raslullh H to
consult with them in matters.2

In another narration, Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Abbs I narrates that the
verse in Surah al-Aqf, We enjoined (commanded) man to treat his parents
kindly, until the next verse was revealed regarding Sayyidun Ab Bakr I.

Those Virtues That Were Mentioned Regarding Sayyidun Ab Bakr and

Sayyidun Umar
Sayyidun Ab Sad al-Khudr I narrates that Raslullh H has said:

1 Srah al-Layl: 5-7

2 Al-kim

22
 Every Nab was appointed two advisors in the sky and two advisors in
the earth. My two advisors in the sky are Jibrl and Mikl, and my two
advisors in the earth are Ab Bakr and Umar.1

Sayyidun Sad ibn Zayd I narrates that Raslullh H has said:

Ab Bakr will be in Jannah, Umar will be in Jannah, Uthmn will be in

Jannah, Al will be in Jannah (and in this manner Raslullh H took
the names of all the Asharah Mubasharah.)2

Sayyidun Anas ibn Mlik I narrates that when Raslullh H would sit
in a gathering along with his abah of the Muhjirn and Anr then out of awe
of Raslullh H, none would have the courage to look directly at Raslullh
H, except for Ab Bakr and Umar. They would look at Raslullh H
and smile, and Raslullh H would in turn look upon them and smile.3

Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Umar I narrates that Raslullh H entered

the Masjid one day, with Ab Bakr on his right and Umar on his left. Raslullh
H then grabbed their hands and addressing the other abah, he said:

This is how we will rise on the Day of Qiymah.4

The humble translator wishes to add that Allah Tal has granted only the two
of them this immense honour of resting alongside Raslullh H until the
Day of Qiymah and then rising alongside Raslullh H on the Day of
Resurrection. This adth also prophesises that they would be buried alongside
Raslullh H.

Those people who hold enmity for both these illustrious personalities
should ponder over the state of their mn.

1 Tirmidh
2 Al-Sunan
3 Tirmidh
4 Tirmidh, al-kim, abarn

23
Sayyidun Al I narrates that Raslullh H has said:

May Allahs mercy be upon Ab Bakr, he married his daughter to me, he

undertook all the expenses in bringing me to Madinah, and he set Bill
free. May Allahs mercy be upon Umar, he always speaks what is the truth
even though it might be bitter to others, which is why he does not have any
friends. May Allahs mercy be upon Uthmn; even the angels are bashful
in front of him. May Allahs mercy be upon Al, may the truth follow him
wherever he may go.1

Sayyidun Abd Allh ibn Masd I narrates that Raslullh H has said:

Every nab has a special friend and companion, and my special friends are
Ab Bakr and Umar.2

Those Adth Which Clearly Refer to the Khilfah of Ab Bakr

Sayyidun Jubayr ibn Muim I reports from his father that once a woman
came to Raslullh H (seeking a verdict or ruling), and Raslullh H
ordered her to return on another day for the solution to her problem. The woman
then said to Raslullh H:

What if I find you are no longer here, then what should I do? (indicating
towards the demise of Raslullh H.)

Raslullh H replied:

If you find that I am no longer here, then go to Ab Bakr.3

1 Ibn Askir
2 Ibn Askir
3 Bukhr, Muslim

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Sayyidun Anas ibn Mlik I narrates that the tribe of Ban Mustaliq sent me
to ask Raslullh H, to whom they should send their zakh after his demise.
Raslullh H replied:

Send it to Ab Bakr.1

Sayyidun ishah J narrates that Raslullh H said to her in his final

illness:

Send for your father and brother, I wish to make a bequest as I fear that
others may begin to desire, claiming that they are more fitting for the
position, whereas Allah Tal and the believers will accept no other but
Ab Bakr.2

It has been reported in both Bukhr and Muslim that Raslullh H

appointed Sayyidun Ab Bakr I as Imm of alh in his place, on which

Sayyidun ishah J said to Raslullh H:

O Raslullh H, Ab Bakr is an extremely soft hearted person; if he

stands in your place then he will not be able to perform the alh (as he
will begin weeping).

Raslullh H sternly replied:

No! Order Ab Bakr to lead the alh.

It has been mentioned previously that it has been reported in Bukhr and
Muslim that Raslullh H had said in a khubah before his demise that all
other doors opening into the masjid should be closed, except for the door of Ab
Bakr I. In this too there is a clear indication that Ab Bakr I after being
appointed as khalfah will enter the masjid to perform the alh from this door.

1 Al-kim
2 Muslim

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Sayyidun Al I narrates:

Raslullh H had appointed Ab Bakr I as Imm, even though I was

present. It was not such that I was absent at the time or that I was ill and as
a result could not perform the alh. It was from this that we understood
that Raslullh H desired for us to make Ab Bakr our khalfah after
his demise. Raslullh H chose him to lead us in our matters of dn,
so we chose him to lead us in our worldly affairs as well (i.e. we appointed
him as our khalfah and believed him most eligible).1

Sayyidun afah J once asked Raslullh I:

Whenever you are ill, you put Ab Bakr forward (appoint him as Imm for
alh, that is to say why you never appoint my father, Umar, to lead the
alh.)

Raslullh H replied:

I do not put Ab Bakr forward, but it is Allah who puts him forward (i.e.
whatever I do, is done with the order of Allah).2

Sayyidun Ab Bakr ibn Ayysh V was asked by Hrn al-Rashd V:

How did the people appoint Ab Bakr as khalfah? He replied: He was

appointed as khalfah because of the silence of Allah, Raslullh H

and the entire muminn. Hrn al-Rashd V replied: You have not given
a satisfying answer, and I am not convinced by it. Sayyidun Ab Bakr ibn
Ayysh V then explained: When Raslullh H took ill, Sayyidun
Bill I came to Raslullh H and asked, Who should lead the alh
in your place? to which Raslullh H replied, Instruct Ab Bakr
to lead the alh. Thereafter Sayyidun Ab Bakr led the alh for eight

1 Ibn Askir
2 Ibn Askir,

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 consecutive days. During this time, revelation did not stop descending. If
Allah Tal disliked this he would most definitely have prohibited it via
revelation to Raslullh H. At the same time, Raslullh H did
not appoint anyone else to lead the alh during these eight days and the
muminn understanding this to be the desire of Raslullh H did
not object to this appointment. Hearing this reply Hrn al-Rashd V

became pleased and was satisfied. 1

1 Ibn Ad

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