Who are meant by these Ayahs?

Answer

 

All praise be to Allah and peace be upon the Messenger of Allah, upon his family, his Companions, and those who follow him.

Allah says: "Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allâh. And those who are with him are severe against disbelievers, and merciful among themselves." [Surat Al Fath: 29].

Allah praised His Prophet Muhammad ibn `Abdullah and described him by all beautiful descriptions, and praised his Companions (may Allah be pleased with them) who were with him as being severe against disbelievers but merciful among themselves because they are the chosen ones to be the friends of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Imam At-Tabary siad in his Tafsir Jami` Al Bayan: (22/ 261)

Allah (may He be Exalted) says: "Muhammad (peace be upon him) is the Messenger of Allâh" and his followers among the Companions who adopt the same religion are "severe against disbelievers," their hearts are harsh against the disbelievers but when it comes to Muslims, you find them "merciful among themselves."

He said (22/ 266): This example is in Torah and "But their description in the Injeel (Gospel) is like a (sown) seed which sends forth its shoot." [Surat Al Fath: 29].

This is the description of Allah's Companions in the bible.

The Shaykh of Islam Ibn Taymiyah said in "Majmu` Al Fatawa": (4/ 463 - 464): "That includes those who believed with the Messenger of Allah; this meaning was reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) in authentic sources."

And Allah (Glory be to Him) says: "And the foremost to embrace Islâm of the Muhâjirûn (those who migrated from Makkah to Al-Madinah) and the Ansâr (the citizens of Al-Madinah who helped and gave aid to the Muhâjirûn) and also those who followed them exactly (in Faith). Allâh is well-pleased with them as they are well-pleased with Him. He has prepared for them Gardens under which rivers flow (Paradise), to dwell therein forever. That is the supreme success." [Surat At-Tawbah: 100]. And Allah's Saying: "Indeed, Allâh was pleased with the believers when they gave the Bai'ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad peace be upon him) under the tree: He knew what was in their hearts, and He sent down As-Sakînah (calmness and tranquillity) upon them, and He rewarded them with a near victory." [Surat Al Fath: 18]. So, the formers who embraced Islam before Al Hudaybiyah such as those who gave homage to the Prophet (peace be upon him) under the tree, Allah revealed in their regard: "Indeed, Allâh was pleased with the believers when they gave the Bai'ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad peace be upon him) under the tree: "Who were 1400 and all of them are from the dwellers of Paradise as was reported in the Hadith that was reported by Muslim in his Sahih that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "No one of those who took the oath of allegiance under the tree will go to hell." And Allah (Glory be to Him) spoke about them by His Saying: "And what is the matter with you that you spend not in the Cause of Allâh? And to Allâh belongs the heritage of the heavens and the earth. Not equal among you are those who spent and fought before the conquering (of Makkah, with those among you who did so later). Such are higher in degree than those who spent and fought afterwards. But to all Allâh has promised the best (reward)." [Surat Al Hadid: 10] And by His Saying: "Verily, those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard and fought with their property and their lives in the Cause of Allâh as well as those who gave (them) asylum and help, ? these are (all) allies to one another." [Surat Al Anfal: 72]

up to His Saying: "And those who believed, and emigrated and strove hard in the Cause of Allâh (Al-Jihâd), as well as those who gave (them) asylum and aid - these are the believers in truth, for them is forgiveness and Rizqun Karîm (a generous provision i.e. Paradise).*And those who believed afterwards, and emigrated and strove hard along with you (in the Cause of Allâh), they are of you. But kindred by blood are nearer to one another (regarding inheritance) in the decree ordained by Allâh. Verily, Allâh is All-Knower of everything." [Surat Al Anfal: 74 - 75].

And by His Saying: "Then Allâh did send down His Sakînah (calmness, tranquillity and reassurance) on the Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him), and on the believers, and sent down forces (angels) which you saw not, and punished the disbelievers. Such is the recompense of disbelievers." [Surat At-Tawbah: 26].

They were from the believers upon whom Allah sent down His Tranquility along with the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the battle of At-Ta'if when they besieged At-Ta'if. All these Ayahs are general regarding all the Companions of the Prophet whether the Companions are from his family or others. Allah (Exalted be He) says: "(And there is also a share in this booty) for the poor emigrants, who were expelled from their homes and their property, seeking Bounties from Allâh and to please Him, and helping Allâh (i.e. helping His religion) and His Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him). Such are indeed the truthful (to what they say). * "And those who, before them, had homes (in Al-Madinah) and had adopted the Faith, love those who emigrate to them, and have no jealousy in their breasts for that which they have been given (from the booty of Banû An-Nadîr), and give them (emigrants) preference over themselves even though they were in need of that. And whosoever is saved from his own covetousness, such are they who will be the successful. * And those who came after them say: Our Lord! Forgive us and our brethren who have preceded us in Faith, and put not in our hearts any hatred against those who have believed. Our Lord! You are indeed full of kindness, Most Merciful." [Surat Al Hashr: 8 - 10].

These Ayahs speak about the first forerunners [in faith], those who believed, as they included those who came after them until the Day of Recompense; so how could they do not include the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) while they are the first to believe in him and fight with him?!

Narrations were abundantly reported from the Prophet (peace be upon him) about praising them and explaining their virtues. `Abdullah reported that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "The people of my generation are the best, then those who follow them, and then those who follow the latter."

Abu Sa`id Al Khudry (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "A time would come for the people when groups of people will go for Jihad and they will be asked: Is there anyone amongst you who has enjoyed the company of the Prophet (peace be upon him)? The answer will be, 'Yes.' Then they will be given victory (by Allah) (because of him). Then a time will come when it will be asked. 'Is there anyone amongst you who has enjoyed the company of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him)?' It will be said, 'Yes,' and they will be given victory (by Allah). Then a time will come when it will be said. 'Is there anyone amongst you who has enjoyed the company of the companions of the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him)?' It will be said, 'Yes,' and they will be given victory (by Allah)." [Reported by Muslim]. Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) narrated that the Messenger of Allah said: "Do not abuse my companions! By Him in Whose Hand is my soul, if any one of you spent gold equal to Uhud (in Allah's Cause), it would not be equal to a Mud or even a half Mud spent by one of them." [Reported by Al Bukhari and Muslim].

Companionship is a common name that includes everyone who accompanied the Prophet (peace be upon him) whether for a long or short time and died as a believer. It was reported in Sahih Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim on the authority of Abu Sa`id that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "If I were to take a Khalil other than my Lord, I would have taken Abu Bakr as such, but (what relates us) is the Islamic brotherhood and friendliness." It was also reported on the authority of Abu Hurayrah that the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "There had been among the people before you inspired persons and if there were any such among my nation, `Umar ibn Al Khattab would be one of them."

The Prophet (peace be upon him) said about `Uthman: "Should I not show modesty to one whom even the Angels show modesty." [Reported by Muslim].

And his saying as was reported in Al Bukhari and Muslim: "I will give the flag to a person at whose hands Allah will grant victory." So, the companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) got up, wishing eagerly to see to whom the flag will be given, and everyone of them wished to be given the flag. But the Prophet (peace be upon him) asked for Ali." The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said in the battle of Al Ahzab (the Confederates): "There is a disciple for every prophet and my disciple is Az-Zubayr." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah softens the hearts of men [in some instances] so that they become softer than milk. And Allah hardens the hearts of some men [at times] so that they become harder than stones. O Abu Bakr, you are like Abraham (Peace be upon him) who said: "But whoso follows me, he verily is of me. And whoso disobeys me, still You are indeed Oft-Forgiving, Most Merciful." [Surat Ibrahim: 36]. O Abu Bakr, you are also like Jesus, who said: "If You punish them, they are Your slaves, and if You forgive them, verily You, only You, are the All-Mighty, the All-Wise." [Surat Al Ma'idah: 118]. O `Umar, you are like Noah, who said: "My Lord! Leave not one of the disbelievers on the earth!" [Surat Nuh: 26]. O `Umar, you are also like Moses, who said: O Lord, "And harden their hearts, so that they will not believe until they see the painful torment." [Surat Yunus: 88]." [Reported by Ahmad].

During the lifetime of the Prophet (peace be upon him) they were the Prophet's ministers. It was reported in the books of authentic Hadiths on the authority of Ibn `Abbas, who said: "While `Umar ibn Al Khattab was placed in the coffin the people gathered around him. They praised him and supplicated for him before the bier was lifted up, and I was one amongst them. Nothing attracted my attention but a person who gripped my shoulder from behind. I saw towards him and found that he was Ali. He invoked Allah's mercy upon `Umar and said: You have left none behind you (whose) deeds (are so enviable) that I love to meet Allah with them. By Allah, I hoped that Allah would keep you and your two associates together. I had often heard Allah's Messenger (may peace be upon him) as saying: I came and there came too Abu Bakr and `Umar; I entered and there entered too Abu Bakr and `Umar; I went out and there went out too Abu Bakr and `Umar, and I hope and think that Allah will keep you along with them." [Reported by Muslim].

It is reported in Sahih Al Bukhari: "Then Abu Sufyan asked thrice: "Is Muhammad present amongst these people?" The Prophet (peace be upon him) ordered his companions not to answer him. Then he asked thrice, "Is the son of Abu Quhafa present amongst these people?" He asked again thrice, "Is the son of Al Khattab present amongst these people?" He then returned to his companions and said: "As for these (men), they have been killed." `Umar could not control himself and said (to Abu Sufyan), "You told a lie, by Allah! O enemy of Allah! All those you have mentioned are alive, and the thing which will make you unhappy is still there." Abu Sufyan said: "Our victory today is a counterbalance to yours in the battle of Badr, and in war (the victory) is always undecided and is shared in turns by the belligerents, and you will find some of your (killed) men mutilated, but I did not urge my men to do so, yet I do not feel sorry for their deed." After that he started reciting cheerfully, "O Hubal, be high! On that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said (to his companions), "Why don't you answer him back?" They said: "O Allah's Messenger! What shall we say?" He said: "Say: Allah is Higher and more Sublime." (Then) Abu Sufyan said, "We have the (idol) Al `Uzza, and you have no `Uzza." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said (to his companions), "Why don't you answer him back?" They asked: "O Allah's Messenger! What shall we say?" He said: "Says Allah is our Helper and you have no helper." He did not ask about those three but when he knew that they are the leaders of the Muslim army. As for those whom Allah meant in His Saying: "And if they intend to deceive you, then verily, Allâh is All-Sufficient for you. He it is Who has supported you with His Help and with the believers." [Surat Al Anfal: 62], which means: You have a heavenly aid and the aid of the believers [i.e., the Companions] who help you. Allah says: "If you help him (Muhammad peace be upon him) not (it does not matter), for Allâh did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of the two; when they (Muhammad peace be upon him and Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him) were in the cave, he (peace be upon him) said to his companion (Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him): "Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allâh is with us."" [Surat At-Tawbah: 40]. So, the one who was with him when Allah provided him with victory was Abu Bakr and also on the day of Badr when he made the `Arish for him and entered with him; all the Companions aided and helped the Prophet (peace be upon him). Imam Abu Ja`far At-Tabary said in his Tafsir "Jami` Al Bayan," verified by Ahmad Shakir (14/44): Allah (Glory be to Him) says which means: If those people whom I commanded you to be kind to wanted to betray you, let it be known that your guardian is Allah and He shall protect you from their mockery because He undertakes to make His Religion superior to all religions and the word of His Enemy inferior. Indeed, He is the One who provided you with victory and with the help of the believers [i.e., the Companions], then he reported this meaning from As-Suddy. As for the Shia who said that the meaning of the believers is Ali ibn Abu Talib (may Allah be pleased with him), Sheikh Al Islam, Ibn Taymiyah, answered this by saying in Minhaj As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah: Refer to (7/194 - 200). Likewise the meaning of Emigrants and the Supporters in the Ayahs is the Companions according to all commentators without disagreement as reported by `Abdullah ibn Mas`ud: Verily, Allah looked into the heart of Muhammad to find it the best heart of mankind, then looked at the hearts of the people after his heart to find that the hearts of his Companions are the best hearts of mankind. So, whatever the believers regard as good, it is good in the sight of Allah and whatever they see ugly, it is ugly in the sight of Allah. He also said: Whoever among you wants to follow an example should take the dead as an example because the living is not secure of sedition. Those are the Companions of the Prophet (peace be upon him) who are the best hearts of this nation, the most knowledgeable, and the less factitious. They are a group of people whom Allah has chosen to accompany His Prophet and establish His Religion, so know their rights and stick to their guidance, for they were guided. This Ayah and others include praising the Emigrants and the Supporters. Those who came after them seek forgiveness for them and ask Allah not to make hatred in their hearts for them. No doubt that those who do not seek forgiveness for them and have hatred in their hearts to them like the Shi`ite shall have no share of Allah's Pleasure. We bear witness that Allah is pleased with the Companions and the Prophet (peace be upon him) passed away while he is pleased with them; accordingly with whom Allah is satisfied no one can harm. The Shi`ite claimed that this Ayah is meant for Ali ibn Abu Talib and reported the narration of Ibn `Abbas which is fabricated, refer to the book of "Minhaj As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah fi Naqd Kalam Ash-Shi`ah wal Qadariyyah" of Sheikh Abul-`Abbas Ibn Taymiyyah (7/153-156) for more information. As for the Prophet's saying: "The Prophet is closer to the believers than their ownselves, and his wives are their (believers') mothers (as regards respect and marriage)." [Surat Al Ahzab: 6], Allah commanded Muslims to obey His Prophet (peace be upon him) and follow his example, and made him closer to Muslims more than themselves. Moreover, He commanded the nation to respect his wives and made them the Mothers of the Believers in respect and sanctity. It is well-known that each one of them is call "The Mother of the Believers," they are: `A'ishah, Hafsah, Zaynab bint Jahsh, Um Salamah, Sawdah bint Zam`ah, Maymunah bint Al Harith Al Hilaliyyah, Juwayriyah bint Al Harth Al Mustalaqiyyah, and Safiyah bint Huyay ibn Akhtab Al Haruniyyah (may Allah be pleased with them). Muslims have agreed to the prohibition of marrying the Mothers of the Believers. Shaykh Al Islam, Ibn Taymiyah, said in Majmu` Al Fatawa (1/68): The Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) said: "None of you is a believer till I am dearer to him than his child, his father and the whole of mankind. `Umar said to him: By Allah, O Messenger of Allah, you are dearer to me than everyone except myself. Thereupon, the Messenger of Allah said: No `Umar, until I be more beloved to you than yourself. Thereupon, `Umar said: You are dearer to me than myself. The Prophet said: Now, `Umar (your belief has been completed)." Allah explained in His Book the rights of the Prophet (peace be upon him) such as: Obedience, love, help, reverence, referring to him in judgment, satisfying with his judgment, submitting to him, following him, advancing himself to oneself, family, and money; and referring disputable matters to him for arbitration. Furthermore, Allah has told that His Obedience is included in the obedience of His Prophet, He says: "He who obeys the Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him), has indeed obeyed Allâh." [Surat An-Nisa': 80]. And explained that giving allegiance to him is giving allegiance to Allah: "Verily, those who give Bai'ah (pledge) to you (O Muhammad peace be upon him) they are giving Bai'ah (pledge) to Allâh." [Surat Al Fath: 10]. Moreover, He correlated between His Name and his name in love when He says: "are dearer to you than Allâh and His Messenger (peace be upon him)." [Surat At-Tawbah: 24], in harm when He says: "Verily, those who annoy Allâh and His Messenger (peace be upon him)" [Surat An-Nisa': 13]. "And whosoever disobeys Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him)." [Surat An-Nisa': 14], and in pleasure when He says: "but it is more fitting that they should please Allâh and His Messenger (Muhammad peace be upon him)." [Surat At-Tawbah: 62]. Indeed, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) deserves all these and more, may my father and my mother be ransomed for him. As for your question about the reason of the Prophet's love to Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) and advancing him to the rest of the Companions is because he had many virtues. I am afraid that you have read some of the sayings of the Shi`ite about Abu Bakr because their sayings bear lies and defamation to him because they look like the Jews in their actions and intentions. I shall mention to you the reply of Sheikh Al Islam to the Shi`ite who have defamed Abu Bakr. He said in Minhaj As-Sunnah An-Nabawiyyah (8/371 - 428): "The virtues of Abu Bakr and `Umar are more than to be counted to every reasonable person, but those Shi`ite want to turn facts upside down, and truly they have a share of Allah's Saying: "Then, who does more wrong than one who utters a lie against Allâh, and denies the truth [this Qur'ân, the Prophet (Muhammad peace be upon him) and the Islâmic Monotheism] when it comes to him!" [Surat Az-Zumar:32]. "So who does more wrong than he who forges a lie against Allâh or denies His Ayât (proofs, evidences, verses, lessons, signs, revelations, etc.)? Surely, the Mujrimûn (criminals, sinners, disbelievers and polytheists) will never be successful!" [Surat Yunus: 17].

Those people are the most hatred to the truth, more believing to lies, and no one is like them in this. Then he said: His virtue in the cave is quite obvious according to the text of the Qur'an because of Allah's Saying: "He (peace be upon him) said to his companion (Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him): Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allâh is with us." [Surat At-Tawbah: 40].

So, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) told the people that Allah was with him and with his friend as Allah said to Moses and Aaron: "Verily, I am with you both, hearing and seeing." [Surat Taha: 46]. Al Bukhari and Muslim reported in Sahih Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim from the Hadith of Anas on the authority of Abu Bakr As-Siddiq (may Allah be pleased with him) that he said: "I saw the feet of the polytheists very close to us as we were in the cave. I said: Allah's Messenger, if one amongst them were to see at his feet he would have surely seen us. Thereupon he said: Abu Bakr, what can befall twain who have Allah as the third One with them." However, this Hadith is reported by Al Bukhari and Muslim and the entire nation certified its authenticity, its meaning was confirmed by the Qur'an where Allah says: "He (peace be upon him) said to his companion (Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him): Be not sad (or afraid), surely Allâh is with us." [Surat At-Tawbah: 40]. Likewise, the Prophet's saying to his friend: "Surely, Allah is with us" indicates that Allah loves them, pleases with them, supports them, and helps them which is clear in the participation of the Siddiq to the Prophet (peace be upon him) in this accompaniment with which As-Siddiq is singled out. The meaning here is that the saying of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to Abu Bakr: "Surely, Allah is with us" which is the accompaniment of specialty that He is with them with victory and aid over their enemy; thus the meaning is: The Prophet (peace be upon him) told Abu Bakr that Allah will provide you and me victory over our enemy and give us aid over them. It is well-known that the victory of Allah is based on love, Allah says: "Verily, We will indeed make victorious Our Messengers and those who believe (in the Oneness of Allâh - Islâmic Monotheism) in this world's life." [Surat Ghafir: 51].

This is the utmost praise to Abu Bakr because it proved that Abu Bakr was one of those for whom the Prophet (peace be upon him) testified with faith that entails providing him with the victory of Allah along with the Prophet. It also implied the Prophet's testimony to him with the perfection of faith which entails also the victory of Allah in this case which Allah showed His dispense with His Creation. He said: "If you help him (Muhammad peace be upon him) not (it does not matter), for Allâh did indeed help him when the disbelievers drove him out, the second of the two; when they (Muhammad peace be upon him and Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him) were in the cave." [Surat At-Tawbah: 40].

Therefore, Sufyan ibn `Uyaynah and others said: Allah (Glory be to Him) admonished His Prophet about His Creation except Abu Bakr. He said: Whoever denied the accompaniment of Abu Bakr is a disbeliever because he belied the Qur'an.

As for his saying: "What do you think of two (persons) the third of whom is Allah? " people used to say: "The Messenger of Allah," and when he died, they said: "The Messenger of Allah and his successor." However, when `Umar was designated to caliphate, people said: "The emir of the Believer." So, Abu Bakr accompanied the Messenger (peace be upon him) when he was alive and after his death in title, and when Abu Bakr died, the specialty of Abu Bakr was cut off.

If the word accompaniment includes the less and the much period, surely Abu Bakr was in the highest peak of accompaniment and the highest rank because he accompanied him since the mission until death. The people held consensus that the first man believed in the Prophet (peace be upon him) was Abu Bakr, the first woman was Khadijah, the first boy was Ali, and the first slave was Zayd ibn Harithah. People differed about the first person who uttered the testimony of faith after Khadijah, so if Abu Bakr embraced Islam before Ali, he is more preceding and more perfection in faith. However, if Ali was first, the companionship of Abu Bakr was more useful than the companionship of Ali because he participated in the spread of Islam with the Prophet and many grand scholars embraced Islam at his hands such as: `Uthman, Talhah, Az-Zubayr, Sa`d, and `Abdur-Rahman. Moreover, Abu Bakr used to ward off harm from the Prophet, go out with him to tribes, help him in the call, and buy those who have been tortured for the sake of Allah such as Bilal, `Ammar, and others; he bought seven tortured and thereby he was more useful.

There is an agreement that the companionship of Abu Bakr was the most perfect because of the following:

1- He used to be with him day and night, in travel and non-traveling as was reported in Sahih Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim on the authority of `A'ishah who said: "When I grow up, I found my parents embrace Islam and no day passed without being visited by the Prophet (peace be upon him) in the daytime."

At the beginning of the call, the Prophet (peace be upon him) used to go to Abu Bakr during daytime when Islam was weak and enemies were numerous, which is the peak of virtue.

Likewise, Abu Bakr used to stay with the Prophet (peace be upon him) after `Isha' talking about Muslims' affairs.

When the Prophet (peace be upon him) consulted his Companions, the first to speak would be Abu Bakr then the rest of the Companions. When the Companions disagree with Abu Bakr in opinion, the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) used to follow his opinion.

Conclusion: As-Siddiq was the most perfect, the most virtuous, and the most hasty to good deeds, moreover no one ever could reach his status. This is a clear matter and none can doubt it except a person who does not know their situations and conditions with the Messenger of Allah (peace be upon him) or a person who follows whims, otherwise he would not have doubted this.

Scholars, the Companions, the Successors, Imam Malik, Ash-Shafi`y, Ahmad, Abu Dawud, Ath-Thawry, Al Awza`y, Al Layth, and the entire nation held consensus that As-Siddiq was given preference to all the Companions.

Furthermore, in the conditions where nobody was with the Messenger of Allah, Abu Bakr was in his company: During migration, staying in Al `Arish on the Battle of Badr, and going to the Arab tribes to call them to Islam.

This specialty was not given to anyone but to Abu Bakr according to the consensus of scholars who studied the conditions of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

As for Allah's Saying: "He (peace be upon him) said to his companion (Abu Bakr may Allah be pleased with him): Be not sad (or afraid)." [Surat At-Tawbah: 40], it does not mean only companionship in the cave, but he was his companion in all cases and conditions as was reported in the Hadith that was reported by Al Bukhari on the authority of Abu Ad-Darda' who narrated that the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "O people, know the status of Abu Bakr for he never abused me. O people, I am pleased with `Umar, `Uthman, Ali, and so and so."

Anyone wants to know their virtues and status in the sight of the Prophet (peace be upon him) should study authentic Hadiths which the scholars of Hadith reported after filteration from lies and mistakes. Those scholars were Al Bukhari, Muslim, Al Isma`ily, Al Barqany, Abu Nu`aym, Ad-Daraqutny, Ibn Khuzaymah, Ibn Mandah, Abu Hatim Al Basty, Al Hakim, Malik, Shu`bah, Yahya ibn Sa`id, `Abdur-Rahman ibn Mahdy, Ibn Al Mubarak, Ahmad, Ibn Ma`in, Ibn Al Madiny, Abu Hatim, and Abu Zar`ah Ar-Razin, and others.

When a reasonable person study these authentic Hadiths, he shall know the truth from lies because they are the most knowledgeable people with that and the most desirable to distinct between the truth and falsehood. Moreover, they were the most defending the Prophet (peace be upon him) as they are the migrants to his Sunnah and Hadith and the supporters to him in spreading Islam by authenticating what he said and conveying it to the people and deny false Hadiths. Anyone studies what they wrote will figure out their status, otherwise he should abstain talking about them as people leave medicine to doctors, syntax to linguists, jurisprudence to jurists, and calculations to accountants. Some people may agree to something wrong in their profession except jurists in their jurisprudence and scholars of Hadith whose agreement is infallible because they convey the Sunnah of the Prophet (peace be upon him) to the people and give Fatwa according to the commands and prohibitions of the Prophet (peace be upon him).

Anyone ponders over those examples will find that the virtues of As-Siddiq are numerous in authentic Hadiths, such as: The Hadith of Al Mukhallah (If I were to take a friend, I would have chosen Abu Bakr as a close friend), the Hadith of "Verily, Allah is with us.", the Hadith of "He is the most beloved man to the Prophet (peace be upon him)," the Hadith of "come to Abu Bakr if you do not find me," the Hadith of "Giving him homage of caliphate after the Prophet's death," the Hadith of "singling him out with credence and companionship," the Hadith of "Will you leave out my companion," the Hadith of "defending the Prophet (peace be upon him) when `Uqbah ibn Abu Mu`ayt wrapped the garment around his neck until Abu Bakr rescued him and said: Do you kill a man who is saying: My Lord is Allah?" the Hadith of "the succession of Abu Bakr in Salah and Hajj, and his patience and persistence after the Prophet's death," the Hadith of "The qualities which he combined in one day and which if a person possesses, Paradise is entailed for him," among other Hadiths.

On the other side, he has good qualities in which `Umar share such as testifying for him and `Umar with faith and the Hadith of Ali where he said: "I frequently heard the Prophet (peace be upon him) saying: I came out with Abu Bakr and `Umar and I entered along with Abu Bakr and `Umar," the Hadith of Caliphate, and the Hadith of the cow in which the Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "I believe in it along with Abu Bakr, and `Umar."

As for the good traits of Ali that were reported in the books of authentic Hadiths, they are: "I shall give the flag to a man whom Allah and His Messenger love and he loves Allah and his Messenger," and His saying in the Battle of Tabuk: "Are not you satisfied to be to me like Aaron to Moses, but there is no prophet after me." Of these Hadiths also: The Hadith of Al Mubahalah and Al Kisa' "Those are my household," and his saying: "You are from me and I am from you" [i.e., we are relatives, have a marriage relationship, and we have the same love to one another], and the Hadith of "Only believers love me and hypocrites hate me." In addition to the Hadith of Shura and telling `Umar that the Prophet (peace be upon him) died while he was pleased with him, `Uthman, Ali, Talhah, Az-Zubayr, Sa`d, and `Abdur-Rahman ibn `Awf.

The authentic Hadiths about Ali are ten but Abu bakr has twenty authentic Hadiths that are full of specialties.

As for the saying: Ali has more virtues than others, it is a mere lie and it is not supported by Imam Ahmad or the scholars of Hadith. However, it may be said: It was narrated for him that was not narrated for someone else, but most of these narrations were transmitted by liers; and one authentic proof is better than twenty lies.

The meaning here is: Showing the specialty of Ali in faith not in the companionship itself because if we calculated the time of the companionship of Abu Bakr against the time of Companionship of Ali and `Uthman or others it will be double.

As for the perfection of knowing and loving the Prophet (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr was at the top and that is known to every person.

As for benefiting the Prophet (peace be upon him) and helping him in spread Islam, Abu Bakr was at the top also.

Al Bukhari reported in his Sahih on the authority of Abu Ad-Darda' (may Allah be pleased with him) who said: "While I was sitting with the Prophet (peace be upon him), Abu Bakr came, lifting up one corner of his garment uncovering his knee. The Prophet (peace be upon him) said, "Your companion has had a quarrel." Abu Bakr greeted (the Prophet (peace be upon him)) and said: "O Allah's Messenger! There was something (i.e., quarrel) between me and the Son of Al Khattab. I talked to him harshly and then regretted that, and requested him to forgive me, but he refused. This is why I have come to you." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said thrice, "O Abu Bakr! May Allah forgive you." In the meanwhile, `Umar regretted (his refusal of Abu Bakr's excuse) and went to Abu Bakr's house and asked if Abu Bakr was there. They replied in the negative. So he came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and greeted him, but signs of displeasure appeared on the face of the Prophet (peace be upon him) till Abu Bakr pitied (`Umar), so he knelt and said twice: "O Allah's Messenger! By Allah! I was more unjust to him (than he to me)." The Prophet (peace be upon him) said: "Allah sent me (as a Prophet) to you (people) but you said (to me): 'You are telling a lie,' while Abu Bakr said, 'He has said the truth,' and consoled me with himself and his money." He then said twice: "Won't you then give up harming my companion?" After that nobody harmed Abu Bakr."

This authentic Hadith attributes companionship to Abu Bakr only in his saying: "Won't you then give up harming my companion?" and explained therein the reasons for that which are: When Allah sent him to the people, he said: I am the Messenger of Allah to you all, but they said: You are telling lies. Thereupon, Abu Bakr said: You are telling the truth. This shows that Abu Bakr never belied the Prophet (peace be upon him) and believed him when the people belied him.

This is a clear proof that he believed him before anyone did, so he was the first person to receive the message and the first to believe, and that is compatible with the Hadith that was reported by Muslim on the authority of `Amr ibn `Absah who said: O Messenger of Allah, who is with you in this matter? He siad: A free man and a slave. On that day Abu Bakr and Bilal believed in him.

As for Khadijah, Ali, and Zayd, they were from the family of the Prophet (peace be upon him) and were living in his house. As for Khadijah, he presented the matter to her when the revelation came down to him, and she believed in him even before he was commanded to deliver the message. So, the first person believed in him after he had been commanded to deliver the message was Abu Bakr. As for Ali, he was not commanded to call him to Islam because he was a boy and children are not commanded to embrace Islam because they are not commanded to perform the ordinances of Allah.

The Prophet (peace be upon him) mentioned this in the Hadith of Al Mukhallah which was frequently reported from him as was reported in Sahih Al Bukhari and Sahih Muslim on the authority of Abu Sa`id Al Khudry who said that the Prophet (peace be upon him) sat on the pulpit and said: "Allah has given one of His Slaves the choice of receiving the splendor and luxury of the worldly life whatever he likes or to accept the good (of the Hereafter) which is with Allah. So he has chosen that good which is with Allah." On that Abu Bakr wept and said, "Our fathers and mothers be sacrificed for you." We became astonished at this. The people said, "Look at this old man! Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) talks about a Slave of Allah to whom He has given the option to choose either the splendor of this worldly life or the good which is with Him, while he says. 'our fathers and mothers be sacrificed for you." But it was Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) who had been given option, and Abu Bakr knew it better than we. Allah's Messenger (peace be upon him) added, "No doubt, I am indebted to Abu Bakr more than to anybody else regarding both his companionship and his wealth. And if I had to take a Khalil from my followers, I would certainly have taken Abu Bakr, but the fraternity of Islam is sufficient. Let no door (i.e., Khoukha) of the Mosque remain open, except the door of Abu Bakr." In the narration of Al Bukhari: If I were to take a Khalil from mankind I would certainly have taken Abu Bakr but the Islamic brotherhood and friendship is sufficient. Close all the gates in the mosque except that of Abu Bakr. In another narration: "Except the companionship of Islam."

All these narrations show the status of Abu Bakr and his good traits until he deserved to be the close friend of the Prophet (peace be upon him). Moreover, these narrations indicate that he was the most beloved person to the Prophet (peace be upon him) as was stated clearly in the Hadith of `Amr ibn Al `As that the Prophet (peace be upon him) sent him as the leader of the Muslim army in the battle of Dhatus-Salasil. He said: I came to the Prophet (peace be upon him) and asked: Who among the people do you like most? He said: `A'ishah. I said: Of men? He said: Here father. I asked: Then who? He said: `Umar. Then he mentioned some men. In the narration of Al Bukhari: He said: I kept silent for fear that he would make me the last; see Al Minhaj.