Introduction
In a previous article we discussed the events leading to the selection of Abu Bakr as Khalifa. In this article we demonstrate that the Companions unananimously agreed on his appointment.
The scholars of ahlus-sunnah wal jamaaah, both from the past and present, all agree that, after the death of the Prophet, Abu Bakr was more deserving than anyone else to become the overall ruler and Khaleefah of the Muslim nation. Not a single Companion abstained from making a pledge to recognize Abu Bakr’s leadership.
This is significant in that it establishes the clear validity of Abu Bakr’ s caliphate, since Allah would not unite the Companions upon misguidance. It is further clear that not a single Companion objected to Abu Bakr’s appointment.
When Sa’eed ibn Zaid was asked, “When was Abu Bakr confirmed by the people?” he said, “The day on which the Messenger of Allah died; they disliked for even a part of a day to pass by without them being united as a group (with a leader to rule over them).’
Following are some examples of what the scholars of Ahlus-Sunnah have said regarding the caliphate of Abu Bakr.
Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee on Abu Bakr
Al-Khateeb Al-Baghdaadee said:
“The Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar unanimously agreed to appoint Abu Bakr as their Khaleefah. They called him, ‘Khaleefah of the Messenger of Allah. It is interesting to note that they did not call anyone after him by the name Khaleefah. It has been said that the Prophet left behind 30,000 Muslims, and each one of them said to Abu Bakr, ‘O Khaleefah of the Messenger of Allah’.
Abul-Hasan Al-Ash’aree on Abu Bakr
He said:
“Allah — the Possessor of Might and Majesty — praised the Muhaajiroon and the Ansaar in many Verses of the Noble Qur’an. In the following verse, He particularly praised those among them who made the Pledge of Ar-Ridwaan: ” Indeed , Allah was pleased with the believers when they gave their baya (pledge) to you (O Muhammad ) under the tree” (Qur’an 48: 18).
The very same people that Allah praised in this and other similar Verses were unanimous in their decision to appoint Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq as their leader: They all pledged allegiance to him, and each and every one of them called him by the title, “The Khaleefah of the Messenger of Allah.” Furthermore, they all lived up to their pledge, recognizing his superior qualities and remaining obedient to him throughout the duration of his caliphate.”
Summarised from Abu Bakr as-Siddeeq: His Life and Times. by Ali M. Sallabi.
