Narration
Husain Mohammad Jafri, a 20th century Shi'a Islamic scholar writes:
| “ | The caliphate of Abu Bakr lasted just over two years, and on his deathbed he explicitly appointed 'Umar, already a ruling power behind him, as his successor... Abu Bakr ... first called 'Abd ar-Rahman b. `Awf, told him about his decision, and after some persuasion secured his consent. The only other person whom the dying caliph called in to make his decision known was `Uthman b. `Affan. When the news of Abu Bakr's decision came out, some of the prominent Companions of the Prophet became extremely disturbed and apprehensive. Under the leadership of Talha, they sent a delegation to protest against the decision and tried to persuade the Caliph not to nominate `Umar. Nothing could change Abu Bakr's mind, and he asked `Uthman to write down his testament in favour of `Umar. | ” |
Muhammad ibn Jarir al-Tabari, a 10th century Sunni Islamic scholar writes:
| “ | Abu Bakr called 'Uthman -when the former was dying-and told him to write an appointment order, and dictated to him: "In the Name of Allah, the Beneficent, the Merciful. This is the order of 'Abdullah ibn Abi Quhafah (i.e., Abu Bakr) to the Muslims. Whereas..." Then he fell unconscious. 'Uthman added the words: "I appoint 'Umar ibn al-Khattab as my successor among you."
Then Abu Bakr regained his consciousness and told 'Uthman to read the order to him. 'Uthman read it; Abu Bakr said, Allahu Akbar', and was pleased and commented, "I think you were afraid that people would disagree amongst themselves if I died in that state." 'Uthman replied, "Yes." Abu Bakr said: "May Allah reward you on behalf of Islam and the Muslims." |
” |
Ibn Abu al-Hadid, a 13th century Mu'tazili Islamic scholar writes:
| “ | ...when Abu Bakr regained his consciousness and the scribe read what he had written and Abu Bakr heard the name of 'Umar, he asked him, "How did you write this?" The scribe said, "You could not pass him over." Abu Bakr replied, "You are right." | ” |
Other scholars quote:
| “ | This is a testament of Abu Bakr, the successor of the Prophet of God, to the believers and the Muslims... I have appointed as ruler over you 'Umar b. al-Khattab, so listen to him and obey him. I have not made him your ruler except for good." | ” |
Then they state: "When Abu Bakr declared Umar his successor, the Sahaba were so fearful of the consequences they ran to Abu Bakr and said 'What response will you give to Allah for placing Umar over us?'"
Suyuti, a 16th century Sunni Islamic scholar writes:
A narration reports:
| “ | Someone said to Abu Bakr during his (last) illness, 'What will you say to your Lord, when you have appointed 'Umar?' He said, 'I will say to Him, "I have appointed over them the best of them."' | ” |
Read more about this topic: Hadith Of The Succession Of Abu Bakr
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