and the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, prayed behind him. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, also went out to reconcile the Banū Amr ibn Awf and said to Bilāl, “If I am delayed, have Abū Bakr step forward to lead the people in prayer.” He, peace and blessings be upon him, also said, “The person who has favored me most through his companionship and his wealth is Abū Bakr.”

When the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and Abū Bakr were in the cave, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, knew that Abū Bakr’s grief was solely out of concern and fear for him. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, therefore said to him, “Abū Bakr, what do you think of two when Allah is their third?”

All these noble and gracious qualities demonstrated that he was the caliph after him—a truth no believer doubts. As for what concerned the period after his death, Jubayr ibn Mutim narrated that a woman came to the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, and spoke to him about a matter. He instructed her to return to him. She asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what if I do not find you?”—alluding to his death. He replied, “If you do not find me, then go to Abū Bakr.”

The Emigrants and the Helpers subsequently pledged allegiance to him, recognizing Abū Bakr’s right and merit. Alī ibn Abī Tālib, may Allah be pleased with him, also pledged allegiance to him; indeed, he was the first of the Banū Hāshim to do so. Al-Shabī narrated from Shaqīq ibn Salamah, who said: It was said to Alī ibn Abī Tālib—may