Chapter: Mention of the Caliphate of the Commander of the Faithful, Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him and with all the Companions)

Muhammad ibn al-Husayn (may Allah have mercy on him) said: The person most entitled to the caliphate after Abū Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) was Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him), because of the noble and honorable qualities with which Allah the Generous had endowed him.

The evidence for this is that Abū Bakr al-Siddīq (may Allah be pleased with him) recognized Umar’s standing in Islam, knew that Allah, Mighty and Majestic, had strengthened Islam through him, and knew his standing with the Messenger of Allah (may Allah bless him and grant him peace). He therefore understood the extent of the virtues with which Allah the Generous had specially favored him. Abū Bakr thus acted with sincere devotion to his Lord, Mighty and Majestic, concerning the nation of Muhammad (may Allah bless him and grant him peace), and appointed Umar ibn al-Khattāb (may Allah be pleased with him) as his successor over them. He knew that Allah would question him about this, so he spared no effort in sincerely seeking the Muslims’ welfare.

One of the Emigrants objected to Abū Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him), saying, “I remind you of Allah, Mighty and Majestic, and of the Last Day. You have appointed over the people a harsh and stern man, and Allah, Mighty and Majestic, will question you.”

Abū Bakr said, “Sit me up.” They sat him up, and he said, “Do you seek to frighten me with none but Allah? When I meet Him—Exalted is He—I shall say to Him: ‘I appointed the best of Your people over them.’”

Muhammad ibn al-Husayn (may Allah have mercy on him) said