[Statement of Imam al-Shafiʿi]:
Imam al-Shafiʿi said, “The caliphate of Abu Bakr, may Allah be pleased with him, is a right that Allah decreed from above His heaven, and He gathered the hearts of His servants in unanimous acceptance of it.”

A sound report transmitted by Anas ibn Malik relates that Zaynab used to boast over the other wives of the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, saying, “Your families arranged your marriages, whereas Allah Himself married me from above the seven heavens.” This carries the same purport as al-Shafiʿi’s words.

[Abu Yusuf’s demand that Bishr recant]:
The account of Abu Yusuf—the disciple of Abu Hanifah—is well known: he summoned Bishr al-Marisi to repent, and Bishr fled from him after denying the divine attributes.