were those who approved and others who objected; I was among those who approved. He did not leave this world until those who had objected were satisfied with him. He conducted the affairs in accordance with the way of the Prophet ﷺ and his Companion, following in their tracks as a suckling camel follows the footsteps of its mother. By Allah, he was gentle and merciful toward the weak and toward the believers, a helper and supporter of the oppressed against the oppressors, never deterred by the blame of any blamer in the cause of Allah. Allah then caused truth to strike forth from his tongue and made honesty his hallmark, so much so that we would think an angel was speaking through him. Allah strengthened Islam through his acceptance of it, and his migration became a pillar upholding the religion. Allah cast awe of him into the hearts of the hypocrites and love for him into the hearts of the believers. The Messenger of Allah ﷺ likened him to Gabriel—stern and tough against the enemies—and to Noah—wrathful and indignant toward the unbelievers. Hardship endured in obedience to Allah was dearer to him than ease enjoyed in disobedience to Allah.

Where will you ever find the like of those two—may Allah’s mercy be upon them both—and may He grant us the ability to proceed upon their path. No one can reach their rank except by treading in their footsteps and loving them. Whoever loves me, let him love them; and whoever does not love them has shown hatred toward me, and I wash my hands of him. Had I already warned you about them, I would have imposed the severest punishment for this, for it is not proper to punish before issuing a prior warning. So let it be known: whoever is brought to me after today uttering such words shall bear the penalty of a fabricator.

Hear me: the best of this community after its Prophet are Abū Bakr al-Ṣiddīq and ʿUmar al-Fārūq, and thereafter Allah knows best where goodness lies. I have spoken these words; may Allah forgive me and you all ⦗147⦘.