his deputy’s temperament should incline towards gentleness, so that a balance is maintained. This is why Abū Bakr al-Siddīq, may Allah be pleased with him, preferred to appoint Khālid as his deputy, whereas ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb, may Allah be pleased with him, preferred to dismiss Khālid and appoint Abū ‘Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrāh, may Allah be pleased with him. Khālid was stern like ‘Umar ibn al-Khattāb, while Abū ‘Ubaydah was gentle like Abū Bakr. For each of them, appointing the man he chose was the most fitting course, ensuring that his governance remained balanced. In this way, he would be among the successors of the Messenger of Allah, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, whose character was truly balanced. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, said:

“I am the Prophet of mercy; I am the Prophet of battle.”

He also said:

“I am the cheerful one, the warrior.”

His community likewise follows a middle course. Allah Most High said of them:

“Firm against the disbelievers, merciful among themselves. You see them bowing and prostrating, seeking bounty from Allah and His pleasure.”

And He Most High said:

“Humble towards the believers, mighty against the disbelievers.”

Thus, when Abū Bakr and ‘Umar, may Allah be pleased with them both, assumed authority, they became fully accomplished as rulers. The tendencies towards opposite extremes for which they had been known during the Prophet’s lifetime—the gentleness of one and the sternness of the other—became balanced. The Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, even said of them:

“Follow those who come after me: Abū Bakr and ‘Umar.”

In fighting the apostates and others, Abū Bakr displayed such courage of heart that he surpassed ‘Umar and all the other Companions, may Allah be pleased with them all.

When the need for trustworthiness in an office is greater, the trustworthy person should be given preference, as in