in a separate treatise, and have shown that the position of al-Siddīq and the majority of the Companions is correct. It is the preponderant position, supported by the evidence of the Sacred Law in numerous respects. [This is not the place to discuss them at length] (1).

Likewise, the practice that prevailed during the time of the Muslim community’s Siddīq—may Allah be pleased with him—namely, that it was permissible to convert Hajj into Umrah, thereby performing Umrah followed by Hajj, and that only one divorce is binding upon a man who pronounces a threefold divorce in a single utterance, is the stronger position. This is contrary to those who prohibit such a conversion and deem all three divorces binding. The Quran and the sunnah support only the practice that prevailed during the time of the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—and the caliphate of Abū Bakr, not the position that contradicts it.

Another indication of the consummate excellence of al-Siddīq, and that he was superior to everyone who governed this Muslim community—and indeed to everyone who governed any other nation after the prophets—is the established fact that the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—is the best of the first and the last and superior to every other creature in all the worlds.

It is authentically reported from him in the two Sahīhs that he said:

“The Children of Israel were governed by prophets. Whenever one prophet died, another succeeded him. There will be no prophet after me, but there will be caliphs, and they will be many.”

They asked, “O Messenger of Allah, what do you command us to do?”

He replied:

“Fulfill (2) the pledge of allegiance to the first, then to the next in succession.” (3)

It is well known that (4) when one who assumes office after an excellent predecessor falls far short of