in choosing that course. Had he compelled the Emigrants (1) and the Ansar to accept this, one might have supposed that they were of the same ilk as Abū Sufyān and those like him, even though they knew Abū Bakr al-Siddīq’s unique closeness to the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—from first to last, and his inward and outward accord with him.

One might therefore say: “Inwardly, they were averse (2) to anyone who would command them to do the like of what the Messenger had commanded them. Yet when he made it binding upon them, they had no choice but to comply. Even if this did not count against them, they would be praised only for obeying the command.” But when they willingly and freely chose what Allah and His Messenger approved (3), without compulsion, this spoke more highly of them, raised their rank, and brought them a greater reward (4). What Allah and His Messenger chose for those who believed in him was the best course both for him and for them.

Do you not see that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—appointed Zayd ibn Hāritha as commander, and after him Usāma [ibn Zayd] (5), yet some people criticized their appointment to command (6), though they were still obliged to remain obedient to them? Had he compelled them to accept one particular man, it [would have been thought] of them (7) that something similar lay [within] (8) their hearts, and that Abū Bakr al-Siddīq (9) did not, in their eyes, hold such a rank that no one would speak against it.

Thus, when they unanimously agreed to pledge allegiance to him, and no one ever said (10), “I have a greater right to this office than he does,