in the two verses to imply that whoever embraced Islam first is superior without qualification. Rather, one person may precede another (1) in embracing Islam, while that other may have preceded him in spending and fighting.

For this reason, Umar—may Allah be pleased with him—was among those who embraced Islam after thirty-nine others, yet he is superior to most of them, as established by authentic texts and by the consensus of the Companions and the Followers. I have never known anyone whatsoever to say that al-Zubayr and others like him were superior to Umar, even though al-Zubayr embraced Islam before Umar. Nor has anyone known to belong to the people of [knowledge] (2) said that Uthmān was superior to Umar, even though Uthmān embraced Islam before Umar.

If, however, superiority depends on having taken precedence in spending and fighting, it is well known that Abu Bakr has the strongest claim to this distinction. No one strove before him, whether by hand or tongue. Rather, from the moment he believed in the Messenger, he spent his wealth and strove to the extent of his ability. Thus, he purchased several of those who were being tortured for Allah’s sake, and he strove alongside the Messenger before fighting was commanded (3) and after fighting was commanded (4).

As Allah Most High says:

“And strive against them with it in a mighty struggle.”

[Sūrat al-Furqān: 52]

Thus, Abu Bakr was the foremost and most complete of all people in the various forms of jihad undertaken with one’s person and wealth.

For this reason, the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—said in an authentic hadith:

“No one was more generous toward me (5), through his companionship and material means, than Abu Bakr” (6).

Companionship involves one’s person, while material means refer to wealth. The Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—thus stated that Abu Bakr had been more generous toward him than anyone else with his person and wealth.