braver than they were, even if one of them had killed more people with his own hand(1) than the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—had.

If the courage required of leaders is courage of heart, then there is no doubt that Abū Bakr was braver than Umar, and Umar was braver than Uthmān, Alī, Talha, and al-Zubayr. Anyone familiar with their lives and accounts knows this. Abū Bakr—may Allah be pleased with him—faced the same perils that the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—faced, from the advent of Islam to the end of the Prophet’s mission. He never became cowardly or distressed, nor did he falter. He faced dangers head-on: shielding the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—with his very life, striving against the polytheists at times by his own hand, at times with his words, and at times with his wealth. In all of this, he pressed resolutely forward.

On the day of Badr, he was with the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—in the shelter, even though he knew that the enemy were intent on reaching the position of the Messenger of Allah—peace and blessings be upon him. He remained stouthearted and composed, supporting and assisting the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him. When the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—stood supplicating his Lord and imploring Him for aid, saying:

“O Allah, fulfill for me what You promised me. O Allah, if this band perishes, You will not be worshipped. O Allah! O Allah!…”

Abū Bakr began(2) saying to him, “O Messenger of Allah, you have implored your Lord enough. He will surely fulfill for you what He promised you.”(3)

This attests to al-Siddīq’s consummate certainty, his trust in Allah’s promise, his steadfastness, and his courage: a courage born of faith(4), in addition to natural courage.