—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—who was braver than he. Thus, when the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—died and the Muslims were struck by the greatest calamity ever to befall them, it enfeebled their minds and unhinged(1) their reason. They were thrown into turmoil like ropes in a stone-lined well(2) whose bottom lay far below. One man denied his death; another was left unable to rise; another was so stunned that he no longer recognized those who passed by or greeted him; and still others wailed aloud in grief. They found themselves in a scene mirroring the Resurrection, as though it were a lesser resurrection modeled on the Greater Resurrection. Most of the Bedouin tribes had apostatized from the religion, and the faith’s champions had been brought low.

Then al-Siddīq—may Allah be pleased with him—rose with a steadfast heart and courageous spirit. He neither lost heart nor recoiled; in him patience and certainty were joined. He informed them that the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—had died and that Allah had chosen for him what is with Him. He said to them:

“Whoever worshipped Muhammad, Muhammad has died; but whoever worships Allah, Allah is Ever-Living and never dies:

‘Muhammad is but a messenger; messengers have passed away before him. If he dies or is killed, will you turn back on your heels? Whoever turns back on his heels will not harm Allah in the least, and Allah will reward the grateful.’”

[Surah Āl Imrān: 144]

It was as though the people had never heard this verse until al-Siddīq(3) recited it. Thereafter, there was no one who was not reciting it. He then addressed them, strengthening their resolve and inspiring them with courage.

Anas said:

“Abū Bakr—may Allah be pleased with him—addressed us when we were like foxes, and he continued to inspire us with courage until we became like lions.”