do we close one breach in it without another bursting open against us that we do not know how to deal with (1).” He was referring to the day of Siffīn.

Sahl said this on the day of Siffīn, when the Khawārij rebelled against ‘Alī after he ordered reconciliation with Mu‘āwiyah and his companions.

These authentic reports, which hadith scholars unanimously agree concern the ‘umrah at al-Hudaybiyyah, show that Abū Bakr enjoyed [a standing] (2) with Allah and His Messenger that no other Companion shared—neither ‘Umar, nor ‘Alī, nor anyone else. They also show that none of them surpassed him in faith, conformity to the will of Allah and His Messenger, or obedience to them, and that none spoke before him during consultation.

Indeed, the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—would act on his advice alone in momentous matters. Abū Bakr [would] (3) be the first to speak in the presence of the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—to assist the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace. He would likewise issue legal rulings in his presence, with his approval. No one else enjoyed this distinction.

For when the Prophet—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—was approached by his scout from Khuzā‘ah, who informed him that Quraysh had assembled the Ahābīsh against him—groups (4) drawn together from