emigration and leaving his homeland and family to support his enemy. Only those whom Allah Most High describes in His words would choose to emigrate:

“For the poor Emigrants who were expelled from their homes and their properties, seeking bounty from Allah and His approval and supporting Allah and His Messenger. Those are the truthful.” [Surah al-Hashr: 8]

And His words:

“Permission to fight has been given to those who are being fought, because they were wronged. And indeed, Allah is able to grant them victory—those who have been expelled from their homes without right, only because they say, ‘Our Lord is Allah.’” [Surah al-Hajj: 39, 40]

Abū Bakr is the best of all these people.

Since this argument entails that he was a believer, it is well known that the Messenger would choose as his exclusive companion on the journey of his emigration—the most fraught with fear of all journeys—only someone in whom he had the utmost confidence and trust. This was the journey that was made the starting point of the calendar because of its profound significance in people’s hearts and its widespread renown, for a calendar can begin only with a conspicuous event known to people generally.

This alone suffices to establish the virtues of al-Siddīq (the Truthful) and his superiority over (1) others. This is one of al-Siddīq’s virtues in which no one else shared, and one of the indications that, in the eyes of the Messenger of Allah—may Allah bless him and grant him peace—he was the best of his Companions.