and said, “O son of al-Khattāb! Were you a tyrant in the days of ignorance, yet a weakling in Islam?! On what basis am I to win them over—on a fabricated account or an invented poem?!”

Sixth: His statement: “Which is better: someone who refrains from fighting, or someone who personally strives in Allah’s cause?!”

The answer is that being with the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, in these circumstances was itself among the finest forms of striving in Allah’s cause. It was the Prophet whom the enemy was targeting. Thus, a third of the army surrounded him, protecting him from the enemy; another third pursued those who had fled; and the remaining third collected the spoils. Allah then divided the spoils among them all.

Seventh: His statement: “The comfort the Prophet, may Allah bless him and grant him peace, found in his Lord left him in no need of any companion.”

The answer is that the statement that he was the Prophet’s companion in the shelter is not wording found in the Quran or hadith. Anyone who says this, knowing what he is saying, does not mean that he kept the Prophet company lest he feel lonely. Rather, it means that he assisted him in fighting, just as those of lesser standing also assisted him in fighting.

Allah Most High said:

“It is He who supported you with His help and with the believers.” [Surah al-Anfāl: 62]

Abū Bakr was the best (1) of the believers through whom Allah supported him.

He also said:

“So fight in the cause of Allah; you are responsible only for yourself. And encourage the believers.” [Surah al-Nisā’: 84]

Abū Bakr was urged to assist him to the utmost of his ability, while the Messenger was to encourage them to strive in Allah’s cause and fight his enemy with their support