and the doers of good, and that praises and commends them—they were the first members of this ummah to be included in all of this (1), and the best members of this ummah to be included in it. Indeed, it has been widely transmitted from the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him—through multiple chains that he said:

“The best generation is the generation among whom I was sent (2), then those who follow them, then those who follow them.” (3)

[THE SECOND ASPECT: IBN AL-MUTAHHAR’S LYING AND DISTORTION IN HIS ACCOUNT OF THE COMPANIONS’ CIRCUMSTANCES AFTER THE DEATH OF THE PROPHET—PEACE AND BLESSINGS BE UPON HIM]

The second aspect concerns demonstrating his lying and distortion in his account of the Companions’ circumstances after the death of the Prophet—peace and blessings be upon him (4).

His statement:

“Some of them (5) sought authority for himself without right, and most people pledged allegiance to him out of desire for worldly gain.”

This is a reference to Abu Bakr, for he was the one to whom most people pledged allegiance. It is well known that Abu Bakr did not seek authority for himself, whether rightfully or wrongfully. Rather, he said:

“I am content for you to choose either of these two men: Umar ibn al-Khattāb or Abu Ubayda.”

Umar said:

“By Allah, that I should be brought forward and have my neck struck—so long as this did not bring me near to sin—is dearer to me [than] (6) assuming authority over a people among whom Abu Bakr is present.” This wording occurs in the two Sahih collections (7) \ 247.