It is narrated from Sayyiduna Ali (may Allah be pleased with him) that in virtue and rank, the Noble Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) is foremost among all. During his blessed lifetime, Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) performed the duties of leading the prayer as his deputy, and the third rank is that of Sayyiduna Umar (may Allah be pleased with him). After them, we became entangled in tribulations, and Allah will forgive whomsoever He wills.
Hadith Referenceالفتح الربانی / كتاب الفضائل والمناقب / 11565
Hadith Gradingمحدثین:صحیح
Hadith Takhrij«صحيح لغيره، اخرجه الطبراني في الاوسط : 1661، والنسائي في مسند علي ، (انظر مسند أحمد ترقيم الرسالة: 895 ترقیم بيت الأفكار الدولية: 895»
Brief Explanation
Benefits: … By "trials" (fitan) are meant the martyrdom of Sayyiduna Uthman (radi Allahu anhu), the Battle of Jamal, the Battle of Siffin, and others.