´It was narrated that 'Abdullah bin Shaqiq said:` "I said to 'Aishah: 'Which of the (Prophet's) Companions was most beloved to him?' She said: 'Abu Bakr.' I said: 'Then which of them?' She said: ''Umar.' I said: 'Then which of them?' She said: 'Abu 'Ubaidah.'"
Explanation & Benefits
Maulana Ataullah Sajid
Commentary:
(1)
The virtue of these three great Companions (radi Allahu anhum) is evident from this hadith.
Since the Prophet (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) had immense love for these three, they were also greatly beloved to Allah.
(2)
The reason for the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) special love for these distinguished Companions, above others, lies in their exceptional qualities, for example:
He loved Abu Bakr and Umar (radi Allahu anhuma) because they embraced Islam at a time when accepting the truth was tantamount to inviting all sorts of calamities and tribulations, and then they became a cause for the propagation and strength of the religion.
And he loved Abu Ubaydah ibn al-Jarrah (radi Allahu anhu) because he held a special rank in striving in the path of Allah (jihad fi sabilillah), and even after the Prophet’s (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) passing, under his leadership, the Muslim armies achieved many great victories.
Source: Commentary on Sunan Ibn Mājah by Mawlānā ‘Atā’ullāh Sājid, Page: 102