The Pledge of Allegiance to Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) at Saqifah Bani Sa'idah

Background:​

Sayyidina Abdullah ibn Abbas (رضی اللہ عنہ) narrates that Sayyidina Umar (رضی اللہ عنہ) delivered a sermon addressing a rumor circulating among the people. He said, "I have heard that some of you say, 'By Allah, if Umar passes away, I will pledge allegiance to so-and-so.' Let none of you be misled into thinking that the pledge to Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) happened by chance and was completed without deliberation. Yes, the pledge to Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) was sudden, but Allah saved us from any harm through it. And none of you is like Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ), for whom people would travel long distances just to meet due to his piety and righteousness."

He continued, "No one should pledge allegiance to anyone without the consultation of Muslims; whoever does so risks the loss of both the one who pledged and the one who accepted the pledge. Be aware that when the Prophet (ﷺ) passed away, the Ansar disagreed with us and gathered at Saqifah Bani Sa'idah. Similarly, Ali, Zubair (رضی اللہ عنہما), and their supporters also disagreed with us. Meanwhile, the rest of the Muhajireen gathered around Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ). I said to Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ), 'O Abu Bakr, let us go to our Ansar brothers.' So we set out with this intention.

Events at Saqifah Bani Sa'idah:​

When we approached, we encountered two righteous men from among them who informed us of the intentions of the Ansar. They asked, 'O group of Muhajireen, where are you heading?' We replied, 'We are going to meet our Ansar brothers.' They advised, 'Do not go there; rather, settle the matter among yourselves.' I insisted, saying, 'By Allah, we will certainly go to them.' When we arrived, the Ansar were gathered at Saqifah Bani Sa'idah, with their leader, Sa'ad ibn Ubadah (رضی اللہ عنہ), sitting in their midst, wrapped in a garment.

A speaker from among them stood up and delivered a sermon praising Allah and said:

"We are the helpers of Allah and the army of Islam. You, O Muhajireen, are a small group among us. Some of you have come to us, and now you intend to deprive us of our rights and remove us from authority."

When he finished, I wanted to speak, having prepared my thoughts carefully to bring harmony to the gathering. However, Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) said to me, "Wait." I did not want to anger him, so I let him speak first. Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) began his speech with great wisdom and composure. He did not omit a single point that I had intended to make, and his words were better than mine.

He concluded his address by saying:

"What you have mentioned about yourselves is indeed true, and you are worthy of these attributes. However, the leadership (Khilafah) is more fitting for the Quraysh due to their lineage and nobility among the Arabs. I suggest that you choose one of these two men (referring to me and Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah) and pledge allegiance to him."

Then Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) held out his hand towards me and Abu Ubaidah ibn al-Jarrah (رضی اللہ عنہ). This was the only part of his speech that I found disagreeable, as I did not desire to be placed forward for allegiance. By Allah, I would rather have my head struck off without sin than to lead a people among whom Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) was present.

At this point, a person from the Ansar, Hubab ibn Mundhir (رضی اللہ عنہ), suggested that there should be two leaders: one from among the Ansar and one from the Muhajireen. This suggestion led to a commotion, with voices raised and disagreements increasing. Fearing division among the Muslims, I said to Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ), "Extend your hand, Abu Bakr!" He extended his hand, and I was the first to pledge allegiance to him. The Muhajireen followed, and then the Ansar also gave their allegiance.

Sayyidina Umar (رضی اللہ عنہ) further explained in his sermon, "At that time, there was nothing more essential to us than the leadership of Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ), as we feared the consequences if we left without completing the pledge. Without unity, they might choose a leader among themselves, resulting in one of two scenarios: either we would have to reluctantly accept their leader, or we would oppose them, leading to discord and division."

He concluded by saying, "Let it be known, whoever pledges allegiance to anyone without the consultation of Muslims, then both the one who gives and the one who receives allegiance will bear the consequences."

(Sahih al-Bukhari, Kitab al-Muharibin, Bab Rajm al-Habla min al-Zina)

Sayyidina Abdullah ibn Ja'far (رضی اللہ عنہ) on Abu Bakr's Khilafah:​

Sayyidina Abdullah ibn Ja'far (رضی اللہ عنہما) remarked regarding the Khilafah of Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ):

"Abu Bakr (رضی اللہ عنہ) was the best Caliph, a true leader appointed by Allah. He was extremely merciful and kind to us."

(Mustadrak Hakim, 3/79; Ma'rifah al-Sunan wa al-Athar by al-Bayhaqi, 4/94; Fada'il al-Sahabah by Imam Ahmad ibn Hanbal, 1/536)
 
Back
Top