Rightly Guided Caliphs: Merits & Important Role assigned by The Prophet (ﷺ)

It has been established earlier that Quran denies existence or belief in any other scripture or book except Quran (6:19, 38, & 114-116, 39:23, 45:6, 77:50 , 7:185). The prophetic traditions and narrations found in Hadith books also conform to this Quranic Command, because Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) has also been reported to have banned Hadith writing and whatever was written it was burnt. [some narrations to justify Hadith writing do not conform to policy by Quran and other Hadiths]. Next to the Prophet (pbuh) are the pious companions and on the top of list are; “The Four Rightly Guided Caliphs‘, their opinion and actions further clear the doubt if any! While they made every possible effort to collect, preserve and publish the Quran, they did not make any such effort for the Hadiths. Hazrat Umar is reported to have said during last minutes of Prophet (pbuh): “The Book of Allah is sufficient for us”(Bukhaari,6932 and Muslim,1637)^[1], in fact he was referring to the verse in which Allah, may He be exalted, says: “We have neglected nothing in the Book”^[2] [Quran 6:38].

The Importance and Merits of Four Rightly Guided Caliphs:

The first four Caliphs who ruled after Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) are known as the “Khulfa Rashidun” (Righly Guided Successors)^[3], they ruled as per following sequence:

Abu Bakr (632–634 CE).
Umar ibn al-Khattab, (634–644 CE).
Uthman ibn Affan (644–656 CE)
Ali ibn Abi Talib (656–661 CE)

The “Four Rightly Guided Caliphs” enjoy a pivotal position after the Prophet (pbuh). Apart from their very close and intimate relationship with the Prophet (pbuh), they were entrusted with sacred duty to resolve any matters and disputes after the Prophet (pbuh).

Hazrat Aisha (r.a) the daughter of Hazrat Abu Bakr (may Allah be pleased with him) and daughter of Hazrat Umar, (Hafsa bint Umar) were married to Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), and two of Prophet Muhammad’s (pbuh) daughters were married to Uthman and Fatimah (r.a) to Hazrat Ali (may Allah be pleased with him).

Prophet, Muhammad (pbuh), specified ten of his companions who were promised paradise, the companions named in this hadith are referred to as “The Ten With Glad Tidings of Paradise‎” (al-`Asharaa al-Mubasharûn bi-l-Janna) it includes the names of Four Righlty Guided Caliphs (at-Tirmidhi, Sunan Abu Dawood)^[4]

There are Chapters and books on the merits of these pious companions, which is beyond the scope of this study, however some of it can be found at Sahih Muslim Book-44.^[5] Many verses of Quran were revealed to endorse these pious closest companions of the Prophet (pbuh).

It requires volumes of books to explain the important role played by Umar bin Al Khattab and other Rightly Guided Caliphs, in preserving the Holy Scripture ^{^[6]}Quran and establishing Islam as dominating faith and civilization for all times. Each and every policy and guidelines provided by them has been accepted as part of Islam, because they were personally educated, trained by the Prophet (pbuh) for the sacred tasks as evident form following:

On the authority of Abu Najeeh al-’Irbaad ibn Saariyah (may Allah be pleased with him) who said:

“ —— Verily he among you who lives long will see great controversy, so you must keep to my Sunnah and to the Sunnah of the Khulafa ar-Rashideen (the rightly guided caliphs), those who guide to the right way. Cling to it stubbornly [literally: with your molar teeth]— [Abu Dawud] It was related by at-Tirmidhi, who said that it was a good and sound Hadith. [ 40 Hadith Nawawi 28, English translation: Hadith 28]^[7]
Umar was the best in righteousness after the Prophets and Abu Bakr. Prophet Muhammad (pbuh) said, “Follow the example of the two who come after me, Abu Bakr and Umar.(Tirmidhi:)^[8]
The Sunnah is filled with examples of the virtues of Umar ibn Al-Khattab including this profound and significant statement from Prophet Muhammad (pbuh). “Among the nations who came before you some were inspired; if anyone from among my Ummah were to be inspired it would be Umar.” ^[9](Al-Bukhari, Muslim:)^[10]
According to a narration, the Holy Prophet is re[orted to have said: “If there was a prophet after me, I would have been Umer.” (Musnad Ahmad, Tirmidhi, Hakim)^[11]
“Allah does not like in heaven that Abu Bakr should be mistaken.” (Tabrani 1/42)^[12]
Shah Wali Allah writes: “Hazrat Umar (RA) used to consult and debate with the Companions (RA) until the veil was lifted and he became convinced. That is why the fatwas of Hazrat Umar (may Allah be pleased with him) have been followed all over the East and West. ” (Hujjatullah al-Balghah)^[13]
In 630 CE Prophet Muhammad decided to lead an expedition to Tabuk on the Syrian border. A great deal of livestock and equipment were needed for the expedition so Prophet Muhammad invited contributions and donations from his followers. It is said in the sunnah that Abu Bakr gave all his wealth to finance this battle. When Prophet Mohammad asked him how much he had donated Abu Bakr said, “I have brought all that I had. I have left Allah and His Prophet for myself and my family”.(Abu Dawood)^[14]
The two friends Abu Bakr and Prophet Muhammad (pbuh), may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon him, saw each other every day and every day their friendship grew. Abu Bakr felt it was his duty to protect Prophet Muhammad. One day whilst praying in the Kabah, Prophet Muhammad was attacked. An altercation that started as taunting quickly escalated into a physical abuse. When Abu Bakr was informed he ran to the Kabah and pushed himself into the middle of the fight shouting, “Would you kill a man for saying that Allah is his Lord”.( Saheeh Al-Bukhari)^[15] The Meccans were momentarily stunned but then fell upon Abu Bakr beating him so badly that the blood flowed freely and matted his hair. Although beaten until he lost consciousness the sunnah informs us that Abu Bakr’s first words when waking were to inquire urgently about the condition of Prophet Muhammad, may the mercy and blessings of Allah be upon him.