HAZRAT ABU BAKR, ALI, THE SAHAABAH RADHIYALLAHU ANHUM & THE KHILAAFATE OF HAZRAT UMAR RADHIYALLAHU ANHU

Hadhrat Abu Bakr (radhiallahu anhu), during his very life-time appointed Hadhrat Umar (radhiallahu anhu) as the Khalifah to succeed him. Along with the appointment, Hadhrat Abu Bakr secured the oath of allegiance (Bay’t) from the people on behalf of Hadhrat Umar without even revealing his successor’s (Umar’s) name.

Hadhrat Abu Bakr wrote the name of Hadhrat Umar on a paper and informed the people that the person whose name is recorded on the document will be the Khalifah after him. He then commanded the people to take the Bay’t, i.e. swear allegiance to succeeding Khalifah (whose name appeared in the document, but whose identity was not revealed).

When making this pledge of allegiance, Hadhrat Ali (radhaillahu anhu) commented: “I pledge the oath of allegiance even if he (i.e. the unknown appointee) is Umar.”

[MALFOOZAAT HAKEEMUL UMMAT]