Did the Prophet ﷺ Indicate Abu Bakr’s Caliphate in Hadith?
Question:
Is there any indication of Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه’s caliphate in Hadith?
Answer:
Yes, there are multiple authentic hadiths that clearly indicate the caliphate of Hazrat Abu Bakr al-Siddiq رضي الله عنه. The Prophet Muhammad ﷺ appointed him on various occasions before his demise, and those appointments serve as signs pointing to his future leadership.
Here are some important and authentic narrations:
1. Abu Bakr appointed as Imam:
عَنْ عَائِشَةَ رضي الله عنها قَالَتْ: أَمَرَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ﷺ أَبَا بَكْرٍ أَنْ يُصَلِّيَ بِالنَّاسِ فِي مَرَضِهِ۔
Narrated Aisha رضي الله عنها: “The Messenger of Allah ﷺ ordered Abu Bakr to lead the people in prayer during his illness.”
[Sahih Bukhari: 713, Sahih Muslim: 418]
This appointment, despite the presence of senior companions, is a sign of preference and leadership.
2. Prophet ﷺ said:
“يَأْبَى اللَّهُ وَالْمُسْلِمُونَ إِلَّا أَبَا بَكْرٍ”
Translation:
“Allah and the Muslims will accept none other than Abu Bakr.”
[Sahih Muslim: 2387]
This hadith refers to a moment when there was discussion regarding leadership after the Prophet ﷺ, and he explicitly expressed preference for Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه.
3. Prophet ﷺ said:
“اقتدوا باللذين من بعدي: أبي بكر وعمر.”
“Follow those who come after me: Abu Bakr and Umar.”
[Tirmidhi: 3662 – Hasan Sahih]
This hadith is a direct command that the Ummah should follow the path of Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه and Umar رضي الله عنه, which is a strong endorsement of their leadership and caliphate.
Conclusion:
These hadiths clearly demonstrate that during his lifetime, the Prophet ﷺ appointed Hazrat Abu Bakr رضي الله عنه as Imam, praised him, acknowledged his leadership, and commanded the Ummah to follow him. All of these are strong indicators of his rightful caliphate.