Respect of the Prophet‟s Decision

The next day, he went to the Prophet‟s Mosque and took oath of allegiance from numerous other people. He was titled as Khalifa tur-Rasool „Caliph of the Prophet‟, marking the beginning of the Rashidun Caliphate. His first speech as a Caliph is historical. He started with glorification and praises to Allah Almighty, then said:

“O people! I am made the custodian of your matters, but I am no better than any of you. If you find me doing something good, join me and correct me where I am wrong. Righteousness is a trust. Weak among you are strong to me, until I get them their right. The strong among you are weak to me, until I get people‟s rights from them. Those who will not fight in the way of Allah, will be humiliated. The nation whose immorality is high will be punished by Allah. Follow me when I obey Allah and His Prophet and when I disobey them then you must not follow me. Get up and offer salat. May Allah‟s mercy be upon you.”

In his first sermon, Abu Bakr devised the action plan of his goals and obligations to it. The Islamic reign of Rashidun Caliphs is called the „rightly guided caliphate‟ because in their reign all the matters of government and leadership were in accordance to the era of Prophet Mohammad. The Companions appointed as the Caliphs had the capability to completely follow the set morals of the Prophet.

When Prophet Mohammad was sick during the last days of his life, he had prepared to send a force of seven hundred soldiers against the Romans under the supervision of Usama ibn Zayd. After Prophet Mohammad passed away, the condition of Muslims became insubstantial and it seemed impossible to send any Muslim force out of Madina. Therefore, people suggested to postpone the plan, but Abu Bakr had different opinion. He rather decided to continue the march and said, “I cannot stop the orders