Ali and The Caliphate of Abu Bakr

Since Ali was the closest relative, he along with Fadl ibn Abbas and Usama ibn Zayd had the honour of bathing the sacred body of the Prophet. While Ali was bathing him, he was uttering, “May my parents be sacrificed on you. You were pure and immaculate in your life as well as after (physical) death.”

This is an undeniable fact that Ali ibn Abi Talib took the pledge of allegiance on the hands of Abu Bakr and accepted him as Caliph without being forced. The Lion of God could not be fearful or tactical in the decisions about the truth. As Iqbal says:

کیبا بے و ئیگو حق ںادمر ںاجو ئینآ

ہیباورا نہیں تیآ کو ںوشیر کے للہا

Explanation: The great men say the truth fearlessly. They are the lions of God and are not cunning like fox. When did Ali pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr? In answer to this question al-Tabarani says that Ali took oath on the hands of Abu Bakr forty days after the death of the Holy Prophet. Ibn Khaldun writes:

 Ali went to Abu Bakr. Coincidently Umar was also present there. Ali asked Abu Bakr to speak to him in private. Abu

Bakr asked Umar to give them privacy. Then Ali said, “Why did you take oath of allegiance from the Muslims in

Saqifah35 in my absence? You did not even consult me. You could have called me.” Abu Bakr replied, “I did not go to

Saqifah with the intention of taking oath of allegiance, rather

35 Historical importance of Saqifah of Saida clan is that it is the place where Abu Bakr took oath of allegiance from Muslims after the death of Holy Prophet.

I went there to resolve the dispute among the Ansar and the emigrants. Ansar wanted to choose the leader from their community while emigrants wanted a leader from themselves.

Both parties were ready to fight with each other on this matter. I did not ask people to pledge on my hand, rather they unanimously decided it. As far as the question is concerned that why I did not call and consult you regarding the matter, gauge the situation and decide for yourself whether I did the right thing or not? You were busy in the funeral rites of the Holy Prophet, how could I call you just to consult about this matter! Had I not taken oath of allegiance immediately on the request of these people, a conflict might have occurred which could have been beyond control.”

On hearing this, Ali ibn Abi Talib pondered for a few moments then pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr. (Tareekh Ibn Khaldun Vol.1) This narration of Ibn Khaldun does not state when did Ali pledge allegiance to Abu Bakr. However, this fact is crystal clear that Ali was satisfied with the explanation of Abu Bakr, therefore he took oath of allegiance willingly and without any hesitation. Syed Ameer Ali, the famous jurist, belonged to the Shia sect. He writes in his renowned English book The Spirit of Islam:  Ali pledged allegiance to Abu Bakr instantly to demonstrate his true affinity and determination towards the religion and to save the followers of his master, Prophet Mohammad, from disintegration. He was overlooked thrice but he pureheartedly accepted the decision of the electors. He never proposed himself as a candidate for caliphate. He supported the chosen Caliphs in every way and gave useful suggestions.

The Caliphs also regarded him and acknowledged the explanations of Hadiths given by him. (The Spirit of Islam)

This excerpt of Syed Ameer Ali reflects that Ali pledged allegiance without any delay and not only fully supported the Caliphs but also gave them valuable suggestions. In this regard, it is worth reviewing a tradition from Abu Sa‟id al-Khudri. Bayhaqi narrates it as follows:  Abu Bakr sat on the pulpit and glanced at the audience to acknowledge the presence of all the honourable people of the nation. He did not see Zubayr ibn al-Awam, thus he sent someone to call him. When he arrived, Abu Bakr said:

“O cousin and Companion of the Prophet of Allah! Do you want to shatter the unity of the Muslims?”

Zubayr replied, “O Caliph of the Prophet! Do not be upset.”

After saying this, he got up and pledged allegiance on the hand of Abu Bakr.

Then Abu Bakr glanced at the audience again and noticed the absence of Ali. He sent someone to call him. Ali arrived immediately. Abu Bakr said, “O cousin and the beloved son-in-law of the Prophet! Do you want to disintegrate the Muslims? Ali replied, “O Caliph of the Prophet! Please do not be upset on this delay.” Saying this, he got up and pledged allegiance on the hand of Abu Bakr. (Bayhaqi)

Ibn Kathir has narrated many traditions which certify the support of Ali for Abu Bakr. However, all of them cannot be mentioned here. Ibn Kathir writes:

 It is true that Ali did not part from Abu Bakr (during his caliphate) even for a moment. He offered prayers under his

imamate, fought the apostasy wars under his leadership and followed Abu Bakr till Zhu Qissa36.”  Habib ibn Thabit relates that Ali was at his residence when someone told him that Abu Bakr is at the mosque for the pledge of allegiance. At the time Ali was wearing a long shirt, he went to the mosque right away (without changing) so he may not be late in taking the oath and had someone bring clothes from his home to change. Then he stayed in the

mosque. (Tareekh al-Umam wal Muluk vol. III)

In the caliphate of Abu Bakr, Ali ibn Abi Talib was appointed as the Counsellor of the state. All important decisions were taken on his advice. He offered salat led by the Caliph Abu Bakr and also received the allowance allocated by him. Ali ibn Abi Talib also served as a scriber during the caliphate of Abu Bakr and always remained his well-wisher. In the beginning of the caliphate of Abu Bakr several impediments harmed the foundations of the state. Especially the issue of apostasy was so extreme that Abu Bakr did not even care for his old age and was set to fight against the apostates. Ali followed him and was able to catch him near Zhu Qissa, he held the reins of Abu Bakr‟s horse and said:

“O Caliph of the Prophet! Where are you headed to? I request you the same as I did to Prophet Mohammad in the Battle of Uhad. For the sake of Allah put your sword back in the scabbard. Do not go to war yourself, God forbid if you get into any trouble, the system of the state will not sustain.” (Tareekh Ibn Khaldun Vol. I) Sa‟id ibn Safwan narrates when Ali was told about the death of Abu Bakr, he became restless with sorrow. Eyes of all the Companions were filled with tears and every soul was grieved. The atmosphere of Madina was stirred with the cry of distress. Ali, the epitome of bravery and valour, was also in tears. He

36 Location of war against the false claimant of Prophethood, Tulayha.