Ali Ibn Abi Talib - Volume 1 of 2

216 'Ali ibn Abi Trilib at the time of the Rightly Guided Caliphs
was: "The Muslims gave their allegiance willingly, and the first one
to do that among the sons of 'Abdul-Muywih was me."9 There are
reports indicating that 'Ali (&) swore allegiance to Ahu Bakr (&)
right away, even though they do not state that clearly. It was narrated
from Ibriiheem ibn 'Abdur-Ra!xnk ibn 'Awf that he said: "Abdur-
Ra?m~i?tn ihn 'Awf (&) was with 'Umar ibn al-Khatfib (&), then
Abu Bakr (&>) stood up and addressed the people, explaining to
them: 'By Allah, I was never eager for leadership at all. I never had
any desire for it, and I never asked Allah (s) for it, in private or in
public. But I was afraid of$tnah.1° I have no pleasure in the position
of leadership, hut I have been appointed to a very important position,
for which I have no ability except by the help of Allah (&). I wish
that the strongest of people who could bear it would he in my position
today.' The Muhijiroon accepted his words and his explanation.
" 'Ali and az-Zubayr said: 'The only thing that disappointed us
was that we were not consulted, hut we believe that Ahu Bakr (&) is
the most qualified of the people for it after the Messenger of Allah
(g). He was his companion in the cave and the second of two, and
we know of his honourable position and seniority. The Messenger of
Allah a) commanded him to lead the people in prayer when he was
still alive."'" And it was narrated that Qays al-'Abdi said: "I
witnessed the sermon of 'Ali (&) on the day of Basra. He praised
and glorified Allah (&). He mentioned the Prophet (g), how he
guided the people and how Allah (&) took him to Himself. Then he
mentioned that the Muslims decided to appoint as his successor Abu
Bakr (&), .., so they swore allegiance to him, gave their pledge to him
and accepted his leadership. He said: I swore allegiance to him, gave
my pledge to him and accepted his leadership. They were pleased,
and I was pleased. He did well and strove hard until Allah (%) took
his soul, may Allah (&) have mercy on him."12
'ALi did not stay away from Abu Bakr (&) at any time, and he
never stayed away from him in any gathering. He joined with him in