0/11.1. Chapter:
Sunan Ibn Majah 95 — Abu Bakr and Umar in Paradise
The Virtue of Abu Bakr Siddiq (ra)
Hadith About Abu Bakr and Umar as Leaders in Paradise
Sunan Ibn Majah : 95
Sunan Ibn MajahHadith Number 95
حَدَّثَنَا هِشَامُ بْنُ عَمَّارٍ، حَدَّثَنَا سُفْيَانُ، عَنِ الْحَسَنِ بْنِ عُمَارَةَ، عَنْ فِرَاسٍ، عَنِ الشَّعْبِيِّ، عَنِ الْحَارِثِ، عَنْ عَلِيٍّ، قَالَ قَالَ رَسُولُ اللَّهِ ـ صلى الله عليه وسلم ـ " أَبُو بَكْرٍ وَعُمَرُ سَيِّدَا كُهُولِ أَهْلِ الْجَنَّةِ مِنَ الأَوَّلِينَ وَالآخِرِينَ إِلاَّ النَّبِيِّينَ وَالْمُرْسَلِينَ لاَ تُخْبِرْهُمَا يَا عَلِيُّ مَا دَامَا حَيَّيْنِ " .
'Ali Narrated from:
The Messenger of Allah said: 'Abu Bakr and 'Umar are the leaders of the mature people of Paradise, and the first and the last, except for the Prophets and Messengers, but do not tell them about that, O 'Ali, as long as they are still alive.'
Reference : Sunan Ibn Majah 95In-book reference : Introduction, Hadith 0English translation : Vol. 1, Book 1, Hadith 95
Summary of Sunan Ibn Majah Hadith 95
This hadith about Abu Bakr and Umar in Paradise gives them a clear honor. The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم said Abu Bakr and Umar are the leaders of the mature people of Paradise from the first and the last, except the Prophets and Messengers. He then told Ali not to tell them while they were alive. The narration focuses on their rank, while also making an exception for the Prophets and Messengers. It is a strong statement of virtue for both Abu Bakr and Umar. The hadith does not discuss their full biographies. It simply gives a high praise connected to Paradise and keeps their rank below the Prophets and Messengers.
What we learn from this hadith
- Abu Bakr and Umar are praised with a high rank in Paradise.
- The hadith clearly excludes the Prophets and Messengers from this comparison.
- The Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم spoke of their virtue through Ali.
- The narration teaches respect for the senior companions praised by the Prophet صلى الله عليه وسلم.
