Muhammad: Seal of the Prophets — Page 440
MUHAMMAD : SEAL OF THE PROPHETS 440 Lord hath chosen for His Apostle the portion, which is with Himself, in preference to that which is with you. Truly, the Word, that same Word which directed the Prophet, is with us still. Take it, therefore, for your guide and ye shall never go astray. Now , verily, hath the Lord placed your affairs in the hands of him that is the best amongst us; the Companion of His Prophet, the second of the two when they were in the cave alone. Arise, and swear fealty to him. ’ Forthwith, the people crowded round, and one by one, they swore allegiance upon the hand of Abu Bakr. The ceremony ended, Abu Bakr arose and said: ‘You people, now, verily, I have become your Chief over you although I am not the best amongst you. If I do well, support me; if I err, then set me right. In truth and sincerity is faithfulness, and in falsehood perfidy. The weak and oppressed among you in my sight shall be strong, until I restore his right unto him, if the Lord will; and the strong oppressor shall be weak, until I wrest from him that which he hath taken. Now hearken to me; when a people leaveth off striving in the ways of the Lord, verily, He casteth them in disgrace. Know also that wickedness never aboundeth in any nation, but the Lord visiteth that nation with calamity. Wherefore, obey me, even as I shall obey the Lord and His Apostle. Whensoev er I disobey them, obedience is no longer binding upon you. Arise to Prayers, and the Lord have mercy on you. ’ When Abu Bakr had ended his address preparations were made for the burial. There was a difference regarding the place most fitting for the grave, but Abu Bakr said, ‘I have heard it from the lips of the Prophet himself, that in whatsoever spot a Prophet