The Reality of Khilafah — Page 133
Footnote from page 115 I have laid out how Ab u Bakr was a genius and a godly person. He manifested the light of Islam after it had become encroached by darkness. He did his utmost to challenge those who left Islam, and to debate with those who denied the truth. On the other hand, he was soft-hearted and lenient with those who entered its fold. He forbade compulsion in order to spread Islam. He gave mankind a precious and matchless treasure. He led the Arabs with fortitude, and he disciplined these camels in their pastures and places of rest by reasoning with them or by chastising them. He chose war only when he saw no ray of hope elsewhere. He challenged every disputer and did not give in to doubt like the weak. In every trial and ordeal, he proved to be more steadfast than a mountain. He forsook the desires of the world for the sake of Allah, the Most High. The only thing that pleased him was to uphold the word of Islam and follow Khairul-An a m [the Best of Mankind]. Therefore, hold fast to the protector of your religion and leave aside your objections and doubts. I do not say this out of my own desires or in imitation of my forefathers, rather this