“You [Abu Bakr as-Siddiq] were the first of the people to accept Islaam, and the most sincere of them in Eeman (faith). You were the best of them as a companion, and the most like the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) in both guidance and humility, and the most generous of them to him. You succeeded him in the Religion well when the people left Islaam, and you held firm to the methodology of the Messenger (salallaahu ‘alayhi wa sallam). You were like a mountain that was not moved by the storm nor crushed by the quake. You are modest with yourself, and great with Allaah. And the closest people to you are the most obedient to Allaah, and the most pious. May Allaah make you join the company of his Messenger, and may He not deprive us of your reward. And may He not lead us astray after you.

“Ali (radiAllaahu anhu) was asked, “Will you not appoint a successor?”

He said, ”No rather, I shall leave you just as Allaah’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam) left you. If Allaah has decreed good for you then He will bring you together to select the best of you just as He made you choose the best of you after Allaah’s Messenger (sallallahu alayhi wa sallam).”