Advice of Scholars - THE HIGHEST OF ALL HUMAN BEINGS AFTER PROPHETS

Among the Awliyâ’ of the umma of Muhammad (’alaihi ’s-salâm), the one who deserved to be his khalîfa (caliph) was Abu Bakr as-Siddîq (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anh), who was loved most by the Awliyâ’ and by the imâms and was more suited for the caliphate than others. After prophets, he is the highest and the most auspicious of all human beings that have come and that will come. He was the first to attain the status and honour of caliphate. As a favour and blessing from Allâhu ta’âlâ, he had not worshipped idols before Islam commenced. He had been protected against the defects of disbelief and heresy.

After him, the highest of human beings is the second khalîfa ’Umar ibn al-Khattâb (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anh), whom Allâhu ta’âlâ chose as a friend to His Beloved Prophet.

After him the highest of human beings is the third khalîfa of Rasûlullah (’alaihi’s-salâm), Dhu’n-Nûrain ’Uthmân ibn ’Affân (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anh), the treasure of favours and blessings and the source of modesty, faith and spiritual knowledge.

After him, the most auspicious of human beings is the fourth khalîfa of Rasûlullah (’alaihi’s-salâm), ’Alî ibn Abî Tâlib (radî-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anh), the possessor of astonishing superiorities and the Lion of Allâhu ta’âlâ.

Hadrat Hasan ibn ’Alî (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anhum) became the khalîfa after him. The thirty years of caliphate mentioned in the hadîth ash-sherîf was completed with him.

After him, the highest human being is Hadrat Husain ibn ’Alî (radiy-Allâhu ta’âlâ ’anhum), the light of Rasûlullah’s (’alaihi’s-salâm) eyes.

The next highest ones of the Sahâbat al-kirâm (Companions of the Prophet) were al-’Asharat al-Mubashshara, the ten people blessed with the good news of [going to] Paradise. After them, the highest Muslims were the 313 Muslims who took part in the Holy Battle of Badr. The next were the 700 brave Muslims who took part in the Holy Battle of Uhud. Next to them were the Bî’at ar-Ridwân, the 1400 Muslims who took the oath of allegiance to Rasûlullah under the tree.