The Virtue of Abu Bakr and 'Umar Among the Followers of the Prophets

Question:
May Allah reward you, Honorable Shaykh. He asks: Are Abu Bakr and 'Umar the best of the followers of the prophets, absolutely?

Answer:
Yes, the best of creation after the prophets are the Companions of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), because the best of the messengers is the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him), and the best of the nations is the nation of Muhammad (peace and blessings be upon him). This is without doubt, and Abu Bakr and 'Umar are the best of this nation.
Abu Bakr is in the first rank, then after him Abu Bakr, then after him 'Uthman, then after him 'Ali, and the four Imams (may Allah be pleased with them), then the rest of the ten promised Paradise, then the Muhajireen are better than the Ansar, then the Companions of Badr and the Companions of the Pledge of 'Aqabah. Yes, they differ in rank; the Companions differ in rank (may Allah be pleased with them), but in general, they are the best of the nations after the prophets. Yes.