What is the ruling on dedicating an entire sermon to the virtues of Abu Bakr?

The questioner : Some mosque preachers deliver a complete sermon on the virtues of Abu Bakr and make du'a for the Companions in a general sense. If we look at the treatment of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Companions, we find that Abu Bakr and 'Umar had a distinction over the others, and that they did not differentiate between them or among them except in the case of preference. There is no doubt in the virtue of Abu Bakr over 'Umar.

The Shaykh : What is the problem?

Another questioner : 'Umar is invoked with the Companions in the general du'a, and he is given a specific, early distinction, unlike the other Companions.

The Shaykh : Do you mean that he delivers a complete sermon about them?

Another questioner : Yes, indeed, he outlines the complete plan.

The Shaykh : In Fatimah's time.

Another questioner : Allah is the Greatest.

The Shaykh : Why did we not preserve Abu Bakr?

Another questioner : And 'Umar destroys them among the Companions. And if we look at the biography of the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Companions, they give 'Umar a specific distinction that did not include the others.

The Shaykh : Yes, may Allah bless you. If he wants to speak about the history of Abu Bakr's life, he can dedicate a sermon to him, and there is no objection. He can come at another time and dedicate a sermon to 'Umar, and at a third time dedicate one to 'Uthman, and at a fourth time dedicate one to 'Ali. There is no doubt about this.

Another questioner : O Shaykh, this indicates that some people think 'Umar has no virtue over the others.

The Shaykh : No, no, no, it is never ambiguous.