Some preachers deliver a complete sermon on the virtues of Abu Bakr and invoke the Companions collectively. What is the ruling on this?

The questioner : Some mosque preachers deliver a complete sermon on the virtues of Abu Bakr and invoke the Companions collectively. When we look at the conduct of the Prophet (peace and blessings be upon him) and the Companions, we find that Abu Bakr and 'Umar have a distinction over the others, and they do not differentiate between them, or among them, except in matters of preference.

The Shaykh : There is no doubt about the virtue of Abu Bakr over 'Umar. So what is the issue?

The questioner : That 'Umar is invoked collectively with the Companions, whereas he has a specific status above the Companions.

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

The questioner : Yes, he delivers a complete sermon.

The Shaykh : On the virtue of 'Umar.

The questioner : Welcome.

The Shaykh : This is the virtue of Abu Bakr.

The questioner : And 'Umar is included with the Companions. When we look at the biography of the Messenger (peace and blessings be upon him), the Companions singled out Abu Bakr and 'Umar with a distinctiveness 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.

The questioner : Shaykh, this indicates to some people that 'Umar has no virtue over the others.

The Shaykh : No, no, no. There is no issue, absolutely no issue.