Hazrat Ali’s (ra) Pledge of Allegiance

There are many narrations regarding Hazrat Ali’s (ra) pledge of allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra). In Tarikh al-Tabari, Habib bin Abi Thabit narrates:

“Hazrat Ali (ra) was in his home when a person came to him and said, ‘Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) is now taking the pledge of allegiance.’ Hazrat Ali (ra) was wearing a simple robe at the time. In that state, where he was not wearing any extra garments nor his mantle, he hurried to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) and pledged allegiance to him for fear in case he was delayed. He then sat beside Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), after which he sent for his garments and dressed himself. He remained seated in the gathering around Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra).”

(Muhammad Ibn Jarir al-Tabari, Tarikh al-Tabari, Vol. 3, Hadith al-Saqifah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Fikr, 2002], p. 257)

The narrations regarding Hazrat Ali’s (ra) pledge of allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) vary; some narrations suggest that Hazrat Ali (ra) did not pledge allegiance for six months, and pledged allegiance after the demise of Hazrat Fatimah (ra), while other narrations suggest that Hazrat Ali (ra) was inclined to pledge allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) immediately.

Hazrat Abu Saeed Khudri (ra) narrates:

“After Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) had taken the pledge of allegiance from the Muhajirin and Ansar, he stood at the pulpit and looked to the people and noticed that Hazrat Ali (ra) was not among them. Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) enquired about the whereabouts of Hazrat Ali (ra). Some people among the Ansar brought Hazrat Ali (ra). Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) [addressed him] and said, ‘O cousin and son-in-law to the Messenger (sa) of Allah, do you wish to break the strength of the Muslims?’ Hazrat Ali (ra) replied, ‘O Khalifa of the Messenger (sa) of Allah, do not deal strictly with me in this matter.’ Following this, he pledged allegiance to him.”

(Al-Salabi, Sirat Amir al-Mu’minin Ali bin Abi Talib Shaksiyyatuh wa Asruh [Beirut, Lebanon: Sar al-Ma’rifah, 2006], p. 119) (Ibn Kathir, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Dhikr I‘tiraf Saad bin Ubadah bi Sihhat ma Qalah al-Siddiq Yaum al-Saqifah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-‘Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 693)

Allamah Ibn Kathir states:

“Hazrat Ali (ra) bin Abi Talib pledged allegiance to Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra) on the first or second day after the demise of the Holy Prophet (sa), and this is the truth. The reason being is that Hazrat Ali (ra) never abandoned Hazrat Abu Bakr (ra), nor did he refrain from praying behind him.”

(Ibn Kathir, Al-Sirah al-Nabawiyyah, Dhikr I‘tiraf Saad bin Ubadah bi Sihhat ma Qalah al-Siddiq Yaum al-Saqifah [Beirut, Lebanon: Dar al-Kutub al-Ilmiyyah, 2005], p. 694)