Should we consider these criticisms as valid and correct or false and wrong?

Should we consider these criticisms as valid and correct or false and wrong? If we consider them as correct, we have to leave one side and if we consider them to be incorrect, we have to leave the other side”! When Ismail heard this question he moved from his place and dispersed the gathering. The only thing which he said was that this was a question for which he too had not found an answer.

Abu Bakr Criticism of Abu Bakr has come in an explicit form in the Sermon of Shiqshiqiya and has been concluded in two sentences. Firstly that: “He was very well aware that I am more worthy than him and Caliphate is a garb which fits properly on me only. In spite of knowing this fact why did he do such a thing? During the period of Caliphate, I was similar to a person having a thorn in his eyes or a bone stuck in his throat.

و اللّه لقد تقمصها ابن أبي قحافة و انه ليعلم أن محلي منها محل القطب من الرحى “By Allah, Ibn Abi Quhafah (Abu Bakr) dressed himself with it (the Caliphate) while he certainly knew that my position in relation to it was the same as the position of the axle in relation to the mill. Secondly : why did he select the next Caliph after him, especially since once during his period of Caliphate he asked the people to cancel the agreement of allegiance and release him from this commitment?

When one is doubtful of his own ability in this affair and asks the people to accept his resignation, then on what basis does he appoint the next Caliph?

»فواعجبا بيناهو يستقيلها في حياته اذعقدها لاخر بعد وفاته« “It is strange that during his lifetime he wished to be released from it (the Caliphate) but he confirmed it for the other for after his death.” After mentioning the above sentence, ‘Ali (A.S.) uses the most severe words against the two Caliphs thus laying bare the root of their connection with one another.

He says: « لشد ما تشطرا ضرعيها » “Together they shared its udders strictly between themselves.” About the matter of Abu Bakr’s resignation, Ibn Abi al-Hadeed says that two versions exist about the sentences once uttered by Abu Bakr on the pulpit during the period of his Caliphate. Some narrate that Abu Bakr said: وليتكم و لست بخيركم i.e. the responsibility of Caliphate has been put on me while I am not the best among you.

However most narrate that he said: اقيلوني فلست بخيركم “You excuse me for I am not the best among you.” The sentences of Nahj al-Balaghah approve that the sentence of Abu Bakr was presented in its second form.