The Prophet (ﷺ) entered a garden and told me to guard its gate. Then a man came and asked permission to enter. The Prophet, said, "Permit him and give him the good news that he will enter Paradise." Behold! It was Abu Bakr. Then `Umar came, and the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Admit him and give him the good news that he will enter Paradise." Then `Uthman came and the Prophet (ﷺ) said, "Admit him and give him the good news that he will enter Paradise. "
Hadith Text & Context
This narration from Sahih al-Bukhari 7262 describes the Prophet Muhammad (ﷺ) granting glad tidings of Paradise to Abu Bakr, Umar, and Uthman (may Allah be pleased with them) in a single gathering, affirming their exalted status among the companions.
Scholarly Commentary on the Narration
This hadith establishes the superiority of the first three Rightly Guided Caliphs in their precise order of succession. The Prophet's specific mention of Paradise for these individuals, without any qualifying conditions, indicates their confirmed status as inhabitants of Paradise—a rare and distinguished honor.
The garden setting symbolizes the spiritual gardens of Paradise, with the gate representing the entrance to divine acceptance. The Prophet's instruction to "give the good news" serves as a public declaration of their virtue, eliminating any doubt about their ultimate destination.
Significance of the Glad Tidings
Abu Bakr's precedence in receiving this news confirms his status as the most superior companion after the prophets. Umar's following demonstrates his second rank, and Uthman's third position establishes the hierarchy recognized by Ahl al-Sunnah wal-Jama'ah.
This narration serves as decisive evidence against those who would deny the virtues of these companions or question their positions. The collective glad tidings in one sitting emphasize the unity and brotherhood among these pillars of Islam.
Legal & Theological Implications
This hadith falls under the chapter "Accepting Information Given by a Truthful Person" in Sahih al-Bukhari, demonstrating that the testimony of a single truthful person is sufficient in matters of virtue and spiritual status.
Theological scholars derive from this that loving these three caliphs and recognizing their superiority in this specific order is an essential article of faith. Their guaranteed Paradise reflects their unwavering commitment to Islam and complete embodiment of prophetic teachings.