While I was with the Prophet (ﷺ) in one of the gardens of Medina, a man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me, "Open the gate for him and give him the glad tidings that he will enter Paradise." I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was Abu Bakr. I informed him of the glad tidings the Prophet (ﷺ) had said, and he praised Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me "Open (the gate) and give him the glad tidings of entering Paradise." I opened (the gate) for him, and behold! It was `Umar. I informed him of what the Prophet (ﷺ) had said, and he praised Allah. Then another man came and asked me to open the gate. The Prophet (ﷺ) said to me. "Open (the gate) for him and inform him of the glad tidings, of entering Paradise with a calamity which will befall him. " Behold ! It was `Uthman, I informed him of what Allah's Messenger (ﷺ) had said. He praised Allah and said, "I seek Allah's Aid."
Companions of the Prophet - Sahih al-Bukhari 3693
This narration from the blessed Companion Abu Hurayrah (may Allah be pleased with him) contains profound glad tidings for the three rightly-guided caliphs, demonstrating their lofty stations with Allah and His Messenger.
The Excellence of Abu Bakr al-Siddiq
The Prophet (ﷺ) gave Abu Bakr the glad tidings of Paradise without any condition or calamity mentioned. This indicates his supreme rank among the Companions and his unwavering faith that never wavered from the first moment of Islam.
His immediate praise of Allah upon receiving the news demonstrates his profound gratitude and humility, recognizing that all blessings come from Allah alone.
The Station of Umar ibn al-Khattab
Umar similarly received unconditional glad tidings of Paradise, affirming his exalted status. The scholars mention that his strong implementation of justice and his firm stance in Islam earned him this tremendous honor from the Prophet (ﷺ).
Like Abu Bakr, his immediate response was to praise Allah, showing the perfect manners of the Companions in acknowledging divine favor.
The Distinction of Uthman ibn Affan
Uthman's glad tidings came with the mention of a future calamity, which the scholars identify as his eventual martyrdom. This indicates the great reward awaiting those who remain patient through trials.
His response "I seek Allah's Aid" demonstrates perfect reliance upon Allah and acceptance of divine decree, showing why he deserved to be among the ten promised Paradise.
Scholarly Observations
This hadith establishes the superiority of these three caliphs in the order they succeeded the Prophet (ﷺ). The garden setting symbolizes the spiritual gardens of Paradise they were promised.
The narration also teaches us about giving glad tidings to believers and the proper etiquette of praising Allah for His blessings and seeking His help in difficulties.