Is this Statement of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) authentic?
والله لو لعبت الكلاب بخلاخل نساء المدينة، ما رددت جيشا أنفذه رسول الله صلى الله عليه وسلم
Answer
Imam Abu Bakr ibnul ‘Arabi, ‘Allamah Suhayli and others have cited these words as the statement of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu). He uttered this statement when some Sahabah (radiyallahu ‘anhum) suggested that Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu ‘anhu) halt the army of Sayyiduna Usamah (radiyallahu ‘anhu) after the demise of Nabi (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam).
I have not come across the complete chain of narrators for these particular words.
(Ahkamul Quran, vol. 2 pg. 416, Ar Rawdul Unuf, vol. 4 pg. 271-272)
However, Imam Bayhaqi and Imam Ibn ‘Asakir (rahimahumallah) have recorded similar words with a weak chain that is suitable for such cases.
(Tarikh Dimashq, vol. 2 pg. 60. Refer: Al Bidayah Wan Nihayah, vol. 7 pg. 11)
Translation
By Allah! Even if the dogs were to play with the anklets of women of Madinah, I would not bring back an army that Rasulullah (sallallahu ‘alayhi wa sallam) dispatched.
This displays the determination of Sayyiduna Abu Bakr (radiyallahu’anhu) in sticking to the way of Rasulullah (sallallahu’alayhi wasallam).
And Allah Ta’ala Knows best.
Answered by: Moulana Suhail Motala
Approved by: Moulana Muhammad Abasoomar
Checked by: Moulana Haroon Abasoomar