Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) himself says that only Ali (s) is ‘Siddiq-e-Akbar’ and ‘Farooq-e-Azam’.

Salman al-Farsi (r.a.) narrates that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) used to say regarding Imam Ali (s), “He was the first to bring faith on me, he would be the first to meet me on the Day of Judgment, and he is ‘Siddiq-e-Akbar’ and ‘Farooq-e-Azam’ and the Master of the faithful ones while wealth is the master of believers.”[1]

[1] Arjahul Matalib, Maulana Ubaidullah Amritsari

One should not think that maybe Ali (s) is ‘Siddiq-e-Akbar’ and ‘Farooq-e-Azam’ but the Shaykhs are also given this title. Because the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) has already negated it saying there is no ‘Siddiq’ save Ali (s) in this community.

Refer to the following tradition:

Ibne Abbas and Abu Laila narrate that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) said, “There are three ‘Siddiqs’ (truthful ones). (1) Habib Najjar, believer of the Al-Yaa Seen, (2) Hizqil, believer from the community of Firon and (3) Ali Ibne Abi Talib; and Ali is most exalted of them.” 

Imam Bukhari has narrated this from Ibne Abbas and Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal from Abu Laila.[1]

[1] Arjahul Matalib, Maulana Ubaidullah Amritsari Pg. 22

This shows that Abu Bakr being called ‘Siddiq’ is not in accordance with any lawful proof or divine decree. 

Now refer to this saying of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) regarding ‘Farooq’:

Abu Laila narrates that the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) said, “Shortly after me, sedition will raise its head. If such a condition arises remain attached to Ali (s) because he is the only ‘Farooq’ (distinguisher between right and wrong).”

Khwarizmi, Dailami and Allamah Ibne Abdul Bar narrate this tradition in Istiab.[2]

[2] Arjahul Matalib, Maulana Ubaidullah Amritsari Pg. 25

It clearly proves that the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) did not regard anyone except Ali (a.s) as ‘Farooq’. He commanded them to remain attached to Ali (s) in the rising sedition i.e. of the issue of caliphate after him. 

What is the right to call Umar ‘Farooq’ or ‘Farooq-e-Azam’?

The great Ahle Sunnat scholar, Maulana Ubaidullah Amritsari has quoted eleven traditions from Pg. 22 to 25 in his book, Arjahul Matalib on the authority of the following narrators that Imam Ali (s) is ‘Siddiq-e-Akbar’ and ‘Farooq-e-Azam’:

1)  Allamah Muhib Tabari (in Riyazun Nazara fi Fazaelul Ashara)

2)  Imam Tibrani (in Mojam)

3)  Dailami

4)  Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal (in Musnad)

5)  Imam Nasai (in Khasais)

6)  Imam Hakim (in Mustadrak)

7)  Hafiz Abu Zaid Uthman bin Abi Shayba (in Sunan)

8)  Ibne Asim (in Sunnat)

9)  Hafiz Abu Naeem (in Hilyatul Awliya)

10)  Abu Ja'far Aqeeli

11)  Ibne Qutaybah (in Maa’rif)

12)  Imam Bukhari (in Sahih Bukhari)

13)  Ibnul Hijam (in Tafsir)

14)  Allamah Ibne Abdul Basr (in Istiab)

The following companions narrate these traditions:

1)  Salman Al-Farsi

2)  Abu Zar Ghiffari

3)  Ibad bin Abdullah

4)  Muaazat Aduyah

5)  Ibne Abbas

6)  Abu Laila

7)  Amirul Momineen Imam Ali Ibne Abi Talib (s) himself.

Hence, Amirul Momineen (s) declared from the pulpit, “If anyone other than me claims to be ‘Siddiq-e-Akbar’ he is a liar.”

Imam Ali (s) said, “I am the servant of God and brother of the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.). I am ‘Siddiq-e-Akbar’. None other than me can say this except a liar. I prayed for seven years before anyone did.”[1]

This tradition is narrated in Arjahul Matalib of Amritsari, Manaqib of Imam Ahmad bin Hanbal, Khasais of Imam Nasai,

Mustadrak of Imam Hakim, Sunan of Hafiz Abu Zaid, Sunnat of Ibne Asim and Hilayatul Awliya of Hafiz Abu Naeem.

[1] Arjahul Matalib, Maulana Ubaidullah Amritsari Pg. 23