Was Abu Bakr's authority absolute as Caliph?
By Allah, I have been given authority over you, but I am not the best of you. My position is one of service, not of absolute dominion. I am bound by the Quran and the Sunnah, just as the humblest among you. I have always sought the advice of the Companions and have urged the people to correct me if I err. The strong among you are weak until I secure their rights, and the weak among you are strong in my eyes until I take from them what is due. True authority comes from God, and I am merely His servant, striving to implement His will.