The commentator of Aqeedah Tahawiyya [Ibn Abil-Izz] says that the order of superiority for the Rightly-Guided Caliphs is the same as their order in succession. However, Abu Bakr and 'Umar (radiallaahu 'anhuma) have another distinguishing attribute. The Prophet (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) ordered us to follow the general way (Sunna) of the rightly-guided caliphs, but did not order us to emulate (iqtidaa') each and every action (af'al) legislated by any except Abu Bakr and Umar (radiallaahu 'anhuma). He (sallallaahu 'alaihi wa sallam) said, 'Follow the two after me: Abu Bakr and 'Umar' (Tirmidhi), and there is a difference between ittibaa' (following their way in general) and 'iqtidaa' (taking them as complete exemplars). [al-Fiqh al-Akbar Explained]
This cannot be undone and I am sure it will be greatly appreciated.
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