Abstract:
The two sects share certain views in the interpretation of this verse, but the perspective that the Shia have presented regarding this verse is highly inconsistent with the view presented by the Sunnis. Due to this inconsistency in viewpoints (especially since this verse is linked to the issue of the Caliphate), the two sects have written extensively about it, either independently or interdependently, which mostly focuses on criticizing the opposing view. Sunnis consider this verse to express high and valuable virtues and merits for Abu Bakr and, based on this verse, they regard him as one of the special and chosen companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH); moreover, they consider it evidence for the legitimacy of Abu Bakr's Caliphate. However, in the Shia view, not only are no virtues or superiority for Abu Bakr derived from the passages and words of this verse, but—in the perspective of some great Shia scholars—the Verse of the Cave recounts some of the flaws of Abu Bakr and God's lack of attention and consideration toward him. It seems that the presuppositions and attachments of the Sunnis to Abu Bakr, because he held the position of the Caliphate, have had a profound impact on the interpretation of this verse; that is, it can certainly be claimed that if Abu Bakr were not in the position of the Caliphate, the Sunni interpretation of this verse would have been different.
Machine summary:
1 Sunnis consider this verse to be an expression of high and valuable virtues and merits for Abu Bakr and, based on this verse, they regard him as one of the special and chosen companions of the Holy Prophet (PBUH); moreover, they consider it evidence for the legitimacy of Abu Bakr's Caliphate.
The most fundamental points in the domain of internal analysis of the verse, to which many Sunni commentators such as Fakhr al-Razi have dealt in detail and highlighted, are: A - ثانی اثنین: In this expression, God mentions Abu Bakr as the "second person" and considers him equal and similar to the Prophet, and this matter tells of the sublime status and position of Abu Bakr in the Divine presence.
Fakhr al-Razi says in his Tafsir al-Kabir as follows: إنه تعالی وصف أبابکر بکونه صاحباً للرسول و ذلک یدلّ علی کمال الفضل؛15 God Almighty has considered Abu Bakr as the companion of the Prophet, and this is the highest privilege.
The famous view among the Sunnis is the first possibility,27 but they consider the second possibility to be stronger and more logical, saying: Rational and traditional evidence, as well as the preceding part of the verse, confirms this possibility; because the Prophet had no need for tranquility and peace, since peace and serenity are always with the Prophet; rather, it was Abu Bakr who became distressed and sorrowful in that situation.
(
, 
, 
)
