It is narrated from Sayyiduna Hudhayfah bin al-Yaman (may Allah be pleased with him) that the Messenger of Allah (peace and blessings be upon him) said: "After me, follow these two: Abu Bakr and Umar; take guidance from the way of Ammar; and (keep to) the covenant of Ibn Umm Abd." This hadith is among the most eminent narrations reported regarding the virtues of the two Shaykhs (Abu Bakr and Umar). Abu Yahya al-Himmani narrated its chain in full from Sufyan al-Thawri and Mis'ar; likewise Waki' and Hafs bin Umar al-Ubulli also narrated it correctly from Mis'ar. Then al-Humaydi and others abbreviated it when narrating from Ibn Uyaynah, but Ishaq bin Isa bin al-Tabba' narrated the chain from Ibn Uyaynah in full and correctly. So, by the evidence we have mentioned, the authenticity of this hadith is established, even though the two Shaykhs (Bukhari and Muslim) did not record it. We have also found a supporting narration (shahid) for it with an authentic chain from Sayyiduna Abdullah bin Mas'ud (may Allah be pleased with him).