How do we reconcile Ibn Taymiyyah's statement that Abu Bakr was the most knowledgeable of the Companions with the Prophet's (PBUH) saying that Mu'adh was the most knowledgeable of the Ummah concerning lawful and unlawful matters?

The people of Sunnah and Jama'ah are in agreement that the best and most knowledgeable of the Companions is Abu Bakr Al-Siddiq, may Allah be pleased with him, followed by Umar ibn Al-Khattab. It has been narrated from Sheikh al-Islam Ibn Taymiyyah that there is a consensus among scholars that Abu Bakr was more knowledgeable than Ali, may Allah be pleased with both of them, and that Abu Bakr and Umar were more knowledgeable than Mu'adh ibn Jabal.

Evidence for the superiority and knowledge of Abu Bakr and Umar: The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, would prioritize Abu Bakr and Umar in consultation and approve their fatwas, commands, and prohibitions. It is mentioned in the hadith: "Follow those who come after me: Abu Bakr and Umar." The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, said: "If the people obey Abu Bakr and Umar, they will be guided." Ibn Abbas would issue fatwas based on the sayings of Abu Bakr and Umar, prioritizing their statements over those of other Companions. Abu Bakr's close association with the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, was greater than anyone else's. The Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him, appointed Abu Bakr to lead the prayers and rituals. Abu Sa'id said: "And Abu Bakr was the most knowledgeable among us about the Messenger of Allah, peace and blessings be upon him." During Abu Bakr's time, whenever the Companions disagreed on an issue, he would settle it among them and the dispute would be resolved.

As for the hadith, "The most merciful of my Ummah is Abu Bakr... and the most knowledgeable of them concerning lawful and unlawful matters is Mu'adh ibn Jabal," some scholars authenticated it while others deemed it weak. If it is authentic, it can be reconciled with the previous evidence in two ways: 1. Specification of the general: It can be said that Mu'adh is the most knowledgeable of the Ummah concerning lawful and unlawful matters, except for those who are proven to be more knowledgeable than him by authentic evidence, similar to the frequent specification of a general statement. 2. Breadth of language: In the Arabic language, it can be said of someone who excels in a certain field of knowledge that they are "the most knowledgeable of people" in it, even if there are others who are equal to or more knowledgeable than them. The intention here is that they are "among the most knowledgeable of people."