An Exposition of Some Criticisms Against Khilafat-e-Rashida — Page 2
AN EXPOSITION OF SOME CRITICI SMS AG AINST KHILAFAT - E - RASHIDA 2 from creating hardship for Osman. If you are bent upon taking his life, then beware! The heavenly angels will desert this town and the divine sword will be drawn and will remain unsheathed till the end of days”. The companions of the Holy Prophet may peace and blessings of Allah b e upon him, held the firm belief that Khilafat was a guarantor for the growth and power of Islam and its followers, without which its unity could not be preserved. How prophetic were the words of Osman when he warned the mutineers: “If you succeed in killing me, you shall never be able to remain united, nor able to offer your prayers or face the enemy in unity”. (Tabri p. 482 Vol. III). The Meaning of Khilafat - i - Rashida Ordinarily speaking, Khilafat - i - Rashida is understood to mean the period of succession to the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, beginning with the Khilafat of Abu Bakr in the 12th year after Hijra and ending with the Khilafat of Ali in the 40th year. However, from a saying of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, r eported by Huzaifa, it can be construed that Khilafat - i - Rashida consists of two eras - the first as mentioned above and the second to occur in later days. The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is reported to have said: