An Exposition of Some Criticisms Against Khilafat-e-Rashida — Page 11
AN EXPOSITION OF SOME CRITICI SMS AG AINST KHILAFAT - E - RASHIDA 11 pattern emerging now, but if it were individuals who succeed ed as Khalifas in the past, the same system would continue henceforth. The words “As he made successors” have therefore removed all doubts about the authenticity of individual Khilafat and banish ed the idea of having a corporate body as Khalifa for good. In another place, the Holy Quran states: “And consult with them on all important matters, but when you have made up your mind then place your trust in Allah” (Al - Imran). That is to say, consultation with individuals or bodies thereof is necessary but once the Prophet has made up his mind, he should proceed with implementation of this decision, placing his absolute trust in Allah. The Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings o f Allah be upon him, is reported to have said that this verse was a blessing for his people so that anyone who complied with it would meet with success but whosoever disregarded it would perish. It means therefore that the Holy Prophet, may peace and bless ings of Allah be upon him, did not regard this verse as applicable to himself alone but applied it to his successors as individuals, as indeed the word ‘SHAVIR’ indicates. A similar wording was applied in regard to the collection of Zakat or poor tax : God addressed the Holy Prophet saying “Take Zakat from their Wealth”. Upon the death of the Holy Prophet, some people refused to pay this tax saying that the instruction to collect it had been given to the Holy Prophet and as he was no longer alive, the in struc tion had lapsed. But Abu Bakr, the first Khalifa, refuted