The Life & Character of the Seal of Prophets (sa) - Volume II — Page 554
Seal of the Prophets - Volume II 554 Is the Right of Leadership Specific to the Quraish? In the discussion relevant to the rules of Islāmic governance, another question which arises is whether in light of Islāmic teachings, it is necessary for a Khalīfah or Amīr to be from a specific group of people. This question arises in particular due to various Aḥādīth where it is related that the Khulafā’ would be from the Quraish. Some people have understood this to infer that it is necessary for a Khalīfah or Amīr to be from the Quraish. However, this notion is absolutely incorrect and baseless. The first argument which repudiates this notion is that in principle, Islām does not accept a distinction in nation and race as far as religious or political rights are concerned. In other words, Islām does not accept that there are different castes which are entitled certain rights above others. Rather, Islām only accepts different casts and nations as being a means of introduction and identity amongst one another, nothing more, nothing less. As such, Allāh the Exalted states in the Holy Qur’ān:. . . . . . . “O ye Muslims! It is not permissible for one people to flaunt their superiority over another, or consider them to be inferior. For you know not who is more worthy in the sight of Allāh. . . . . . . The purpose behind dividing you into different nations and tribes in this world, is only so that you may be facilitated in recognizing and distinguishing one another. The purpose is not so that you may flaunt your superiority or claim special rights on the basis of this differentiation. For in the sight of God, only he is superior who is greater in his obedience to divine law, irrespective of who he may be. ” 1 In addition to this clear and explicit fundamental teaching, even with respect to Khilāfat and leadership in particular, the Holy Qur’ān rejects the idea of a right by nation and family. Hence, Allāh the Exalted states in the Holy Qur’ān: 1 Al- Ḥ ujur ā t (49:12/14)