The Reality of Khilafah — Page 39
C H AP T E R ON E—K HIL C H AP T E R ON E—K HIL A A FAH FAH 39 may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. He was coura- geous and had effaced himself in his love for the Chief of the Universe, supporting and serving him from the very beginning. Through him, Allah comforted His Prophet s as at times of sorrow and hardship. He was given the title a s - S idd i q [the Truthful], he enjoyed the nearness of the Holy Prophet, and Allah bestowed upon him the title of ‘one of the two’, thus counting him among the chosen ones. A s - S idd i q was also a man of vast experience and deep insight. He had been through many hardships and tribulations. He had seen battles and their manoeuvres. He had traversed barren deserts and mountains and ventured fearlessly into perilous situ- ations. Many were the crooked paths that he made straight, many the battles he fought, many the subversions that he overcame, and many the journeys he undertook, all of which enriched his experience and knowledge. He remained steadfast during the time of trials and submitted himself to the will of Allah. Hence, Allah chose him as the Companion who would fulfil His Signs. Allah praised his truthfulness and steadfastness and spoke of him as the one dearest to the Messenger of Allah, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him. Virtue and fidelity were intrinsic in his nature, and it was for this reason that he was called upon at critical moments of fear and danger. Allah is All-Knowing, the Wise. He puts things in their appropriate places and causes the water to flow from its fountain. In accordance with His wisdom, His choice fell upon the son of Ab u Qu ha fah and He graciously granted him a unique status. Allah, who is the Most Truthful, said of him: