An Exposition of Some Criticisms Against Khilafat-e-Rashida — Page 10
AN EXPOSITION OF SOME CRITICI SMS AG AINST KHILAFAT - E - RASHIDA 10 collective sense are deemed fulfilled through individual beneficiaries. This conforms wit h the interpretation of the Holy Prophet and his companions, may Allah be pleased with them, as well. The Holy Prophet , may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, is reported to have said: “I urge you to fear Allah and to listen and obey your leader even though he may be a negro slave” (Masnad Ahmad bin Hanbal: Vol. IV). Thus, the person who is exhorted to be followed here is described as an individual leader or Emir. At the time of Abu Bakr’s ascension to Khilafat there was an argument between the two factions of the community - Ansar and Muhajireen - and it was suggested tha t each one should have their own Emir. This was strongly resisted by Omar and other dignitaries amongst the companions who reasoned that a sheath was never big enough for two swords. Omar is also reported to have reminded the people of a saying of the Holy Prophet, ma y peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, forbidding the appointment of two Emirs at one and the same time. As a result, Abu Bakr was elected Khalifa to the Holy Prophet as an individual and this was held to be conforming strictly to the letter and spirit of the Quranic verse on Khilafat. In addition, the verse itself provides support for this interpretation where it say s : “He will surely make them successors have the earth as He made successors from among those before them. . . “ That is to say, if in olden times a corporate body was given the responsibilities of Khilafat, one should expect the same