An Exposition of Some Criticisms Against Khilafat-e-Rashida — Page 17
AN EXPOSITION OF SOME CRITICI SMS AG AINST KHILAFAT - E - RASHIDA 17 prosperity. This is why Abu Bakr once told the people of Medina that they would be consulted in every matter and nothing would be done without their unanimous consent (Tabri, Vol. 1). Omar is also reported to have said: “O’ people, you have certain rights against me which I shall enumerate and which it is for you to secure from me. It is your right that I should not misuse any of the taxes or booties which may be bestowed upon you by God. It is your right to obtain satisf action of your rights from me. It is your right to enjoy my protection. . . and that I should look after your families like a father when you are absent on wars”. (Al - Farooq Omar by Mohammad Husain Haikel). Osman once addressed his people as follows: “Hearken, I am a faithful follower rather than an innovator; apart from following the Quran and the precepts of the Holy Prophet, may peace and blessings of Allah be upon him, I pledge myself to three promises before you. First, I shall follow the procedur es and systems agreed by you before my Khilafat. Secondly, I shall seek your advice in regard to any practices for which no procedure has already been agreed upon. Thirdly, I shall control myself against exercising penal proceedings against you unless they are fully sanctioned by the Law of God and the precepts of the Holy Prophet” (Tabri, Vol. III, p. 446).