Obey the Khulafa with True Sincerity — Page 7
However, this commandment is equally applicable to others who are worthy of respect. For example, God elevated Abu Bakr™ª to an exalted station. When discord arose [within the Muslim community], Abu Bakra declared that even if the entire world stood against him, he would not hesitate to confront those who refused to pay [the zakat] with the same spirit and commitment as they showed during the lifetime of the Holy Prophets, even if their dues were of as little value as a small rope. 4 So do not think that showing disregard to your rulers is a minor affront and confined to an individual. It is imperative that everyone show respect to those in positions of spiritual khilafat or temporal leadership. Would a per- son not face punishment if they disgraced a worldly sovereign? I have narrated the following story many times. There used to be a famous poet, 4 Tarikh Al-Khulafa lis-Sayuti, p. 51, 1892 Delhi [Publishers] -7-