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Famous
Personalities
The Rightly Guided Caliphs
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The First Caliph, Abu Bakr al-Siddeeq [632-634 C.E]
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The Second Caliph, Umar Ibn al-Khattab (634-644 C.E]
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The Third Caliph, Uthman Ibn Affan [644-656 C.E]
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The Fourth Caliph, Imam Ali,ibn Abi Talib, [656-661 C.E]
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The Fifth Caliph, Imam Hasan, ibn Ali [661-661 C.E]
Introduction
Meaning of the Word 'Caliph'
The word 'Caliph' is the English form of the Arabic word 'Khalifa,'
which is short for Khalifatu Rasulil-lah. The latter expression
means Successor to the Messenger of God, the Beloved Prophet
Muhammad (saws). The title 'Khalifatu Rasulil-lah'. was first
used for Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra), who was elected head of the
Muslim community after the death of the Beloved Prophet (saws).
The Significance of the Caliphate
The mission of the Beloved Messenger of Allah (saws), like that
of the earlier Messengers of God, was to call people to the
worship of and submission to the One True God (called Allah in
Arabic). In practice, submission to God means to obey His
injunctions as given in the Qur'an al-Kareem and as exemplified
by Sunnah the practice of the Beloved Prophet (saws). As
successor to the Beloved Prophet (saws), the Caliph was the head
of the Muslim community and his primary responsibility was to
continue in the path of the Beloved Prophet (saws). Since
religion was perfected and the door of Divine revelation was
closed at the death of the Beloved Prophet (saws), the Caliph
was to make all laws in accordance with the Qur'an al-Kareem and
the Sunnah. He was a ruler over Muslims but not their sovereign
since sovereignty belongs to God alone. He was to be obeyed as
long as he obeyed God. He was responsible for creating and
maintaining conditions under which it would be easy for Muslims
to live according to Islamic principles, and to see that justice
was done to all. Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra), at the time he accepted
the Caliphate, stated his position thus:
"The weak among you shall be strong with me until their rights
have been vindicated; and the strong among you shall he weak
with me until, if the Lord wills, I have taken what is due from
them... Obey me as long as I obey God and His Beloved Messenger
(saws). When I disobey Him and His Most Beloved Prophet (saws),
then obey me not."
The Rightly-Guided Caliphs (Al-Khulafa-ur-Rashidun)
Those Caliphs who truly followed in the Beloved Prophet's (saws)
footsteps are called 'The Rightly-Guided Caliphs' (Al-Khulafa-ur
Rashidun in Arabic). They are the first four Caliphs: Hadrat Abu
Bakr, Hadrat 'Umar, Hadrat Uthman and Hadrat Ali (ra). All four
were among the earliest and closest Companions of the Beloved
Prophet (saws). They lived simple
and righteous lives and strove hard for the religion of God.
During the 30 years of their rule, Islam made great progress.
This period of Islamic rule is the golden period of justice and
fair play. Their justice was impartial, their treatment of
others was kind and merciful, and they were one with the people
- the first among equals. After these four, Hadrat Imam Hasan
ibn Ali abi Talib (ra) was the 5th Rightly Guided Caliph but his
reign was only a brief one. The later Caliphs assumed the
manners of kings and emperors and the true spirit of equality of
ruler and ruled diminished to a considerable extent in the
political life of Muslims.
It should be clearly understood that the mission of the Beloved
Prophet Muhammad (saws), and hence
that of the Rightly-Guided Caliphs, was not political, social or
economic reform, although such reforms were a logical
consequence of the success of this mission, nor the unity of a
nation and the establishment of an empire, although the nation
did unite and vast areas came under one administration, nor the
spread of a civilization or culture, although many civilizations
and cultures developed, but only to deliver the message of God
to all the peoples of the world and to invite them to submit to
Him, while being the foremost among those who submitted.
What about the Present ?
The primary responsibility of an Islamic government is still the
same as it was in the days of the early Caliphs: to make all
laws and legislation in accordance with the Qur'an al-Kareem and
the Sunnah, to make positive efforts to create and maintain
conditions under which it will be possible and easy for Muslims
to live an Islamic life, to secure impartial and speedy justice
for all, and to strive hard in the path of Allah (swt). Any government which is only committed to such a policy
is truly following the message delivered by the Beloved Prophet
(saws).
The First Caliph, Sayyadina Abu Bakr (632-634 A.C.)
"If I were to take a friend other than my Lord, I would take Abu
Bakr as a friend." (Hadith)
Election to the Caliphate
The Most Beloved Prophet's (saws) closest Companion, Hadrat Abu
Bakr (ra), was not present when the Beloved Prophet (saws)
breathed his last in the apartment of his beloved wife of later
years, Aisha Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha, Abu Bakr's (ra), daughter.
When he came to know of the Beloved Prophet's (saws) passing,
Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) hurried to the house of sorrow.
"How blessed was your life and how beatific is your death,"
. . . he whispered as he kissed the cheek of his beloved friend
and master who now was no more.
When Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) came out of the Beloved Prophet's
(saws) apartment and broke the news, disbelief and dismay
gripped the community of Muslims in Madinah. Hadrat Muhammad
(saws) had been the leader, the guide and the bearer of Divine
revelation through whom they had been brought from idolatry and
barbarism into the way of God. How could he die? Even Hadrat
Umar (ra), one of the bravest and strongest of the Beloved
Prophet's (saws)Companions, lost
his composure and drew his sword and threatened to kill anyone
who said that the Most Beloved Prophet (saws) was dead. Hadrat
Abu Bakr (ra) gently pushed him aside, ascended the steps of the
lectern in the Mosque and addressed the people, saying;
"O people, verily whoever worshipped Beloved Muhammad, behold!
Muhammad is indeed dead. But whoever worships Allah, behold!
Allah is alive and will never die."
And then he concluded with a verse from the Qur'an al-Kareem:
"And the Beloved Muhammad is but a Messenger. Many Messengers
have gone before him; if then he dies or is killed, will you
turn back upon your heels?" [3:144]
On hearing these words, the people were consoled. Despondency
gave place to confidence and tranquillity. This critical moment
had passed. But the Muslim community was now faced with an
extremely serious problem: that of choosing a leader. After some
discussion among the Companions of the Beloved Prophet (saws)who had assembled in order to
select a leader, it became apparent that no one was better
suited for this responsibility than Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra). A
portion of the speech the First Caliph gave after his election
has already been quoted in the introduction.
Hadrat Abu Bakr's Life
Abu Bakr ('The Owner of Camels') was not his real name. He
acquired this name later in life because of his great interest
in raising camels. His real name was Abdul Ka'aba ('Slave of
Ka'aba'), which Muhammad (saws)
later changed to Abdullah ('Slave of God'). The Beloved Prophet
(saws) also gave him the title of 'Siddiq'
- 'The Testifier to the Truth.'
Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) was a fairly wealthy merchant, and before
he embraced Islam, was a respected citizen of Makkah. He was
three years younger than Hadrat Muhammad (saws) and some natural affinity drew them together
from earliest childhood. He remained the closest Companion of
the Beloved Prophet (saws) all through the Beloved Prophet's
(saws) life. When Hadrat Muhammad (saws) first invited his
closest friends and relatives to Islam, Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) was
among the earliest to accept it. Also as a result of his
efforts, some very promising and talented people accepted Islam
most of whom were his friends – such as Uthman ibn Affan, Bilal
and Abdur Rahman ibn Auf (ra) to name but a few.
In the early days of the Beloved Prophet's (saws) mission, when
the handful of Muslims were subjected to relentless persecution
and torture, Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) bore his full share of
hardship. Finally when Allah's permission came to emigrate from
Makkah, he was the one chosen by the Beloved Prophet (saws) to
accompany him on the dangerous journey to Madinah. His
self-sacrificing friendship and his devotion to the cause of
Islam was rewarded by his name being immortalised in the Qur’an
al-kareem as;
“the second of the two” (9:40).
In the numerous battles which took place during the life of the
Beloved Prophet (saws), Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) was always by his
side. Once, he brought all his belongings to the Prophet, who
was raising money for the defence of Madinah. The Beloved
Prophet (saws) asked "Abu Bakr (ra), what did you leave for your
family?" The reply came: "Allah and His Beloved Prophet."
Even before Islam, Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) was known to be a man of
upright character, amiable and with a compassionate nature. All
through his life he was sensitive to human suffering and kind to
the poor and helpless. Even though he was wealthy, he lived very
simply and spent his money for charity, for freeing slaves and
for the cause of Islam. He often spent part of the night in
supplication and prayer. He shared with his family a cheerful
and affectionate home life.
Hadrat Abu Bakr's Caliphate
Such, then, was the man upon whom the burden of leadership fell
at the most sensitive period in the history of the Muslims.
Thanks to his simple but firm character, Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra)
was able to lead the young Muslim community through the most
difficult times. As the news of the Beloved Prophet's (saws)
death spread, a number of tribes rebelled. Most of these tribes
had embraced Islam after the conquest of Makkah in 8 Hijri, and
had not had the opportunity to undergo any proper training by
the Beloved Prophet (saws). Being used to a free and easy life,
they found such Islamic injunctions as Zakaat and Jihad more
than that they could tolerate. They refused to pay Zakaat
(poor-due), claiming that this was due only to the Beloved
Prophet (saws).
At the same time a number of impostors claimed that the
prophethood had passed to them after Sayyadina Muhammad (saws) and they raised the standard of
revolt. To add to all this, two powerful empires, the Eastern
Roman and the Persian, also threatened the new-born Islamic
state at Madinah.
Under these circumstances, many Companions of the Beloved
Prophet (saws), including Hadrat Umar (ra), advised Hadrat Abu
Bakr (ra) to make concessions to the Zakaat evaders, at least
for a time. The new Caliph disagreed. He insisted that the
Divine Law cannot be divided, that there is no distinction
between the obligations of Zakaat and Salaat (prayer), and that
any compromise with the injunctions of Allah would eventually
erode the foundations of Islam. Hadrat Umar (ra) and others were
quick to realise their error of judgment. The revolting tribes
attacked Madinah but the Muslims were prepared. Hadrat Abu Bakr
(ra) himself led the charge, forcing them to retreat. He then
made a relentless war on the false claimants to prophethood,
most of whom submitted and again professed lslam.
The threat from the Roman Empire had actually arisen earlier,
during the Beloved Prophet (saws)'s lifetime. The Beloved
Prophet (saws) had organized an army under the command of Usama,
the son of a freed slave. The army had not gone far when the
Beloved Prophet (saws) had fallen ill so they stopped. After the
death of the Beloved Prophet (saws) the question was raised
whether the army should be sent again or should remain for the
defence of Madinah. Again Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) showed a firm
determination. He said,
"I shall send Usama's army on its way as ordered by the Beloved
Prophet (saws), even if I am left
alone."
The final instructions he gave to Usama prescribed a code of
conduct in war which remains unsurpassed to this day. Part of
his instructions to the Muslim army were:
"Do not be deserters, nor be guilty of disobedience. Do not kill
an old man, a woman or a child. Do not injure datepalms and do
not cut down fruit trees. Do not slaughter any sheep or cows or
camels except for food. You will encounter persons who spend
their lives in monasteries. Leave them alone and do not molest
them."
Khalid bin Waleed (ra) had been chosen by the Beloved Prophet
(saws) on several occasions to lead Muslim armies. A man of
supreme courage and a born leader, his military genius came to
full flower during the Caliphate of Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra).
Throughout Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra)'s reign Khalid led his troops
from one victory to another against the attacking Romans.
Another contribution of Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) to the cause of
Islam was the collection and compilation of the separate pieces
of the verses of the Qur'an al-Kareem into one volume.
Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) passed away on the 21st of Jamadi-al Akhir,
13 H. (23 August 634 C.E), at the age of sixty-three, and was
buried by the side of the Beloved Prophet (saws). His caliphate
had been of mere two years and three months duration. In this
brief span, however, Abu Bakr (ra) had managed, by the Grace of
Allah (swt), to strengthen and consolidate his
community and the state, and to secure the Muslims against the
perils which had threatened their existence. Despite all this,
Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) had lived a very simple and modest life. He
had neither servants nor bodyguards. He used to come early in
the morning to the Beloved Prophet (saws)'s Masjid to carry out
the duties of the state and to perform congregational prayers.
He even did routine chores at home, sweeping the floor, feeding
and milking the goats, etc. Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra), the first
adult male to accept the Prophet Muhammad (saws)'s call to Islam
who lived and worked for Islam until his last breath.
The Second Caliph, Umar Ibn al-Khattab [634-644 C.E]
"God has placed truth upon Umar's tongue and heart." (Hadith)
Hadrat 'Umar's Life
During his last illness Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) had conferred with
his people, particularly the more eminent among the Companions
of the Beloved Prophet (saws).
After this meeting, Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) nominated Hadrat 'Umar
(ra) as his successor, and majority of the Companions accepted
him without hesitation.
'Umar was born into a respected Quraish family thirteen years
after the birth of Sayyadina Hadrat Muhammad (saws). Hadrat 'Umar's (ra) family was known for its
extensive knowledge of genealogy and family lineage. When he
grew up, Hadrat 'Umar (ra) was proficient in this branch of
knowledge as well as in swordsmanship, wrestling and the art of
speaking. He also learned to read and write while still a child,
a very rare thing in Makkah at that time. Hadrat 'Umar (ra)
earned his living as a merchant. His trade took him to many
foreign lands and he met all kinds of people. This experience
gave him an insight into the affairs and problems of men. Hadrat
'Umar's (ra) personality was dynamic, self-assertive, frank and
straight forward. He always spoke whatever was in his mind even
if it displeased others.
Hadrat 'Umar (ra) was twenty-seven when the Beloved Prophet
(saws) proclaimed his mission. The
ideas Sayyadina Muhammad (saws)
was preaching enraged him as much as they did the other notables
of Makkah. He was just as bitter against anyone accepting Islam
as others among the Quraish. When his slave-girl accepted Islam
he beat her until he himself was exhausted and told her, "I have
stopped because I am tired, not out of pity for you." The story
of his embracing Islam is an interesting one.
One day, full of anger against the Beloved Prophet (saws), he drew his sword and set out to kill
him. On his way he met someone he knew. When 'Umar told him what
he planned to do, this person informed him that Hadrat 'Umar's (ra)
own sister, Fatima Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha, and her husband had
also accepted Islam. On hearing this, Hadrat 'Umar (ra) diverted
his course and went straight to his sister's house where he
found her reading from pages of the Qur'an al-kareem. He begun
beating his brother-in-law, and Hadrat 'Umar (ra) sister too got
wounded in an attempt to protect her husband. Bruised and
bleeding, she told her brother, 'Umar (ra), you can do what you
like, but you cannot turn our hearts away from Islam." These
words and the sight of blood on their faces produced a strange
effect upon Hadrat 'Umar (ra). What was this faith that made
even weak women so strong of heart? He asked his sister to show
him what she had been reading; he was at once moved to the core
by the words of the Qur'an al-kareem and immediately grasped
their truth. He went straight to the house where the Most
Beloved Prophet (saws) was staying
and vowed allegiance to him.
Hadrat 'Umar (ra) made no secret of his acceptance of Islam. He
gathered the Muslims and offered prayers at the Ka'aba. This
boldness and devotion of an influential citizen of Makkah raised
the morale of the small community of Muslims. Nonetheless Hadrat
'Umar (ra) was also subjected to privations, and when permission
for emigration to Madinah came, he also left Makkah. The
soundness of 'Umar's (ra) judgment, his devotion to the Most
Beloved Prophet (saws), his
outspokenness and uprightness won for him a trust and confidence
from the Beloved Prophet (saws)
which was second only to that given to Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra). The
Most Beloved Prophet (saws) gave
him the title 'Farooq' which means the 'Separator of Truth from
Falsehood.' During the Caliphate of Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra), 'Umar
was his closest assistant and adviser. When Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra)
died, all the people of Madinah swore allegiance to 'Umar, and
on 23 Jamadi-al-Akhir, 13 H., he was proclaimed Caliph.
Hadrat 'Umar's Caliphate
After taking charge of his office, Hadrat 'Umar (ra) spoke to
the Muslims of Madinah:
"...O people, you have some rights on me which you can always
claim. One of your rights is that if anyone of you comes to me
with a claim, he should leave satisfied. Another of your rights
is that you can demand that I take nothing unjustly from the
revenues of the State. You can also demand that... I fortify
your frontiers and do not put you into danger. It is also your
right that if you go to battle I should look after your families
as a father would while you are away. "O people, remain
conscious of Allah (swt), forgive me my faults and
help me in my task. Assist me in enforcing what is good and
forbidding what is evil. Advise me regarding the obligations
that have been imposed upon me by Allah..."
The most notable feature of Hadrat 'Umar's (ra) caliphate was
the vast expansion of Islam. Apart from Arabia, Egypt, Iraq,
Palestine and Iran also came under the protection of the Islamic
government. But the greatness of 'Umar himself lies in the
quality of his rule. He gave a practical meaning to the Qur'anic
injunction:
"O you who believe, stand out firmly for justice as witnesses to
God, even as against yourselves, or your parents, or your kin,
and whether it concerns rich or poor, for God can best protect
both." [4:135]
Once a woman brought a claim against the Caliph Hadrat 'Umar (ra).
When Umar (ra) appeared on trial before the judge, the judge
stood up as a sign of respect toward him. Hadrat 'Umar (ra)
reprimanded him, saying,
"This is the first act of injustice you did to this woman!"
He insisted that his appointed governors live simple lives, keep
no guard at their doors and be accessible to the people at all
times, and he himself set the example for them. Many times
foreign envoys and messengers sent to him by his generals found
him resting under a palm tree or praying in the mosque among the
people, and it was difficult for them to distinguish which man
was the Caliph. He spent many a watchful night going about the
streets of Madinah to see whether anyone needed help or
assistance. The general social and moral tone of the Muslim
society at that time is well-illustrated by the words of an
Egyptian who was sent to spy on the Muslims during their
Egyptian campaign. He reported:
"I have seen a people, every one of whom loves death more than
he loves life. They cultivate humility rather than pride. None
is given in to material ambitions. Their mode of living is
simple... Their commander is their equal. They make no
distinction between superior and inferior, between master and
slave. When the time of prayer approaches, none remains
behind..."
Hadrat 'Umar (ra) gave his government an administrative
structure. Departments of treasury, army and public revenues
were established. Regular salaries were set up for soldiers. A
popuation census was held. Elaborate land surveys were conducted
to assess equitable taxes. New cities were founded. The areas
which came under his rule were divided into provinces and
governors were appointed. New roads were laid, canals were lug
and wayside hotels were built. Provision was made for the
support of the poor and the needy from public funds.
At the time when the Christian ruler Sophronius was to surrender
Jerusalem, he set a condition – that he would only do so if
Caliph ‘Umar (ra) comes here in person and signs a treaty of
peace. The Caliph therefore set out in 637 C.E for Jerusalem
with one servant and a camel. Since there was only one camel, he
and his servant rode the camel by turns. It happened that on the
day they were to reach Jerusalem it was the turn of the servant.
The servant insisted on giving his turn to him saying that it
will look awkward that the servant is riding and the Caliph
leading the camel. But Hadrat ‘Umar (ra) thought it was not
according to the spirit of justice so he refused to do so.
When the Palestinians saw the Caliph of a vast Islamic empire in
rough, patched cloak, walking on foot with no grain of pride and
haughtiness they threw their gates open to welcome him into the
Sacred City. ‘Umar Ibn Al-Khattab (ra) defined, by precept and
by example, the rights and privileges of non-Muslims, an example
of which is the following contract with the Christians of
Jerusalem:
"This is the protection which the servant of Allah, Hadrat 'Umar
(ra), the Amir-al-Mu’mineen has granted to the people of Eiliya
[Jerusalem]. The protection is for their lives and properties,
their churches and crosses, their sick and healthy and for all
their co-religionists. Their churches shall not be used for
habitation, nor shall they be demolished, nor shall any injury
be done to them or to their compounds, or to their crosses, nor
shall their properties be injured in any way. There shall be no
compulsion for these people in the matter of religion, nor shall
any of them suffer any injury on account of religion... Whatever
is written herein is under the covenant of God and the
responsibility of His Messenger (saws), of the Caliphs and of the believers, and shall hold good
as long as they pay Jizya [the tax for their defence] imposed on
them."
Those non-Muslims who took part in defence together with the
Muslims were exempted from paying Jizya, and when the Muslims
had to retreat from a city whose non-Muslim citizens had paid
this tax for their defence, the tax was returned to the
non-Muslims. The old, the poor and the disabled of Muslims and
non-Muslims alike were provided for from the public treasury and
from the Zakaat funds.
Hadrat 'Umar (ra) adopted the title of 'Amir-al-Mu'mineen’ which
means ‘Leader of the Believers’ rather than Khalifah Rasulil-lah
as the previous Caliph, Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) was called. 'Umar
also instituted the Hijrah which took place 622 C.E as the
commencement of the Muslim Era. He founded military and
knowledge centres like Basra, Kufa and Fustat, which later
developed into great cities of Islam.
'Umar's Death
In 23 H., when Hadrat Umar (ra) returned to Madinah from Hajj,
he raised his hands and prayed, "O Allah! I am advanced in
years, my bones are weary, my powers are declining, and the
people for whom I am responsible have spread far and wide.
Summon me back to Thyself, my Lord!" Some time later, when
Hadrat 'Umar (ra) went to the mosque to lead a prayer, a Magian
named Abu Lulu Feroze, who had a grudge against Hadrat 'Umar (ra)
on a personal matter, attacked him with a dagger and stabbed him
several times. Umar reeled and fell to the ground. When he
learned that the assassin was a Magian, he said, "Thank Allah he
is not a Muslim."
'Umar died in the first week of Muharram, 24 H., and was buried
by the side of the Most Beloved Prophet (saws).
The Third Caliph, Uthman Ibn Affan [644-656 C.E]
"Every Prophet has an assistant, and my assistant will be
Uthman."(Hadith)
Hadrat Uthman's Election
When Hadrat 'Umar (ra) fell under the assassin's dagger, before
he died the people asked him to nominate his successor. 'Umar (ra)
appointed a committee consisting of six of the ten companions of
the Most Beloved Prophet (saws)
about whom the Beloved Prophet (saws) had said,
"They are the people of Heaven"
- Ali, Uthman, Abd'al Rahman, Sa'ad, Al-Zubayr and Talha
(ra) -
to select the next Caliph from among themselves. He also
outlined the procedure to be followed if any differences of
opinion should arise. Abd'al Rahman (ra) withdrew his name. He
was then authorized by the committee to nominate the Caliph.
After two days of discussion among the candidates and after the
opinions of the Muslims in Madinah had been ascertained, the
choice was finally limited to Uthman and Ali (ra). Abd'al
Rahman (ra) came to the Mosque together with other Muslims, and
after a brief speech and questioning of the two men, swore
allegiance to Uthman (ra). All those present did the same, and
Hadrat Uthman (ra) became the third Caliph of Islam in the month
of Muharram, 24 H.
Hadrat Uthman's Life
Hadrat Uthman bin Affan (ra) was born seven years after the Most
Beloved Prophet (saws). He
belonged to the Umayyad branch of the Quraish tribe. He learned
to read and write at an early age, and as a young man became a
successful merchant. Even before Islam, Hadrat Uthman (ra) had
been noted for his truthfulness and integrity. He and Abu Bakr (ra)
were close friends, and it was Hadrat Abu Bakr (ra) who brought
him to Islam when he was thirty-four years of age. Some years
later he married the Beloved Prophet's (saws) second daughter,
Ruqayya Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha. In spite of his wealth and
position, his relatives subjected him to torture because he had
embraced Islam, and he was forced to emigrate to Abyssinia. Some
time later he returned to Makkah but soon migrated to Madinah
with the other Muslims. In Madinah his business again began to
flourish and he regained his former prosperity. Hadrat Uthman's
(ra) generosity had no limits. On various occasions he spent a
great portion of his wealth for the welfare of the Muslims, for
charity and for equipping the Muslim armies. Because of his
wealth he came to be known as 'Al-Ghani' meaning the ‘The Rich'.
Hadrat Uthman's (ra) wife, Ruqayya Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha was
seriously ill just before the Battle of Badr and he was excused
by the Beloved Prophet (saws) from
participating in the battle. The illness Ruqayya Radi Allahu
Ta'ala anha proved fatal, leaving Uthman (ra) deeply grieved.
The Beloved Prophet (saws) was
moved and offered Hadrat Uthman (ra) the hand of another of his
daughters, Kulthum Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha . Because he had the
high privilege of having two daughters of the Beloved Prophet
(saws) as wives Uthman (ra) was
known as 'The Possessor of the Two Lights.'
Hadrat Uthman (ra) participated in the Battles of Uhud and the
Trench. After the encounter of the Trench, the Beloved Prophet
(saws) determined to perform Hajj
and sent Uthman (ra) as his emissary to the Quraish in Makkah,
who detained him. The episode ended in a treaty with the Makkans
known as the 'Treaty of Hudaibiya'.
The portrait we have of Hadrat Uthman (ra) is of an unassuming,
honest, mild, generous and very kindly man, noted especially for
his modesty and his piety. He often spent part of the night in
prayer, fasted every second or third day, performed Hajj every
year, and looked after the needy of the whole community. In
spite of his wealth, he lived very simply and slept on bare sand
in the courtyard of the Beloved Prophet's (saws) Mosque. Hadrat Uthman (ra) knew the entire
Qur'an al-kareem from memory and had an intimate knowledge of
the context and circumstances relating to each verse.
Hadrat Uthman's Caliphate
During Uthman's (ra) rule the characteristics of Hadrat Abu
Bakr's and Hadrat Umar's (ra) caliphates - impartial justice
for all, mild and humane policies, striving in the path of Allah
(swt), and the expansion of Islam - continued.
Hadrat Uthman's (ra) realm extended in the west to Morocco, in
the east to Afghanistan, and in the north to Armenia and
Azerbaijan. During his caliphate a navy was organized,
administrative divisions of the state were revised, and many
public projects were expanded and completed. Hadrat Uthman (ra)
sent prominent Companions of the Most Beloved Prophet (saws) as his personal deputies to
various provinces to scrutinise the conduct of officials and the
condition of the people.
Hadrat Uthman's (ra) most notable contribution to the religion
of Allah was the compilation of a complete and authoritative
text of the Qur'an al-kareem. A large number of copies of this
text were made and distributed all over the Muslim world. Hadrat
Uthman (ra) ruled for twelve years. The first six years were
marked by internal peace and tranquillity, but during the second
half of his caliphate a rebellion arose. The Jews and the
Magians, taking advantage of dissatisfaction among the people,
began conspiring against Hadrat Uthman (ra), and by publicly
airing their complaints and grievances, gained so much sympathy
that it became difficult to distinguish friend from foe.
It may seem surprising that a ruler of such vast territories,
whose armies were matchless, was unable to deal with these
rebels. If Hadrat Uthman (ra) had wished, the rebellion could
have been crushed at the very moment it began. But he was
reluctant to be the first to shed the blood of Muslims, however
rebellious they might be. He preferred to reason with them, to
persuade them with kindness and generosity. He well remembered
hearing the Most Beloved Prophet (saws) say, "Once the sword is unsheathed among my followers, it
will not be sheathed until the Last Day."
The rebels demanded that he step down and some of the Companions
advised him to do so. He would gladly have followed this course
of action, but again he was bound by a solemn pledge he had
given to the Beloved Prophet (saws) . "Perhaps Allah will clothe you with a shirt, Uthman (ra)
" the Beloved Prophet (saws) had
told him once, "and if the people want you to take it off, do
not take it off for them."
Hadrat Uthman's death
Hadrat Uthman (ra) said to a well-wisher on a day when his house
was surrounded by the rebels,
"Allah's Beloved Messenger (saws)
made a covenant with me and I shall show endurance in adhering
to it."
After a long siege, the rebels broke into Hadrat Uthman's (ra)
house and murdered him. When the first assassin's sword struck
Hadrat Uthman (ra), he was reciting the verse,
"Verily, Allah will suffice you against them; He is the
All-Hearing, the All-Knowing". (2:137)
Hadrat Uthman (ra) breathed his last on the afternoon of Friday,
17 Dhul Hijjah, 35 H. [June, 656 C.E.]. He was eighty-four years
old. The power of the rebels was so great that Hadrat Uthman's (ra)
body lay unburied until Saturday night when he was buried in his
blood-stained clothes, the shroud which befits all martyrs in
the cause of Allah Subhanhu wa Ta'ala.
The Fourth Caliph, Ali ibn Abi Talib [656-661 C.E]
"You [Ali] are my brother in this world and the next." (Hadith)
Hadrat Ali's Election
After Hadrat Uthman's (ra) martyrdom, the office of the
caliphate remained unfilled for two or three days. Many people
insisted that Hadrat Ali (ra) should take up the office, but he
was embarrassed by the fact that the people who pressed him
hardest were the rebels, and he therefore declined at first.
When the notable Companions of the Beloved Prophet (saws) urged him, however, he finally agreed.
Hadrat Ali's Life
Hadrat Ali bin Abi Talib (ra) was a first cousin of the Beloved
Prophet (saws) . More than that,
he had grown up in the Most Beloved Prophet's (saws) own household, later married his
youngest daughter, Fatima Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha, and remained
in closest association with him for nearly thirty years.
Hadrat Ali (ra) was ten years old when the Divine Message came
to Sayyadina Hadrat Muhammad (saws). One night he saw the Beloved Prophet (saws) and his wife Khadijah Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha
bowing and prostrating. He asked the Most Beloved Prophet (saws) about the meaning of their
actions. The Most Beloved Prophet (saws) told him that they were praying to God Most High and that
Hadrat Ali (ra) too should accept Islam. Hadrat Ali (ra) said
that he would first like to ask his father about it. He spent a
sleepless night, and in the morning he went to the Beloved
Prophet (saws) and said, "When God
created me He did not consult my father, so why should I consult
my father in order to serve God?" and he accepted the truth of
Sayyadina Hadrat Muhammad's (saws)
message.
When the Divine command came,
"And warn your nearest relatives" (26:214),
Sayyadina Hadrat Muhammad (saws)
invited his relatives for a meal. After it was finished, he
addressed them and asked, "Who will join me in the cause of
God?" There was utter silence for a while, and then Hadrat Ali (ra)
stood up. "I am the youngest of all present here," he said, "My
eyes trouble me because they are sore and my legs are thin and
weak, but I shall join you and help you in whatever way I can."
The assembly broke up in derisive laughter. But during the
difficult wars in Makkah, Hadrat Ali (ra) stood by these words
and faced all the hardships to which the Muslims were subjected.
He slept in the bed of the Beloved Prophet (saws) when the Quraish planned to murder Sayyadina
Hadrat Muhammad (saws). It was he
to whom the Beloved Prophet (saws)
entrusted, when he left Makkah, the valuables which had been
given to him for safekeeping, to be returned to their owners.
Apart from the expedition of Tabuk, Hadrat Ali (ra) fought in
all the early battles of Islam with great distinction,
particularly in the expedition of Khaybar. It is said that in
the Battle of Uhud he received more than sixteen wounds. The
Most Beloved Prophet (saws) loved
Hadrat Ali (ra) dearly and called him by many fond names. Once
the Most Beloved Prophet (saws)
found him sleeping in the dust. He brushed off Hadrat Ali's (ra)
clothes and said fondly, "Wake up, Abu Turab (Father of Dust)."
The Beloved Prophet (saws) also
gave him the title of 'Asadullah' ('Lion of Allah').
Hadrat Ali's (ra) humility, austerity, piety, deep knowledge of
the Qur'an al-Kareem and his sagacity gave him great distinction
among the Beloved Prophet's (saws)
Companions. Hadrat Abu Bakr, Hadrat 'Umar and Hadrat Uthman
(ra)
consulted him frequently during their caliphates. Many times
Hadrat 'Umar (ra) had made him his vice-regent at Madinah when
he was away. Hadrat Ali (ra) was also a great scholar of Arabic
literature and pioneered in the field of grammar and rhetoric.
His speeches, sermons and letters served for generations
afterward as models of literary expression. Many of his wise and
epigrammatic sayings have been preserved. Hadrat Ali (ra) thus
had a rich and versatile personality. In spite of these
attainments he remained a modest and humble man. Once during his
caliphate when he was going about the marketplace, a man stood
up in respect and followed him. "Do not do it," said Hadrat Ali
(ra). "Such manners are a temptation for a ruler and a disgrace
for the ruled."
Hadrat Ali (ra) and his household lived extremely simple and
austere lives. Sometimes they even went hungry themselves
because of Hadrat Ali's Radi Allahu Taala anhu great generosity,
and none who asked for help was ever turned away from his door.
His plain, simple style of living did not change even when he
was ruler over a vast domain.
Hadrat Ali's Caliphate
As mentioned previously, Hadrat Ali (ra) accepted the caliphate
very reluctantly. Hadrat Uthman's (ra) murder and the events
surrounding it were a symptom, and also became a cause, of civil
strife on a large scale. Hadrat Ali felt that the tragic
situation was mainly due to inept governors. He therefore
dismissed all the governors who had been appointed by Hadrat
Uthman (ra) and appointed new ones. All the governors besides
Muawiya, the governor of Syria, submitted to his orders. Muawiya
declined to obey until Hadrat Uthman's (ra) blood was avenged.
The Beloved Prophet's (saws) widow
Aisha Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha also took the position that Hadrat
Ali (ra) should first bring the murderers to trial. Due to the
chaotic conditions during the last days of Hadrat Uthman (ra) it
was very difficult to establish the identity of the murderers,
and Hadrat Ali (ra) refused to punish anyone whose guilt was not
lawfully proved. Thus a battle between the army of Hadrat Ali (ra)
and the supporters of Aisha Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha took place.
Aisha Radi Allahu Ta'ala anha later realised her error of
judgment and never forgave herself for it.
The situation in Hijaz (the part of Arabia in which Makkah and
Madinah are located) became so troubled that Hadrat Ali (ra)
moved his capital to Iraq. Hadrat Muawiya (ra) now openly
rebelled against Hadrat Ali (ra) and a fierce battle was fought
between their armies. This battle was inconclusive, and Hadrat
Ali (ra) had to accept the de facto government of Hadrat Muawiya
(ra) in Syria.
However, even though the era of Hadrat Ali's (ra) caliphate was
marred by civil strife, he nevertheless introduced a number of
reforms, particularly in the levying and collecting of revenues.
It was the 40th year of Hijra. A fanatical group called
Khawaarij, consisting of people who formed a sect and had broken
away from Hadrat Ali (ra) due to his compromise with Hadrat
Mua'wiya (ra), claimed that neither Hadrat Ali (ra) the Caliph,
nor Hadrat Mua'wiya (ra) the ruler of Syria, nor Amr bin al-Aas
the ruler of Egypt, were worthy of rule. In fact, they went so
far as to say that the true caliphate came to an end with Hadrat
Umar (ra) and that Muslims should live without any ruler over
them except God. They vowed to kill all three rulers, and
assassins were dispatched in three directions.
The assassins who were deputed to kill Hadrat Mua'wiya (ra) and
Amr bin al-Aas did not succeed and were captured and executed,
but Ibn-e-Muljim, the assassin who was commissioned to kill
Hadrat Ali (ra), accomplished his task. One morning when Hadrat
Ali (ra) was absorbed in prayer in a Mosque, Ibn-e-Muljim
stabbed him with a poisoned sword. On the 20th of Ramadan, 40h.
Hadrat Imam Ali (ra) passed away, and his son Hadrat Imam Hasan
(ra) briefly became the 5th Rightly Guided Caliph after the
first four main Caliphs of Islam.
With the
passing away of Hadrat Ali (ra), the first and most notable
phase in the history of Muslim peoples came to an end. All
through this period it had been the Book of God and the
practices of His Most Beloved Messenger (saws) - that is, the Qur'an al-Kareem and the Sunnah
- which had guided the leaders and the led, set the standards of
their moral conduct and inspired their actions. It was the time
when the ruler and the ruled, the rich and the poor, the
powerful and the weak, were uniformly subject to the Divine Law.
It was an epoch of freedom and equality, of God -consciousness
and humility, of social justice which recognized no privileges,
and of an impartial law which accepted no pressure groups or
vested interests.
After Hadrat
Ali (ra), Hadrat Imam Hasan (saws)
the grandson of the Beloved Prophet (saws), and the son of Hadrat Imam Ali (ra) assumed the
caliphate for a short period of time.
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The
Khilafah Movement