Caliphs as role models Flashcards
(15 cards)
How was Abu Bakr (R.A) elected as Caliph?
- Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) was elected by the consensus of the majority of Muslims, first at Saqifah Bani Sa’idah by the Ansar, and later in Masjid Nabwi by the Muhajirin and other companions.
What did Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) say in his first speech as Caliph?
In his first speech, he said:
- “O people! I have been elected as your Trustee,
- although I am no better than any of you…
- Obey me as long as I obey Allah and His Prophet;
- When I disobey, then obey me not. The weakest among you is powerful in my eyes…
- The most powerful among you is the weakest in my eyes, until I give others their due.”
How was Hazrat Umar (R.A) chosen as Caliph?
Hazrat Umar (R.A) was nominated by Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A) before his death, and since there was no opposition, the Muslims accepted him as Caliph.
How was Hazrat Uthman (R.A) elected as Caliph?
- Hazrat Umar (R.A) appointed a panel of six companions to choose the next Caliph.
- Hazrat Uthman (R.A) was selected by this panel, and the public gave him Bai‘ah (pledge of loyalty) in the mosque.
How was Hazrat Ali (R.A) elected as Caliph?
- Hazrat Ali (R.A) was approached by rebels to become Caliph.
- At first, he declined, but later accepted under the persuasion of the companions.
- He presented the matter before the people in Masjid Nabwi and was elected by public consensus.
What does the election process of the Rightly Guided Caliphs show about leadership in Islam?
- The election process shows that leadership in Islam is not hereditary.
- The Caliphs were chosen by consultation and consensus, proving that dictatorship has no place in Islamic governance.l
How did the Caliphs make decisions in the absence of guidance from the Qur’an and Sunnah?
In the absence of guidance from the Qur’an and Sunnah, the caliphs consulted the Majlis Shura (council of advisors) made up of eminent companions and gave rulings based on Islamic principles and consensus (Ijma).
What religious and political duties did the Caliphs perform?
- They led congregational prayers, acted as heads of state, were commanders-in-chief of the Muslim army, and ensured implementation of Qur’an and Sunnah in all affairs.
How did the Caliphs ensure freedom of speech and accountability?
- Every Muslim had the right to express opinions and criticize the Caliph.
- Hazrat Umar (R.A) was corrected by a woman using Qur’an 4:20 when he tried to limit dowries.
- He accepted the correction with gratitude.
How did the Caliphs stay connected with the public?
Caliphs stayed connected with the public
- Hazrat Umar (R.A) forbade guards at governors’ homes.
- Hazrat Usman (R.A) listened to complaints after Friday prayers.
- Hazrat Ali (R.A) roamed the streets of Kufa at night to check on people
How did the Caliphs treat the Bait-ul-Mal (public treasury)?
They treated Bait-ul-Mal as a trust, not personal property.
Hazrat Abu Bakr (R.A), Umar (R.A), and Ali (R.A) only took a modest salary.
Hazrat Uthman (R.A) never took anything from it.
Abu Bakr (R.A) asked his wife to repay even his salary at death.
How was justice upheld during Hazrat Umar’s (R.A) Caliphate?
- Justice was equal for all.
- When a Syrian noble slapped a man at the Kaaba, Umar (R.A) supported the victim’s right to retaliate, rejecting class-based privilege.
How was the judiciary independent under the Caliphs?
The judiciary was independent under the Caliphs:
- Hazrat Umar (R.A) appeared in court and stopped the judge from standing for him, calling it unfair.
- Hazrat Ali (R.A) lost a case against a Jew over a shield because his witness (his son Hasan) was a relative and thus not accepted.
How were non-Muslims (Zimmis) treated under the Caliphs?
- Zimmis had equal rights to life, honour, and property.
- Hazrat Ali (R.A) ordered the execution of a Muslim who killed a Zimmi, but the victim’s brother forgave him.
- Hazrat Abu Bakr and Hazrat Usman (R.A) set Zimmi blood money equal to that of a Muslim.
How did Hazrat Umar (R.A) respond to complaints of injustice by the army?
Umar (R.A) compensated a Syrian farmer with 10,000 dirhams from Bait-ul-Mal after soldiers trampled his crops.
