Page 220 - Seekers Guide Book

Peace: The Summum Bonum
directly elected by the people of Madinah because
the Prophet Muhammad had let Abu Bakr lead the
congregational prayers during his lifetime. When his
health was failing, Abu Bakr nominated Umar to be
the second caliph after him. The third caliph, Uthman,
was selected by a board of six senior Companions of the
Prophet. It is not clear how Ali, the fourth caliph, was
elected—whether through nomination or selection. So,
from this we learn that, in the early history of Islam, four
different models for selection of the caliph were adopted.

In later times, a dynasty got established. For example,
King Sulaiman had a son who was not too competent. So,
when the King fell ill, he was advised by his guide (alim)
to write a deed for his successor. The King wrote a deed
in favour of Umar ibn Abdul Aziz, who was the King’s
distant relative. This paper was sealed and brought to
Damascus after the king passed away. The King’s advisor
first took an oath from all to agree to the deed of the
King and then announced the name of their new King,
who was Umar ibn Abdul Aziz. This was another model,
in which the public was asked if they had faith in the
King’s decision before the announcement of the name of
the successor.

Islam, therefore, prescribes no single method. The matter
is handled according to the situation and as per that
which is acceptable to the contemporary majority.

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