39: The First Challenge After the death of the Holy Prophet (SAW) the challenge of the person to lead the Muslim community arose. After a serious argument from the people of Madinah, they finally agreed that someone from the Quraysh should become the leader. Abubakar Sddiq (RA) then pointed to Umar bn AlKhattab (RA) and said to him, “Raise your hand, Umar, and we will pledge loyalty to you as our leader.” Umar (RA) cut him sharply, “No! Never! I swear to God who sent Muhammad (SAW) with the message of truth, I prefer to have my head chopped off, provided it is not in punishment for a sin, than to lead a community that includes Abubakar.” Abuabakar Siddiq (RA), said to him, “No, Umar. You are stronger than me.” “If I have any strength at all,” said Umar (RA), “is at your service, and you are the better person for this leadership. After God’s Messenger, no one should ever be ahead of you, Abubakar. You are the man who was alone with the Prophet when he was in the cave. When the Prophet was ill he appointed you to lead the prayer.” Umar bn AlKhattab then faced the people and said, “People of Madinah! Aren’t you all aware that God’s Messenger appointed Abubakar to lead the prayer? Who, among you, is happy to take position ahead of Abubakar?” They looked at one another. Then one man said, “God forbid that we lead Abubakar.” Umar bn AlKhattab then turned to Abubakar Siddiq (RA) and said, “Bring your hand, Abubakar.” He pushed out his hand, Umar (RA) shook it, and every one else did the same. That day, when Umar bn AlKhattab (RA) returned home, his son said to him, “You must have had a hard struggle today, father.” Umar looked down and started crying. He said, “I swear by God, we were never tested in any situation with God’s Messenger as we have been tested today. We had the tragedy of the Prophet’s death and our fear that the bond between Muslims would be severed after his death.” And he continued to cry hard.
Posted on: Thu, 29 Aug 2013 08:24:41 +0000
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