elections

intro

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) did not appoint a successor before his death.

After his death, the Muslims faced a serious problem about who should lead the Muslim community.

The Holy Prophet (PBUH) was the last Prophet, so no prophet would come after him.

However, Muslims still needed a leader (Caliph) to manage religious and political affairs.

meeting at saqeefa bani saidah

While the Prophet’s (PBUH) burial was being prepared, the Ansars of Madina gathered at Saqeefa Bani Saidah.

They discussed who should become the leader after the Prophet (PBUH).

The Ansars believed that the leader should be from among them.

Hazrat Saad bin Ubaadah (RA), their leader, gave a speech.

He said the Ansars:

Protected Islam

Gave shelter to the Prophet (PBUH) and Muslims

Helped Islam when others opposed it

The Ansars supported him and were ready to elect him as leader.

arrival of muhajireen

The Muhajireen (emigrants) heard about the meeting.

They believed choosing a leader was a matter of life and death for the Muslim Ummah.

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA), Hazrat Umar (RA), and Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) rushed to Saqeefa.

When they arrived, the Ansars were close to electing Hazrat Saad bin Ubaadah (RA).

arguments by h.abu kabr

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) spoke calmly and explained:

This issue concerned all Muslims, not only the people of Madina.

Many Arab tribes would not accept an Ansar leader.

There were differences even among the Ansars’ own tribes.

He said leadership should be from the Quraish because:

They were the tribe of the Prophet (PBUH)

Custodians of the Kaabah

More likely to be accepted by all Muslims

debate and unity of islam

Hazrat Habab bin Mandhar (RA) (Ansar leader) said:

Leadership was the right of the Ansars

Suggested having two leaders (one Ansar, one Muhajir)

Hazrat Umar (RA) rejected this idea and said:

Islam believes in one God, one Prophet, one Quran

Muslims must have one leader

Two leaders would cause division and weakness

Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) appealed to Ansars:

“Do not be the first to divide Islam after helping it”

Hazrat Zaid bin Thabit (RA) (Ansar) supported the Quraish leadership idea.

selection of h.abu bakr

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) suggested:

Hazrat Umar (RA) or Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) as leader

Hazrat Umar (RA) immediately refused and praised Abu Bakr (RA):

Closest companion of the Prophet (PBUH)

“Second of the Two” in the Cave

Led prayers during the Prophet’s illness

Appointed Amir-ul-Haj

Hazrat Umar (RA) gave allegiance (Bay‘ah) to Abu Bakr (RA).

Hazrat Abu Ubaidah (RA) followed.

All the Ansars then gave their allegiance one by one.

first speech

Hazrat Abu Bakr (RA) said:

“O people! I have been appointed as your ruler although I am not the best among you. If I do right, support me; if I go wrong, correct me.”