He, therefore, decided without further delay to put his...

He, therefore, decided without further delay to put his final plan into effect and said: “Bring me paper so that I can write for you a document to prevent you from ever going astray.” (6) Just as he had clarified the question of leadership in numerous speeches and utterances, he wished now, one final time, to address this weighty matter, described by the Qur’an as the completion of religion, by enshrining it in an authoritative written document to remain among the Muslims after his death.

Thereby the door would be closed on any future deviations from his orders. But those same people who in defiance of his orders had refrained from going to the front were now watching the situation carefully with the intention of implementing their plans at the first possible opportunity. They, therefore, refused to permit writing utensils to be brought to the Prophet. (7) Jubair b.

Abdullah says: “When the Messenger of God fell sick with the illness that was to end in his death, he asked for paper in order to write down for his ummah instructions that would prevent them from ever going astray or accusing each other of having gone astray. Words were exchanged among those present in the Prophet’s house and an argument ensued in the course of which ‘Umar uttered words that caused the Prophet to order him to leave the house.” (8) ‘Ubaydullah b. Abdullah b.

‘Utbah relates Ibn Abbas to have said: “During the final moments of the life of the Messenger of God, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, a number of people were present in this house, including ‘Umar b. al-Khattab. The Prophet said: ‘Come, let me write for you a document that will prevent you from ever going astray after me.’ ‘Umar said: ‘Sickness has overcome the Prophet; we have the Qur’an, which is enough for us.’ “Then disagreement arose among those present.

They began to argue with each other, some saying, ‘Quick, have the Prophet write a document for you so that you will never go astray after him,’ and others repeating the words of ‘Umar.” When the arguing and nonsensical talk reached its pitch, the Prophet, peace and blessings be upon him and his family, told them all to leave.” Thus, it was that, as Ibn Abbas says: “The great misfortune arose when their noisy disputing prevented the Messenger of God from writing his testamentary document.” (9) He then adds sorrowfully.