ভূমিকা

Shiavault - a Vault of Shia Islamic Books Biography of Imam `alĪ Ibn AbĪ-tĀlib Istikhlaf Or Nomination of the Second Caliph At the Saqifah, the foundation of democracy was raised in Islam. Whatever that democracy was, could not be continued with any more and nomination took its place. Therefore, Abū-Bakr, in his deathbed, decided to nominate `Umar. He called `Uthman and `Abd al-Rahman ibn `Awf and took their advice.

`Abd al-Rahman said that the choice was right but `Umar had an element of anger and cruelty in his nature. `Uthman fully supported the idea and said that it was for the betterment of the Ummah to nominate `Umar as the next caliph. After this discussion Abū-Bakr sent the two persons away. He again called `Uthman to prepare the document of nomination. When he started dictating, and only the preamble was written when Abū-Bakr swooned and became unconscious.

`Uthman knew what he was intending to dictate. Therefore, during the period of the unconsciousness of the caliph `Uthman wrote, “I have nominated `Umar ibn al-Khattab as caliph.” When Abū-Bakr revived from his unconsciousness he asked what was written. `Uthman read to him what he had written down. He asked `Uthman whether he hurried writing down the name fearing that he might not revive and pronounce the name of his successor and that might cause unrest and differences amongst the Muslims?

`Uthman nodded his agreement. Abū-Bakr said that Allah would Bless `Uthman for what he did! After this document of succession was completed, Abū-Bakr called `Umar and gave him the document for safekeeping and to follow the decree recorded therein. `Umar took the document from him and asked people to pledge that they would abide by the decree of the first caliph! One person asked `Umar, what was written in the document?

`Umar said he was not aware of what was written in the document but affirmed that the contents of the document were binding for him. The person said, “But by Allah! I know what is written in the document. Last year you made him the caliph and now he is leaving creating you the caliph!”[1] [1] Al-Imāmah was-Siyāsah, Vol 1, Page 33 When this news spread, some people remained quiet out of discretion and some started protesting against the nomination.

Therefore, a group of Muhajirūn and Ansar came to Abū-Bakr and said, “O Deputy of the Prophet! Nominating Ibn al-Khattab as your successor you have placed a ruler over our heads!