And over which community have you been made a ruler?

And over which community have you been made a ruler? You are appointed as the ruler and governor over the people of the sanctuary of Allah and the holy town of Mecca . If I had found anyone more worthy than you among the Muslims, I would have definitely given the rulership and administration of Mecca to him.” [1] Sirah Halabiyyah Vol. 3, Pg.

120 At the time the great leader of Islam, Muhammad al-Mustafa gave the command of Mecca to Itab ibn Usaid when he was only twenty-one.[1] When this young man was given such a great and important post, a wave of shock and discontent passed through the nobles of Mecca . They began to remark how Muhammad could appoint a person who has just stepped into youth, as a ruler over the people of Mecca while there were many qualified, able and senior leaders present?

They alleged that Muhammad actually wanted the historical town of Mecca to remain backward and underdeveloped and that is why he has entrusted the administration of Mecca to an inexperienced and immature youth. When these talks reached the ears of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) he wrote a long letter to the nobles of Mecca . Therein he explained in detail the capability, qualifications and suitability of Itab ibn Usaid.

He also reiterated that it was the duty of the Meccans to obey Itab ibn Usaid and do exactly as he says. In the end the Messenger of Allah (s.a.w.s.) replied to their objections in brief: “None of you has the right to object against the young age of Itab ibn Usaid because greatness and excellence do not depend on seniority of age.

Rather the criterion of human greatness and excellence is spirituality.”[2] The firmness of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) on his decision of appointing Itab ibn Usaid as the governor of Mecca and his justifications to those aged nobles of Mecca who objected against this appointment proves that Islam has [1] Usud al-Ghaba Vol. 3 Pg. 358 [2] Nasikhut Tawarikh, Pg. 387 always favored and trusted fresh blood to lead the affairs of the community.

Islam has always encouraged and trusted the new generation. This revolutionary method of the Holy Prophet (s.a.w.s.) and his unflinching support for Itab ibn Usaid is noteworthy for all Muslims that they must always fight with their words and actions, ignorance, mindless bigotry and groupism and governance and rulership should be given to the qualified and worthy youths of the community so that it can benefit from the young generation.[1] [1] Jawan Az-Nazar Aql-o-Ahsasat, GuftarFalsafi; Vol.