They did not even wait for the burial to take place before...

They did not even wait for the burial to take place before they started fighting with each over his legacy." ( 3 ) Different groups were advancing arguments on their own behalf at the Saqifah. The Helpers claimed to be exceptionally privileged in that they had preceded others in Islam had enjoyed the respect of the Messenger of God peace and blessings be upon him and his family and had struggled hard for the sake of Islam; this they claimed entitled them to the leadership.

They suggested that the reins of power be entrusted to Sa'd b. 'Ubadah and had him brought to the Saqifah even though he was ill. Similarly the Migrants claimed that they were the most deserving of the leadership given the fact that they were from the same city as the Prophet and had abandoned everything for the sake of Islam and the Prophet.

The logic of both groups derived from an essentially tribal spirit for they were determined to obtain a monopoly on power for themselves excluding their rivals and condemning them as less deserving. ( 4 ) The discussions wore on and turned into a bitter dispute. ( 85 ) The group headed by 'Urn ar supported the claims of Abu Bakr urging everyone to grant him allegiance and threatening anyone who opposed him.

Abu Bakr then rose and began to expound the virtues of the Migrants and the services they had performed: "The Migrants were the first group to embrace Islam. They despite the arduous circumstances they persevered and refused to abandon monotheism despite the pressures exerted on them by the polytheists.

Naturally it should not be forgotten that you O Helpers also have rendered great service to Islam and that after the you have primacy over all others." He then added: "We must be the rulers (umara') and you our deputies (wuzara')." Hubab b. al-Mundhir then rose and said: "O Helpers you must seize the reins of power so firmly that none dare oppose you.

If you permit disagreement among yourselves you will be defeated with the result that if we choose a leader for ourselves they will also choose a leader for themselves." To this 'Umar responded: "There can never be two rulers in one realm. I swear by God that the Arabs will never agree to be ruled by you for their Prophet was not from among you.

Our argument is strong and clear: we are the of the Messenger of God so who can oppose us other than those who choose the wrong path or wish to cast themselves into the whirlpool of perdition?" Hubab b.