There are among us persons who have complete comprehension...

There are among us persons who have complete comprehension of the concepts of the Qur'an who are fully aware of the roofs and branches of religion and acquainted with the Sunnah of the Messenger of God peace and blessings be upon him and his family and who are quite capable of administering Islamic society. It is they who can prevent the occurrence of corruption and divide the spoils of war justly among the Muslims.

As long as such persons exist - and they are to be found only in the family of the Prophet - others have no legitimate claim.

Beware of your wishes and desires lest you go astray and fall into misguidance turning away from justice and truth." ( 5 ) He also once asked Abu Bakr in conversation: "What are the qualities a leader should possession He answered: " A desire for the people's welfare faithfulness to his undertakings justice and equity in his ( 94 ) conduct a knowledge of the Qur'an the Sunnah and the principles of judgeship - these are among the qualities that are needed.

In addition the ruler must refrain from deceit have no concern for the life of this world hasten always to aid the oppressed and regard impartially the rights and claims of all." Then he fell silent. 'Ali thereupon remarked: "Further qualities needed are primacy in embracing Islam and being related to the Messenger of God." Abu Bakr responded that these two might also be regarded as necessary qualifications.

'Ali then asked Abu Bakr: "Tell me by God do you see these qualities in yourself or in me?" He answered: "Ali that I have mentioned is to be found in you." ( 6 ) Abu Dharr was not present in Madinah at the time of the Prophet's death peace and blessings be upon him and his family and by the time he returned there Abu Bakr had been firmly established as caliph. He remarked: "With what a slight thing you have contented yourselves while abandoning the Family of the Messenger of God.

If you had entrusted rule to them not even two people would have opposed you." ( 7 ) A certain narrator relates the following concerning Miqdad b. 'Umar: "One day I went to the Prophet's mosque and I saw a man kneeling on the ground.

He was sighing as deeply as if he had lost the whole world and saying to himself 'How strange that the Quraysh have taken the caliphate out of the hands of the Prophet's family!'" ( 8 ) This the way Salman al-Farisi commented on the caliphate of Abu Bakr: "You have installed an old man as caliph while casting aside the Family of the Prophet.